I hate the title to this movie. I know it comes from the book upon which it is based, but it is a bit obscure. It is a football reference. And, in a sense, “The Blind Side” is a movie about football, specifically the real football player, Michael Oher. Since I am no fan of football, the title is lost on me, but I am a fan of this movie.

Granted, this film is way too sweet and it is a cliché; another story about a rich white family helping a poor black boy. However, there is plenty of originality; for example, the Southern, white, Christian, Republican family (the Tuohys), is something that doesn’t get much screen time. Mother Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock) is clearly the determined woman, strong-willed, and sharp…a steel magnolia. I loved the character and I loved Bullock’s performance. Father Sean (Tim McGraw — yes, that Tim McGraw) is a wealthy, genuine, and generous man. I loved the character and I loved McGraw’s performance. Daughter Collins (Lily Collins) is cute, considerate, and a good soul. I loved the character and I loved Collins’ performance. Son S.J. (Jae Head) is precocious, chatty, and a lovable con-kid. I loved the character and I loved Head’s performance.

Oher lives with a black family, not his own. The widowed father is blue collar and wants to get his real son into a private Christian school. He uses Oher to leverage the deal. Oher is an outstanding athlete and the coach at the Christian school salivates at the thought of having a winning football team. He makes a pitch to let both boys in and succeeds. Sadly, however, Oher leaves the black family (because of a new wife’s desire to be rid of him) to roam the streets. While at the school he meets S.J. who takes a liking to “Big Mike.” When Leigh Anne notices Oher, without a coat, shivering in the rain, she takes him home for the night and that arrangement lasts for years. The family loves Oher and Oher, it seems, thrives on their affection.

Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) seems gentle and simple-minded. He is gentle but not simple-minded. I loved the character and I loved Aaron’s performance.

The family hires a tutor for Oher. Tutor “Miss Sue” (Kathy Bates) is tough and a Democrat (something rare in the Tuohy’s world). I loved the character…and (you know where this is going, don’t you?)…I loved Bates’ performance.

“The Blind Side” is not a great film in a cinematically artistic way. It is just a really heart-warming story with a really wonderful ensemble. I should point out that it isn’t all sweetness and light. When the story is about to have a happy ending, storm clouds loom. And the storm comes from a direction that is unexpected. It is the kind of sobering sourness that seems out of place in a Hallmark Hall of Christian Fame Special. But this makes the film more mature…and real.

Speaking of reality: This movie was filmed, in part, in Atlanta…some of it at the Atlanta International School, a place that yours truly has a personal connection (one step removed, actually). Even though I confess this readily, I am absolutely certain that I enjoyed “The Blind Side” (regardless of the connection) and I am not ashamed to admit it.

 However, this film is probably too gooey and mawkish for many filmgoers. They will go see it and go into sugar shock. Some will think that white folks helping a gentle, black, giant is just too much to stomach. And yet others will deplore that the film did not explore the racial themes soberly and in depth. All true.

 And then there are those who will simply be disappointed that there are no lovesick vampires or werewolves; can’t argue with that either.

 Such is life in the darkened movie theater.

“The Blind Side” earns three and a half bow ties out of five.