Sandra Bullock shows a new sense of maturity and confidence in this uplifting heart-tugger that’s based on real events. She plays Leigh Anne Tuohy, a wealthy Memphis, Tennessee, interior decorator and mother of two who adopts a homeless high-schooler, Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), when he enrolls at her kids’ parochial school.

Along with her supportive husband, Sean (a lovely — and unrecognizable! — Tim McGraw), she nurtures the gentle giant from the wrong side of town all the way to an Ole Miss football scholarship and the NFL.

Bullock’s churchloving, hardworking, cashmere-wearing heroine exemplifies the idea that charity begins at home — and the actress comes across as a real, passionate, take-noprisoners woman.

While the drama’s script is a little formulaic (yes, Oher helps his team win the big game and, yes, joining the Tuohy family helps him get his life together), its message still inspires.[via Us Weekly]