Tagline: Based on the extraordinary true story.
So, I honestly did not have any inclination to see this movie. It looked like a feel good sports movie with a predictable storyline. I started to hear good things about the movie however and then was shocked when the list of the 2010 Oscar nominations came out and this movie was up for best picture. I decided to see this movie since after a little bit of investigation, I was relieved to find out that this wasn’t just another heartwarming sports movie.
The film, written and directed by John Lee Hancock ( The Alamo and The Rookie), follows the true life story of a mixed family of five. The main character, played by Sandra Bullock, is a successful interior decorator and mother of two in a prestigious area of Memphis , Leigh Anne Tuohy . They soon encounter a large boy Michael Oher who is a ward of the state and newly enrolled into the affluent private school they attend. The Tuohys soon take him in when they learn he has no home or family of his own. He soon becomes a part of the family and struggles to achieve his dreams and place ultimately as a 23rd round NFL draft pick for the Baltimore Ravens.
Plot/Story: I was happily surprised with the character development in this movie. The main characters were much more complex than I would expect in a movie like this. I wouldn’t go as far to say it was deep character development that mimicked their real life counterparts, but it was deep enough for this type of movie to set it apart from the rest. I enjoyed how the sports aspect of the story was used symbolically to represent his growth into their family and as a person and was not the main focus of the film, like we see in most other ones similar to this. There was also enough screen time given to most of the family members which provided enough development supplemented with the, with the exception of the father who could have used more development. The dialogue was prolific but not clichéd and the accents were well done all around. Its interesting to note that in real life Michael Oher was already an experienced football player by the time he met the Tuohys however in the film it depicts a very inexperienced Oher who needs the help of several of the Tuohys before he finds his talent. If this aspect had been kept true to the real life story, I think it would have made their relationships more complex and therefore more believable. With the way the story goes in the film, it is more of a very helpful family who takes in this boy and gives him everything he has. This was a story driven movie and it did carry the movie slightly above the clichéd sports movies of the past.
Picture: The movie was filmed beautifully especially with contrast between the Tuohy’s side of town and the Hurt Village projects. The set direction was superb and the sets created beautiful environments for the story to unfold. The soft filter of the movie gave it a warm glow which is in keeping of the core values of the movie. I enjoyed the score and the soundtrack to this movie as it was in keeping with the tone and feel of the movie and didn’t use over the top inspirational songs or music that is typical of other movies like this. I noticed that the sound director was Carter Burwell, most notably known for his work on many movies such as Fargo and even Twilight. Also if you paid close attention, Collins is watching Twilight on tv when Michael first arrives at the Tuohy household. The costume direction was also nicely done with unique looks for each of the characters.
Performances: I agree with the nomination of best actress for Sandra Bullock. She owned this character. I don’t know if I’d put money on a win, but she at least deserved the nomination. This performance was eerily similar to that of Erin Brockovich played by Julia Roberts. Actually, the part was first offered to Roberts who turned it down. Rightly so since she would have instantly been compared to her role in that movie and I think the point of this movie would have been lost in the instant comparisons. On a sidenote, Bullock looked amazing in this movie. Tim McGraw did well and really proves he can be an okay actor and he really seemed to play well off of Bullock. Quinton Aaron, who plays Oher, did a good job with the character. I think his strength was the physical portrayal of this character rather than verbal. With the few lines he did have, he was mostly believable. Kathy Bates was great in a role that was perfect for her. I would dare to say that the movie would not have been as above average as it was without Bullock. She really gave life to the film which helped all the other parts come together.
Overall this film was above average. The fact that it’s a true story makes it even better and gives it credibility. The film did focus a little too much on the events in the story and could have shifted more to the emotions. This was a great platform for Bullock to reinforce why she is an A list actor in light of her recent lighter roles and to give her an Oscar nomination which she more or less deserves for her performance. I would not agree that this film deserves the best picture nomination however. It was very nicely done and was above average from other films of this nature, but I would not even place it in the same category as Inglorious Basterds. I would much have rather seen 500 Days of Summer nominated over this film. I would recommend this film to families, church groups, or lovers of feel-good sports movies and inspirational films alike.
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