The Blind Side (out 26 March 10, Cert. 12A)

Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kim Dickens, Kathy Bates, directed by John Lee Hancock, 2009, cert. 12A

Monkey Score: 91%

Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) is doing his best to survive on his own, crashing on friends couches when he can and carrying his few belongings around in a plastic bag.  He's a big boy, and quite athletic - and somehow gets a scholarship to get into a decent school at the insistence of the coach. Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) spots him in the street once night, wearing shorts and a t-shirt on a cold winter evening. Learning that the young man is one of her daughter’s classmates, Leigh Anne insists that Michael to stay at the Tuohy home for the night without a moment's hesitation. Despite the huge gap between their backgrounds Michael becomes part of the Tuohy family. Living in his new environment, the teenager faces a completely different set of challenges. As the family helps Michael fulfill his potential, both on and off the football field, Michael’s presence in the Tuohys’ lives gives a chance to their family to fulfil its true potential.

Try to think of two recent major studio releases about American Football - Leatherheads (George Clooney wearing a funny hat???) & The Express (huh?!?) : chances are the mind goes blank at best. To say that films about American Football are a difficult proposition this side of the pond is a very British understatement. There are however two exceptions to this: Jerry Maguire and The Blind Side. Thanks to Sandra Bullock's blinding performance (seems the Academy agrees with us there!), the story of Leigh Anne and Michael takes precedent over the college football nonsense. There is a bit of Erin Brokovich in Leigh Anne, and indeed Sandra Bullock's turn is as memorable as Julia Roberts'. She strikes the right balance between pushiness and good humour, strong will and Southern Belle charm. Strong women make good film material, providing the rest of the film is up to scratch. The Blind Side support cast, from country star Tim McGraw to the legendary Kathy Bates, add depth and nuance but it is the kids who almost manage to steal the Sandra Bullock's light. They - and let's include 26-year-old Quinton Aaron in this - manage maturity and subtlety beyond their years, with young Jae Head playing kid brother S.J. to sheer perfection. The Blind Side is a special treat - endearing, inspiring and very funny.

Official Film Website:

wwws.warnerbros.co.uk/theblindside