The Blind Side

Synopsis

Michael Oher is a homeless child who is "fostered" by a well off family that supports him and his new learned dream of playing football at a collegiate and professional level.

Review

I am hesitant to review this movie because it is a great movie with great acting, but the story has since soured and I am unsure the truth. So what I will do is simply state the controversy upfront, but then review the movie in itself. My opinion of the situation will not play a part in the review. To make things a little more clear, I will reference the real Michael Oher as Oher and after that I will refer to him as Michael or the actors name itself.

In 2004, the Tuohy family placed Oher under a conservatorship that denied him the ability to make medical, financial, and educational decisions. The Tuohy family says that this was the only way Tennessee would allow them to make Oher a part of their family since he was 18 years old and they could not adopt him since he was an adult. Him being a part of the family was a stipulation for him to play football at Ole' Miss. This is not a true statement as in Tennessee you can adopt over 18, but the more confusing and suspicious part is that in Tennessee, to get a conservatorship over an adult, there has to be a disability involved. In September of 2023, a Tennessee Judge dissolved the conservatorship based on that exact fact stating she had never seen such a conservatorship used for someone who is not disabled, and that it should have been dissolved a long time ago. "I cannot believe it got done," she said, according to the AP. Oher is currently suing the Tuohy family for the supposed processed from this movie. This link from Vulture gives a great concise explanation of the timeline and situation. This link from NPR provides information about the dissolving of the conservatorship and the ability for the lawsuit to continue.

On to the review of the movie. This fictional story is superbly told. It provides a wonderful explanation of the early life the Michael and the hardships that have plagued him until he attends the Christian school where he meets this family. The Toohy (Intentional misspelling for clarity) family provides a wonderful life for him and he then thrives rather than being a product of a failed educational system.

The acting is what truly makes this movie standout. Tim McGraw, first off well done country boy, and Sandra Bullock show what a married team and loving family should be. While there are fights, disagreements, and stress, they come together and deal with it. These two though would be nowhere without Quinton Arron. This dude took on this role with such esteem and power, that you cannot look away when he is on screen. Outstanding.

My Rating

This is a household favorite. An easy one to watch and one that still brings you joy and happiness with each rewatch. The acting, scenes, and story are what you want from a summer feel good movie. This is an easy 8.

Parental Rating

A story about a southern family that loves sports. Sounds like my house growing up. This movie is about family and growing together through tough events. While my mom doesn't like sports movies, she loves a good movie with a message. My dad loves sports movies. Approved by both.

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