The Blind Side DVD Review

The Blind Side is a much anticipated sports biopic movie release on DVD March 23rd from Warner Home Video. The film is based on the true story of current NFL football player Michael Oher and his unique high school experience as a homeless African-American teen who is taken in by a well-to-do white family in Memphis, Mississippi.

Sandra Bullock delivers her Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated (presentations March 7th) performance as Leigh Anne Tuohy, known as “Mama” to Michael and her other two kids. Tim McGraw plays husband Sean Tuohy, the owner of a lot of fast food restaurants and the ‘figure head’ leader of the Tuohy family.

Quinten Aaron plays the role of Michael Oher. The Michael Oher story became famous a few years ago when he was developing into an All-American at Mississippi and eventually became a first-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL.

The film tells the back story of Michael’s troubled youth until he is given an opportunity at Wingate Christian School to go to school and play football. Michael’s grades are a big concern early in his school career. As his legend grows among college football coaches and recruiters, he most hit the books in order to have grades that allow him to accept a college football scholarship.

Having been familiar with the Michael Oher story during its countless retellings in his senior football season, it is interesting to see the fictional depiction of the behind the scenes story of his initial involvement with the Tuohy family and the eventual establishment of a legal relationship between he and the Tuohy’s.

Sandra Bullock definitely delivers an award-worthy performance and one of her best to date. One could argue that her role is not serious enough to compare to other top Best Actress performances. However, Leigh Anne Tuohy has a very take charge personality and her conviction during tough circumstances obviously helped shape Michael Oher, the young man. Bullock does an amazing job presenting these very assertive qualities.

You cannot help but be touched by this story of a wealthy, but unfulfilled woman who learns a great deal while helping out a young man who might otherwise have struggled to overcome life on the streets of Memphis. The relationship between Leigh Anne and Michael is at the center of The Blide Side and it is very touching. The Blind Side is rated PG-13 mostly because of some language and a modest sensual scene between Leigh Anne and Sean.

It is interesting to see the real life college coaches in the movie that actually recruited Michael in relief. One of the more interesting stories is that of current Alabama coach Nick Saban, who plays his previous role as coach of LSU in the film.

MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 128 minutes
DVD Release Date: March 23, 2010

Grade: A-

Director: John Lee Hancock
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Quinten Jackson, Tim McGraw

The Blind Side DVD Review by Neil of Movie Room Reviews

Saints QB Drew Brees joins Sandra Bullock at The Blind Side premiere

Superstar Sandra Bullock poses on the red carpet with New Orleans Saints (9-0) Quarterback Drew Brees at the premiere of The Blind Side in New Orleans at the classic Prytania Theatre (5339 Prtytania St., New Orleans, LA) on Thursday, November 19th.

The inspirational movie is based on a true story about a former Utah football player Michael Oher.  Bullock was so moved by the story that she donated $2 million dollars to Warren Easton High School (where Blind Side inspiration, Michael Oher, attended high school).

Bullock and husband Jesse James recently purchased a house in New Orleans.  Brees has been a prominent figure in the community after quarterbacking the Saints for several seasons, including in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Photo(c) courtesy of Steven Forster Photography