The Blindside Review

We were supposed to see Avatar, but it was full, so we saw Blindside. This is a feel good show. I heard all the hype about Sandra Bullock, and must say she is deserving of all the hype. Again my criteria for a good film is good acting, good script, and good story. This film had them all. While I felt Downey was not the right guy for Holmes I think Bullock was perfect for Mrs. Tuohy. Really this is just a heartwarming story that even got me teary eyed. There were a few elements that seemed Hollywoodized, but overall it was a time well spent. I can't imagine getting up from that show and not wanting to be a better person. I read that Michael Oher is considered the best of all the rookie linemen, and can't help but cheering for him. I imagine a lot of his childhood that is alluded to is full of unsavory abuse of all sorts. I am glad he survived and glad that there was a family that took him in. Two thumbs up on this one. I would give it four out of five stars. I like movies that make me think and feel. And while this one wasn't a mystery it did make me feel and did make me want to be a better person. What more can you ask for in a show?

My only real criticism of the show is that Michael Oher's own opinion on everything seems lacking. Sure we get the Tuohy's especially Leigh Ann, but I would have hoped for more of Michael's feelings. What did he think about everything that happened? We don't really know.

One other point to make is that Einstein was fond of saying that "Coincidence is God's way of staying anonymous." Not sure that is His intent, but I like the thought nonetheless. I will say there are too many coincidences in Oher's story to not think there was divine intervention. He got into a private school he shouldn't have, he happened to be out alone and cold the night the Tuohy's drove by, he was taken in by a family who had the means to help out and the compassion and faith to assuage their misgivings. The list goes on, but only backs up Einstein's assertion that coincidence is what we human's see, divine guidance is the reality.

A few notes about the show none of the coaches featured are still with the same team. In fact Houston Nutt who was with Arkansas ended up coaching Oher after getting fired and then hired by Ole Miss. Ed Orgeron only coached three years at Mississippi and now is off to USC as an asst. to Lane Kiffin.

Quinton Aaron who portrays Michael is actually three years older and is 6'8" 380, Oher is 6'4" 307.

Also, if you wonder about situations like the Tuohys adopting a minority kid from the projects, Sports Illustrated points out in a recent story about Oher that Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Bulluck, Dallas defensive end Marcus Dixon and Philadelphia rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin also were in similar situations when white families took them in.
Finally here is more of the true story from the Tuohy's and Oher himself a few years ago in a cstv feature.