The Blind Side

I’ve yet to see Crazy Heart, but I’d say Sandra Bullock is the most deserving award winner of the year. And, no, I don’t mean for her shock Razzie (though, well done on that one, Sandy) I mean for her Oscar winning performance in The Blind Side. It’s a close call as to who really owns this movie though, between the two main actors, Bullock and Quinton Aaron, who plays main character, Michael ‘Big Mike’ Oher. Other than having a small part in Be Kind Rewind, 25-year-old Aaron hasn’t starred in anything of note before The Blind Side, which should be to him as Titanic was to Kate and Leo, as An Education has been to Carey Mulligan. A quiet and reserved boy for the most part, Aaron manages to capture the innocence and sadness of his character with barely a word coming from his lips. The upcoming actor then manages to convey a subtle character change as Big Mike becomes talented, intelligent and loving young adult.

Blonde Bullock, on the other hand, perfectly switches between two personalities for the duration of the movie. Seemingly a hard business woman with a sharp wit to boot, the audience is quickly invited to see her character Leigh Anne’s more touching, maternal nature. This flawless balance is what earned Bullock the Best Actress gong. And look out for little Jae Head (S.J.) too... He's got big things ahead of him.

The execution of the film itself could be better. Though the plot, being based on a touching and emotional true story, keeps the audience entranced throughout, and the constant humour makes the trauma more bearable, there are flaws from the start. The opening scene is a little off putting, with Sandra Bullock providing a somewhat confusing voice over to an American Football game. Though it may be stereotypical of me, given the genre of the film, I find it hard to believe that, there will be many fans of the sport in the audience. That being the case, you may find yourself wondering what you’ve let yourself in for as you glaze over the initial scene. In sticking with it, though, the roller coaster of emotion proves for an exciting watch, including an unexpected twist before the end. Flashbacks (and flash forwards) throughout also keep you at the edge of your seat and, some being a little misleading, make the ending even more poignant.

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