BougieMom, BougieSis and I headed out to the BougieTheater on Sunday evening to watch The Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates and Quinton Aaron. It was entertaining, disturbing and uplifting all at the same time. The movie trailer:
The Blind Side depicts the story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teen from a broken (really broken and jacked up) home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who just decide to take a chance and help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher's presence in the Touhys' lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and with the help of his coaches and adopted family becomes an All-American offensive left tackle. He was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft and currently protects Joe Flacco's blind side for the Baltimore Ravens. For a great synopsis of his life, read this article from The Independent (UK).
I heard that some "folks" were upset to see yet another film where the kindly white folks have to swoop in and save the day for the downtrodden Negroes. But unfortunately, nobody else stepped up for this kid. And watching the movie, I couldn't help but wonder how many other "Big Mikes" are out there that never get a shot at anything better. Depressing, truly.
I also heard criticism about Sandra Bullock's accent. Well it may not have been pure Tennessean but it was Southern enough for me. I thought Sandra Bullock did a good job but I didn't read Oscar nomination in it. Maybe it's just me.
Long story short, I gave the film 3.5 pumps out of 5. Has anyone else seen it? Any thoughts?