The Blind Side

Football and family are Thanksgiving traditions, but when rookie Baltimore Ravens All-American left tackle Michael Oher was growing up on the mean streets of Memphis, TN, he knew little about either—his mother was a crack addict, his father disappeared shortly after he was born, and his siblings were scattered. Deftly directed and adapted by John Lee Hancock from Michael Lewis' powerhouse nonfiction book, The Blind Side begins with “Big Mike” (Quinton Aaron) being virtually homeless, attending Wingate Christian School during the day and wandering the streets at night. Concerned about the 6-foot-5-inch, 340-pound teenager, Leigh Anne Tuohy (Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee Sandra Bullock) takes him home, much to the surprise of her successful businessman husband (country superstar Tim McGraw), teenage daughter (Lily Collins), and 10-year-old son (Jae Head). Ostensibly a wealthy Southern decorator, feisty Leigh Anne has a fierce sense of right and wrong, particularly when Michael's teachers question his mental competence or her socialite chums make snide racial remarks. Shy, insecure, and quiet, Michael displays little in the way of learning and communication skills. Nevertheless, to the charitable, football-crazed Tuohy family, Michael shows promise, even though the huge adolescent knows nothing about the game. With the support of his adoptive family and the help of a devoted tutor (Kathy Bates), Oher beats the odds—with dignity and courage—attracting the attention of Southeastern Conference college coaches, including the legendary Lou Holtz. Tender and gripping, heartbreaking and uplifting, this Best Picture nominee is highly recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include additional scenes (7 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are an interview with director/screenwriter John Lee Hancock and author Michael Lewis (28 min.), “The Story of Big Quinton” on costar Quinton Aaron (14 min.), an interview with the real Michael Oher (10 min.), an “Acting Coaches: Behind the Blind Side” featurette with six legendary SEC college football coaches (5 min.), an interview with Oscar-winning costar Sandra Bullock and the real-life Leigh Anne Tuohy (5 min.), and bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine Blu-ray extras package for this Best Picture nominee.] (S. Granger)