The movie ends with a clip show of actual photos of the real Michael Oher which really shoots home the “based on a true story” tagline.  The middle…well I can’t give it away, I’ll just say its good.  John Lee Hancock (The Rookie) is no newbie to the true, sports story adaptation of movie.  He did extensive research on the real story and his work pays dividends; of course he doesn’t have a lousy supporting cast either.

Basically every actor in the film does a fine job.  Sandra Bullock, most recently in The Proposal, who even with a new blonde hairstyle, shows off the toughness of a mom in her great performance.  Tim McGraw, the country singer, has a surprisingly good show as Leigh Ann’s (Bullock’s) husband Sean.  McGraw has a somewhat minor role, but does well in his scenes.

Jae Head, Hancock, brought many laughs as the child in the family who provides perfectly timed comic relief.  Kathy Bates (The Waterboy) plays the tutor who never wants anything less than the best and, like always, Bates delivers an amazing performance.

Finally the star of the movie, Quinton Aaron, in his first major role, plays the seemingly oversized boy with a rocky past and little future.  He communicates perfectly the shyness of a boy who has no family to go home to but, on the other hand, the dominating strength of someone who “scores a 98% in protective instincts.”

The film has true emotion whether it has to do with anger, sadness, or love.  The movie is hands-down the best movie I have seen this year, and I give it a near perfect 4.9 out of 5.

Even more important than the movie’s theme is the story of Leigh Ann’s true following of Christ’s commandments to love and have compassion for others. We should all try to exemplify that.  I highly recommend this movie.

photo attribution: Nelso/Warner Bros./nydailynews.com