REVIEW: The Blind Side

Plot summary for The Blind Side from fandango.com:

Taken in by a well-to-do family and offered a second chance at life, a homeless teen grows to become the star athlete projected to be the first pick at the NFL draft in this sports-themed comedy drama inspired by author Michael Lewis' best-seller The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game. Michael Oher was living on the streets when he was welcomed into the home of a conservative suburban family, but over time he matured into a talented athlete. As the NFL draft approaches, fans and sports radio personalities alike speculate that Oher will be the hottest pick of the year. Sandra Bullock stars in a film written and directed by John Lee Hancock (The Rookie, The Alamo).

We would never have seen this movie, given our disdain for it since we first saw the preview, if it hadn't been nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture, as well as Best Actress. Given these accolades, we have to judge it as a film worthy of Oscar contention. In that regard this movie is terrible, with nothing, nothing (not even the soundtrack) worthy of any praise higher than that of the basic popcorn flick. Substandard script (ultimate cheeseball), poor acting (Tim McGraw - blerg), and cliche storyline.

This movie is based on the true story of NFL offensive lineman Michael Oher. It's an inspiring story, one of hardwork and compassion, yet the only moment that had any sense of emotion was the last few moments of the film where they switched to actual footage of the real Michael Oher being drafted. This heart was never portrayed during the actual film, due to the overdone and schmaltzy script and poor acting. Despite the emotional subject matter, the film completely failed to convey any of it. I felt more emotion during the live footage with no words than in the previous 2 hours of the movie.

I read something interesting about The Blind Side in the New York Times regarding its marketing. Important decisions about the movie were made simply to sell it to a certain group of people. Not to improve the quality of the movie, but simply so it would make more money. For instance, Tim McGraw was cast in a supporting role not because of his acting ability but because of his appeal to country music fans. Real college football coaches were cast to bring in male college football fans. The marketing company for The Blind Side even offered online sermon outlines based on the movie, with clips that could be used in churches with video screens. It makes me question the intentions of the film, and respect it even less.

On a final note, I think I should comment on the football, since this is a sports movie at its core. I played high school football and I watch a lot of football, and The Blind Side is the same as a lot of other football movies, which is to say that the football scenes are not too great. It highlights the sports cliches the same as all the other cliches in the movie. Too much trash-talking and too many devastating tackles.

If Sandra Bullock wins an Oscar, I will be very disappointed.

Wade: 0/5 stars
McKinsey :1.5/5 stars