It would be easy to categorize The Blind Side as cloying TV-movie-of-the-week drivel if it were not for the fact it is so well done. To call the film inspirational and moving is an understatement. Crisply paced and well acted, The Blind Side satisfies—and you do not have to be a football fan to be genuinely touched by this heartwarming story of an African-American boy named Michael Oher and the courageous act of an affluent white family that adopts him.

Based on Michael Lewis' excellent book, The Blind Side derives its title from the world of the gridiron. The "blind side" is an illustration of the vulnerability the quarterback faces from a rushing defense coming from behind while he is looking downfield for a receiver. The protection for a right-handed quarterback is provided by the left tackle position. This theme of protection becomes an analogy for Michael Oher's story. Born into poverty to a crack-addict mother, his childhood was one of survival. He can credit his immense physical size and imposing stature for his survival. It is also the reason Oher is accepted into a private Christian school. Granted, there are ulterior motives at work—the school's football coach sees only the physical potential of Michael who, ironically, has never played organized sports of any kind.

Enter southern Belle firecracker Leigh Anne Tuohy (a surprisingly effective Sandra Bullock). Leigh Anne is a tough-talking, no-nonsense, mind-speaking ball of fire. She is the epitome of what Sarah Palin was talking about when she explained that the difference between a pit-bull and soccer mom was lipstick. Leigh Anne spies young Michael wandering the streets aimlessly in the rain and offers him a place to stay. Leigh Anne's motives are subject to scrutiny at the hands of her socialite friends, who also happen to be very white. Her husband, Sean (Tim McGraw), is much more supportive and together they make the life-changing decision to adopt Michael as their own child.

Through their kindness and compassion, Michael begins to blossom not just as a football player but as a person. Because of his brutally violent childhood, his natural tendency is to provide protection to those around him. "Protective instinct" is identified as one of his character traits. This makes him a natural fit for left tackle on the offensive line. His coaches (with a little sideline help from Leigh Anne) mold him into an imposing presence on the football field. Ultimately, his success on the football field leads to a college scholarship and culminated this past spring when he was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens.

Despite the clichèd sequences of football action as Michael learns the sport and the expected subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) bigotry of those around the Tuohys, The Blind Side redeems itself with poignant moments of genuine emotion. Director and screenwriter John Lee Hancock weaves a rich narrative of mercy and compassion without succumbing to schmaltz. Having no worthiness of his own, Michael is adopted into a family of great wealth and given an inheritance of riches beyond his wildest dreams. The life of Michael Oher illustrates a bigger picture of God's grace upon all that are His. Spiritually speaking, we are all Michael Ohers: wandering the streets aimlessly in the rain, homeless and lost until a selfless act redeems us, adopts us into a family and gives us a place at the table.

It is unfortunate that this film is likely to be buried at the box office by going head-to-head with the newly released, dark Twilight sequel New Moon and the second-week of the bombastically moronic 2012. Do not let that stop you. This is one worth finding and, borrowing an overused term, a film the whole family can enjoy.