“The Blind Side,” an unfocused, breezy drama, follows Leigh Anne Toughy (Sandra Bullock) as she takes in a homeless, uneducated, black teenage boy, Michael Oher (played by Quinton Aaron), and helps him turn his life around through a mix of family, school, and football.
“The Blind Side”, directed by John Lee Hancock (“The Alamo,” “The Rookie”), could have been heavy-handed and overly dramatic – and in some scenes it is – but Hancock wisely presents the story with a light touch. Unfortunately, the film is too unfocused for the light tone to pay off.
Hancock, who also wrote the screenplay based off a true story, meanders from one genre to the next unable to find an appropriate angle from which he can anchor the story. At times, the film feels like a heart-tugging melodrama, and at other times, it feels like a primetime sitcom. And for a good ten minutes, the film’s primary focus is one football game. The result is a tedious mess that lacks emotional resonance. An audience cannot connect with a film if the film is unsure of what it wants to be.
While the film’s unfocused storyline causes it to be disengaging, the film’s condescending treatment of Michael Oher prevents the audience from sympathizing with him. “The Blind Side” seems to suggest that the only way for an impoverished black teenager to succeed is for a family of white do-gooders to help him. At no point does Michael ever take initiative and try to accomplish something for himself. Instead, he lets others guide his actions. Since Hancock fails to give Michael any fortitude or individuality, the character leaves the audience cold.
If the film succeeds in one area, it is in Sandra Bullock’s performance. Bullock manages to create a genuine character out of what could have been a bland caricature. Her character’s southern charm and generosity feels genuine. The rest of the cast is comprised mostly of caricatures. Ray McKinnon, in particular, is dreadful as Michael’s football coach.
“The Blind Side,” although refreshingly light and boosted by an admirable performance by Sandra Bullock, ultimately feels aimless due to a lack of passion and focus from its director.
“The Blind Side”, directed by John Lee Hancock (“The Alamo,” “The Rookie”), could have been heavy-handed and overly dramatic – and in some scenes it is – but Hancock wisely presents the story with a light touch. Unfortunately, the film is too unfocused for the light tone to pay off.
Hancock, who also wrote the screenplay based off a true story, meanders from one genre to the next unable to find an appropriate angle from which he can anchor the story. At times, the film feels like a heart-tugging melodrama, and at other times, it feels like a primetime sitcom. And for a good ten minutes, the film’s primary focus is one football game. The result is a tedious mess that lacks emotional resonance. An audience cannot connect with a film if the film is unsure of what it wants to be.
While the film’s unfocused storyline causes it to be disengaging, the film’s condescending treatment of Michael Oher prevents the audience from sympathizing with him. “The Blind Side” seems to suggest that the only way for an impoverished black teenager to succeed is for a family of white do-gooders to help him. At no point does Michael ever take initiative and try to accomplish something for himself. Instead, he lets others guide his actions. Since Hancock fails to give Michael any fortitude or individuality, the character leaves the audience cold.
If the film succeeds in one area, it is in Sandra Bullock’s performance. Bullock manages to create a genuine character out of what could have been a bland caricature. Her character’s southern charm and generosity feels genuine. The rest of the cast is comprised mostly of caricatures. Ray McKinnon, in particular, is dreadful as Michael’s football coach.
“The Blind Side,” although refreshingly light and boosted by an admirable performance by Sandra Bullock, ultimately feels aimless due to a lack of passion and focus from its director.
C-
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