"The Blind Side" is a terrific film based on a true story, and it's even better than I expected.
Sandra Bullock gives one of the best performances of her career playing a Memphis wife and mother who welcomes a homeless gentle giant into their home known only as "Big Mike," and it's beautiful to watch.
Big Mike starts improving his grades and goes out for the high school football team, at the same time being embraced by the family and the father, also played well by country-singer Tim McGraw.
Initially, Big Mike has trouble learning the game -- that is, until mom gets involved.
"The Blind Side" is written and directed by John Lee Hancock. He directed "The Rookie" and "The Alamo." This is by far his best film, and like all sports movies, it's more about life than it ever is about football.
"The Blind Side" is consistently honest, always entertaining, and never shies away from the fact that this true story is a genuine act of kindness for everyone involved -- including Michael Oher, who went on to be a first round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens.
It's a rousing good film that says if you pay attention to the people around you, great things can happen.
E-mail gcogill@wfaa.com
