The Blind Side – Dir John Lee Hancock, starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron

Michael Oher (Aaron) is a homeless, oversized and under-educated African-American teenager from a broken home. He is taken under the wing of the Touhys, a well-to-do white family determined to help him realise his potential. As Oher works hard under the guidance of his adopted family and school coaches, he becomes a successful All-American footballer. Off the field, Oher’s own journey of self discovery helps the Touhy family realise some insightful self discoveries of their own.

The true story, adapted from Michel Lewis’s original book, is a heart-warming tale that tickles the tear ducts at the right moments. Sadly some rather two-dimensional characters fail to really lift the story. Still, Sandra Bullock pulls off one of her best on-screen performances in years; and there’s an interesting debate to be had about whether one person’s efforts is enough to pull through this sports-drama-turned-melodrama over the finish line successfully. The ball’s in your court.