Ryan McNeil
Preconceptions are a funny thing. Lofty expectations on something that under-delivers make us feel that much more ripped off. I can’t count the number of films that have spiked my anticipation based on names involved, trailers seen, and reviews read. But of course, this works both ways. Take a film that seems lousy and gets middling reviews, sit down prepared to dislike it…and you can be surprised at the fact that it turns out rather likeable.
THE BLIND SIDE is the story of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). Born into the slums of Memphis, Michael’s mother is a crack addict and his father has left. He is cared for by foster parents, one of which convinces a Christian private high school to enroll him. The school does so, despite the fact that Michael can’t seem to keep up with the lessons in class.
Michael unsuccessfully tries to hide the fact that he’s a sliver above being homeless. He wears the same clothes everyday, eats popcorn left over after high school sports events, and wanders the streets at night. During one particular night of wandering, he’s noticed by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy (Tim McGraw and Sandra Bullock). Something about his situation strikes a chord with Leigh Anne, and she insists on reaching out to him, and offering him a place to stay.
Slowly, The Tuohys embrace Michael deeper into their family. They take him in permanently, and try to help him do better in school. Their support does the trick and soon enough Michael’s grades are good enough for him to play high school football. A pretty fortunate thing too, since it turns out Michael is a pretty good left tackle…the position responsible for defending the quarterback’s blind side.
Pretty soon, the boy who was eating leftover popcorn is getting calls from every major college in the south offering scholarships.
Much has been made of Sandra Bullock’s performance in this film, and I for one cannot jump on board. Bullock’s performance feels very ordinary, and in many ways feels like something I’ve seen out of her before…possibly with darker hair though. Indeed her acting is snappy, but she doesn’t seem to command a room the same way that Julia Roberts did in her similar role, ERIN BROCKOVICH. While I cannot commend Bullock for showing us something anything we haven’t seen yet, I do hope that this is the beginning of better things for her.
The movie takes a wild detour in its final act, which might be based on fact, but still doesn’t fit the flow. The detour begins with a conflict that drew me deeper into the story. I don’t want to give much away because I felt it was an important, and somewhat unforeseen question that needed asking. However, when trying to resolve the situation, the story goes back to Michael’s home neighbourhood. After everything Michael had already gone through, this move felt like it was happening far later than it should have.
Quite simply, THE BLIND SIDE is what it is. I sat down wanting to hate it and tear it apart as sentimental fluff…but I can’t. It’s not nearly as bad as it could have been, nor nearly as pandering or insulting. It’s mainstream for certain, however, the heart of the story is too great to dismiss. Just because it isn’t a great movie doesn’t make it a bad movie. It takes a true story and gives it a fair look. Sure, there are more than a few moments that make the film feel like it should be showing on the Lifetime Network on a Saturday night, but they are fleeting.
In the Oscar preview edition of my podcast, Shane asked me what I’d do if THE BLIND SIDE won best Picture at The Oscars next month. Without hesitation, I said “I’ll quit blogging”. While I’m not about to claim contentment at the possibility of the film taking such an honour, I can say that worse things have happened. THE BLIND SIDE isn’t a perfect movie…but none of them are.
Well I loathed this, so much. I can't appropriately put the feelings into words but the only reason I kept watching was so that I could fairly review, and I didn't even review it. I have tuned off the Oscars, but I saw this before it turned into the giant white elephant in the room, so I can't even blame the huge love for it contributing to my dislike.
Confession: I found Kathy Bates phoned it, underwhelming turn to be my favourite performance of the film.
I feel about the same way as you Mad. I didn't think it was that awful, though the performances were rather dry, but it was good. Nothing special, not horrid, just fine.
Just saw The Blind Side on Friday, have to agree with Andrew on this one, as I hated the films also. I'll try and get my review of it up later this week.
@ Andrew and CS… Give me specifics – what did you hate about it?
@ Univarn… Yeah, it's not my sort of thing, but all the same I can't wail on it the way I wanted to going in. It has a particular audience, and that audience isn't people like us.
I don't like sports movies usually, but I thought this movie was just fine. I'd never watch it again, but it wasn't horrible. What blows my mind is that when it's released on DVD, it's going to say 'Nominated for two Oscars, including Best Picture!' That's not right. That just not right.
Alright I quickly wrote down some of the stuff that bothered me. I may add more depending on what time I get home for a Super Bowl party I am off to…but the main points are there.:
http://bigthoughtsfromasmallmind.blogspot.com/2010/02/blind-side-of-racism.html
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I had the same feeling coming into this movie. I dislike the "inspirational sports drama" that is released during the holiday season. But there was something about this movie that I didn't hate. Should this film be nominated for Best Picture? No. Should Sandra Bullock win the Oscar for Best Actress? In my eyes, no, because that type of character already rewarded with Julia Roberts in "Erin Brockovich."
@ Blake… I do like sports movies, but I outgrew this sort of sports movie a long time ago. It felt like the sort of flick Touchstone used to specialize in.
You're right though. Much as I admittedly enjoyed it, I would never tap it as "One of This Year's Ten Best".
@ CS… OK, I see where your problem with the film is, and I actually agree with it. Your problem is that the story isn't focused enough either on Oher or The Tuohys. It shortchanges the challenges facing both sides of this situation, and in doing so becomes less of a film.
Giving more wieght to either side likely would have made for a better movie, but that's why I'm left saying this film is only "OK"…when it could very well have been "Great" with more focus.
@ Branden… Couldn't agree more. Funny the way things play out sometimes, ain't it?
I still haven't seen this though I intend to attempt to before Oscar comes around. The main problem I have with it is the fact any of us that have been present for Bullocks career know that on her best day she probably doesn't deserve even a Globe win, let alone an Oscar nod. The reception of the film itself is lackluster, and moviegoers haven't expressed a much greater enthusiasm for it. Without even seeing it yet I can say I would stop blogging in protest with you Hatter if it won Best Picture, but I don't think it will.
Unfortunately, I think Bullock may just win Best Actress.
"THE BLIND SIDE isn't a perfect movie…but none of them are."
Thank You. I've been waiting for an someone to say this. As an objective critic, I also disapprove Hancock's directorial techniques..coz they seem stolen and unoriginal. But I am a fan of Bullock's performance; maybe more than others, but hey to each his own right?
Hundreds are chanting Marion Cotillard's name, aknowledging her as one of the best female performers of the decade. But there's also hundreds that think her work was "over-rated."—–>to each his own, to each his own.
@ Heather… I've read that the assumed Bullock win will be as a tribute of her body of good work, which leaves me pretty stumped. Have people already forgotten PREMONITION, ALL ABOUT STEVE, and THE LAKE HOUSE?
I have no idea how Bullock & BLIND SIDE got to this point in the awards race. Oh well.
@ Nigel… (Thanks for reading btw). I can't say I'm a huge fan of Bullock in the movie – truthfully I expected more. Maybe at the very least this will be a sign that Bullock is about to turn a corner and start playing some better parts.
Hmmm, must have read this pre-coffee. As I started re-reading it again, I realized I had already read it! No worries. I still plan to see it, just so I can accurately despise it.