Precious 2: The Blind Sided Sequel

What is it with deprived-people-make-good, coming of age stories this awards season? There's the middle class Brit version in An Education and there's the abused kid from The Bronx version in Precious...all up for major film awards. Joining that group comes yet another variation on the theme in The Blind Side, starring Golden Globe winner Sandra Bullock. Newcomer Quinton Aaron plays Big Mike, a fat, practically homeless black kid who, with the help of a friends dad, gets into a posh, christian high school based on his athletic abilities. Bullock, feeling sorry for the lad, takes him in to her 2.4 family mansion and selflessly takes on the role of his mother. Sports opportunities soon follow in this true story (aren't they all).

While I've always liked Sandra Bullock I've never seen anything in her body of work to suggest she's capable of an Oscar worthy performance. But The Blind Side does indeed prove there's more to her than rom-coms. Her Leigh Anne Tuohy is an abrupt, no nonsense, plain speaking, stern, force of nature. But, unusually for such a ultra-privileged business woman, her confidence extends to doing what is right, even if it means walking into dangerous inner city neighbourhoods or falling out with her white, elitest, racist friends. It's a different side to Bullock we've rarely seen and, to her credit, she mostly disappears into the role. Hers is a role with an iron exterior, but gets to show the warmth and humor that lies beneath the gruffness.

Tonally this isn't anywhere near as dark as Precious, being a lighter studio friendly, star vehicle. It does, worryingly promote Christian values a little too much at times...but at least shows the darker side of those that would think of themselves as Christians, yet behave in a prejudiced, unhelpful and immoral way.
It doesn't get over sentimental either, staying just the right side of heart warming and uplifting.

The supporting cast, including country and western singer Tim McGraw, Kim Dickens (as yet another teacher who makes a difference) Kathy Bates and newcomer Quinton Aaron all turn in strong roles. But it's Bullock's show and she gets to remind everybody just why she's still on the Hollywood A-list. I'll be honest that I still prefer An Education's Carey Mulligan to run away with the best actress Oscar, but you'll now get no complaints from me if the bird from Speed gets it this year.