25 best sports movies, ranked by the dust in your eye

16. The Blind Side (2009)

Directed by John Lee Hancock
Starring Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, and Tim McGraw

Although a fact-based drama, The Blind Side is nevertheless a movie that seems very fake. The film’s lack of credibility is largely due to the fact that its narrative seems incredibly contrived, like something that would be the subplot on a bland network drama.

It revolves around Michael Oher (Aaron), a talented NFL offensive lineman who came from an impoverished background. The product of a broken home, Oher finds himself bouncing between the foster care system and the streets for much of his adolescence. One day, he is taken in by wealthy interior designer Leigh Anne Tuohy (Bullock). Over time, Oher becomes part of the Tuohy family and with their support, becomes a distinguished college athlete and later pro-baller.

Because of the predictably uplifting arc Oher’s life followed, his life story can’t help but feel a bit unconvincing. But to the credit of the Blind Side’s cast and crew, the film’s sense of artificiality fades as it goes on. Aaron and Bullock’s performances are nuanced enough to make them feel like real people. And the familial relationship between Oher and Tuohy, which initially seems patronizing, feels genuine by the time the credits roll.

As a result, all of the film’s big emotional moments — Michael first being picked up by Leigh; Leigh getting Michael’s mother’s approval to adopt her son; a third-act argument about the Tuohy’s having ulterior motives for taking Oher in; Michael and Leigh Anne making their college goodbyes — hit all the right chords. In the end, the Blind Side’s clichés are so lovingly crafted, they’re irresistible.