Sandra Bullock Gets Rave Reviews in 'The Blind Side'

Movies with meaning.

Sports movies fall into cliche territory too easily these days. Luckily, once in awhile, there comes along a film in the genre that is genuinely deep and moving. The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock, Tim Mcgraw and newcomer Quinton Aaron, is one of them.

Based on a true story and best-selling book from Michael Lewis, the film follows a homeless black kid who's taken in by a well-to-do white family. With the encouragement, the young man realizes his potential (he becomes an all-American football player) and has a profound effect on the family itself.

The film has had positive reviews from critics. Joe Leydon of Variety calls it "uplifting and entertaining," while Lou Lumenick of the New York Post praises director John Lee Hancock for his "subtle touch and admirable refusal to yield to sports movie clichés."

But the biggest praises come for actress Sandra Bullock, who may have turned in her first Oscar-worthy performance. She stars as Leigh Anne Tuohy, and along with country music superstar Tim McGraw, she plays the young man's adoptive parents.