Guest blogger: Matt F1

The Blind Side is a true story about current Baltimore Ravens left tackle Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). Oher is a homeless Memphis teenager who gets a chance to attend a private Christian school, where most of the students are rich and white. Here, he is noticed for his athletic ability. One cool November night after a school event, Michael is walking down the street wearing a T-Shirt and shorts. The Touhy family drives by him and Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock) instinctively figures out he has nowhere to stay and invites him to their home. According to A.O. Scott of The New York Times, what happens after this is a “live-action, reality-based version of a Disney cartoon: …[a] tale of a foundling taken in by strangers, who accept …and treat him as one of their own.” There are also serious issues about race, drugs, and most importantly, family life covered in the movie. All of this, mixed in with the story of Michael becoming a star football player, is enough to make the movie worthwhile. The Blind Side was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Lead actress Sandra Bullock, won an Oscar for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Touhy. In his first lead role, Quinton Aaron received several award nominations. Leigh Anne’s character is “an energetic, multitasking woman of the New South, who knows her own mind and usually gets her own way,” says A. O. Scott. She is caring, independent, and dedicated to helping Michael and her own children succeed. Michael, on the other hand, is a complex character. We learn about his past through flashbacks in the movie. He is quiet and shy, but also has a strong desire to succeed. According to Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post, The Blind Side is “a story about the authentic, compassionate response to vulnerability and need. It's a story about family.” I think this is a good statement about the theme of the movie, which tells us about the importance of family. Though critics have said the movie is too sweet or a “Hollywood” version, I would disagree. I think The Blind Side is a movie that the entire family can enjoy, whether or not they like sports. I think it is definitely worth your time and money. You might also enjoy the book of the same title, written by Michael Lewis.