Quinton Aaron and Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side"
courtesy of Warner Home Entertainment
“The Little Movie That Could”

Who knew that a little movie like “The Blind Side” would strike such a chord with the public that it would end up being nominated for “Best Picture” and that Sandra Bullock would win an Oscar for her role? It became the little movie that could and it packed them in at the box office.

Sandra Bullock had been making movies for some time now. Most of her films showcased her personality and likeability. Few tested her acting abilities. But then she got the leading role in the movie “The Blind Side” and that film showcased Bullock’s charm and her talent. It was her breakthrough movie and put to rest the idea she is a personality rather than an actress of great talent.

In the film Bullock plays Leigh Anne Touhy, a wealthy mother of two living in Memphis. Her husband Sean (Tim McGraw) is a successful businessman and the couple are devoted to each other and their children.

The Touhy’s children, SJ (Jae Head) and Collins (Lily Collins) attend a private school in Memphis. Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) is a scholarship student there. One night the Touhy family is driving home from the school and see Big Mike, as he is called, walking in the rain. It is a cold night and he is dressed in shorts and a tee shirt. Leigh Anne asks where he is headed and he tells her the gym. 

Instead of taking him to the gym the Touhys take him to their home for the night. This begins a relationship between the young black man and this upper crust white family. They take him in, care for him and try to help him get his life on track for success.

The movie is based on a true story and were it not it would be hard to be believed. How the Touhys met Michael; how they took him into their home; and how they influenced his life is a wonderful story and the movie does it great justice. Director John Lee Hancock lets the story speak for itself. He scales back the maudlin aspects and lets the natural emotional elements speak for themselves.

Bullock is brave and brassy as Leigh Anne. She makes this woman feisty and daring while also being a believable advocate for her new son. There is nothing cutesy about this performance, and though she is charming she is also formidable.

Opposite her McGraw plays Sean Touhy as low key and supportive. He makes him a man who is aware of the “specialness” of his wife and is always there to listen and to give advice if needed. McGraw makes Sean so appealing you can see why the Touhys have the marriage they do.

Jae Head is a standout as the Touhys’ son SJ. He makes him energetic, boisterous, and wise beyond his years. His gregariousness is a complete contrast to his brother Michael’s reticence.

“The Blind Side” is a feel good family movie that delivers a message of hope and love. It features a standout performance by Sandra Bullock and effective ones by a great cast of supporting actors. It has depth, heart, and strong entertainment value. It is a movie you have been waiting to come to DVD and so you do not want to miss it.

Another family film is “Free Willy: Escape From Pirate’s Cove.” This direct to DVD movie marks the acting debut of Bindi Irwin, daughter of famed “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin. Beau Bridges is also featured in the cast.

The story in the film concerns an eleven year old girl’s love for an Orca named Willie. He is found as a baby in a lagoon near a seaside them park in South Africa which is owned by the girl’s grandfather. When the Orca matures it needs to be set free but it is doubted Willie can survive in the open sea.

Seeing the Orca in the film brings back memories of the tragedy that occurred at Sea World recently. That makes the story of the captive Orca even more poignant. Bridges and Irwin are both good in bringing this story to life and it is a solidly entertaining movie for the family.

“Breaking Bad” started its third season on AMC last week. In order to be up to date on what preceded this year’s events you need to get the DVD “Breaking Bad: The Complete Second Season.” This award winning series does not have the name recognition of other cable series but it is highly thought of and has been an award winning series since its inception.

The basic premise concerns Walter White (Bryan Cranston) who discovers he has terminal cancer. In order to make sure his family is provided for he enters the lucrative drug trade. He enlists the aid of a former student (Aaron Paul) and soon he has a thriving business, but dangers come along with his success.

The acting on this show is first rate and the plots are inventive and surprising. You can have a marathon watchathon by getting the DVD of “Breaking Bad: The Complete Second Season.”
 

 

 

 

 

©2010 Jackie K. Cooper

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