Incredibly feel-good and heavy-handedly inspirational, the movie's portrayal of Oher's rescue from homelessness, uphill academic battle at a Christian private school and overnight integration into a white family is glossy. It unfolds virtually without a hiccup, save for a tear here and a momentary dust-up with the NCAA there.
SANDRA BULLOCK is really fine as Leigh Anne, a woman with purpose in her stride and absolute certainty in her heart. She's very well matched by country singer TIM MCGRAW who plays Sean, her husband. And young JAE HEAD is a delight as S.J. It is a moving experience to witness the kindness of this family towards this rather large, monosyllabic black man who has no-one in the world to care for him. The children of the family accept him without demur; Sean is amazingly tolerant of his wife's decisions. Actually it's all a little bit too squeaky clean to be totally believable. There isn't a crack in this well-to-do family.
Some situations seem very contrived, but ultimately there's no doubting that Bullock has created a memorable character in Leigh Anne.