A friend of mine went to see the movie “The Blind Side” last month. I remember him calling me at 11:30 that night raving about how great it was. “One of my top three favourites for sure!” he gushed. “You have to see this movie. I’ll even see it again with you.”
Now, to be honest I’m not a great fan of going to the movies. For one thing, the combination smell of sweaty bodies and buttered popcorn turn me off. I don’t like the dark very much and the fact that I always get someone’s fat head blocking my view doesn’t appeal to me one bit. But since my friend praised this film so ardently, I caved and went to see it on Christmas day.
As my fellow viewers began to munch away on their buttery popcorn and slurp their diet sodas I nestled down into my faux velvet seat, thrilled that for once no one’s fat head was blocking my view. The film began.
It was clear within the first 5 minutes that this was going to be a very different kind of film. This really was going to be a goody; a true-story, heroic-oriented type of movie. Something like “Cool Runnings” sans the incessant humour. This film was going to tug at my heart; I just knew it.
At first you may think this film is all about football due to the numerous references to the game. But for those who aren’t even armchair quarterbacks, like myself, don’t really need to know the difference between a field goal and a touchdown. This movie is not really about football at all. It’s about the lives of the Tuohy's; an upper middle class southern family who are passionate about the game of football and equally passionate about Michael Oher; a neglected and abandoned foster child who emerges on the scene of their seemingly perfect life.
It was Leigh Anne Tuohy (played by Sandra Bullock) who was the star. Her feisty, confident and sassy personality lit up the screen, and she pretty much ruled the roost as the family matriarch. Leigh Anne embraced Michael Oher, gave him a roof over his head, clothes on his back, and food in his belly. But most importantly she stamped on his heart something that was virtually foreign to him, the love of a mother and the warmth of a good family.
During the film I was delighted that I was able tell what Leigh Anne was going to say and do next as each obstacle arose. She was fast becoming my hero and I knew that a Leigh Anne Tuohy lived inside of me. I had the impulse to jump out of my seat; step out of my comfort zone and love on the unloved. I wanted to change a life. I couldn’t help seeing myself displaying her confidence and acts of love with a simple word, look or touch just has she had.
By the end I could hardly move. As the photos of the real Leigh Anne Tuohy and Michael Oher slowly flashed across the screen, I was reminded of what is written in the Bible. ”And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This movie is about choices; difficult choices. It’s about doing the right thing and it is definitely about love.
I have to say, my friend was right, this movie was great. It was well worth the stinky sweaty bodies for sure. I give this film a definate thumbs up.
