Sandra Bullock has been a very successful comedic actor for several years. Occasionally she has found success in dramas like “Crash” but has never blown me away in a dramatic situation.

Well, I am now officially blown away. Bullock is simply brilliant in “The Blind Side” a film based on the amazing life of pro football player Michael Oher and the family that took him in as a teenager.

Bullock in an awards worthy role, plays Leigh Anne Tuohy, an tightly-wound interior designer, married to a wealthy business man and former Ole Miss basketball player Sean, who owns a large amount of fast food restaurants.

Sean is well played by singer Tim McGraw. After making a big impression as a drunken father in the film “Friday Night Lights,” McGraw — sans his big cowboy hat and goatee — has an amiable presence and gives his supporting role here some depth.

Leigh Anne starts off seeming cold and demanding, and she always seems to get her way. But after meeting Michael, she becomes a strong champion for the young man’s education and success.

Her tough veneer is slowly peeled away, even as she stands strong in her convictions.

Bullock plays stern and never lets anyone — even her family — see her emotions, but you feel her emotional growth anyway.

Along with two adorable kids, Collins (Lily Collins) — a cheerleader, and the impish S.J. (Jae Head), the Tuohys befriend Big Mike (Quinton Aaron, who performed well in the role), an oversized and gentle giant who has begun attending a private school.

Big Mike, who hates being called that, will turn out to be Michael Oher, a much sought after offensive lineman who is now enjoying his first season with the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL.

Michael — as Leigh Anne begins to call him — comes from a broken home on the wrong side of town and is trying to improve his life and get out of the slums. Through a series of circumstances, Michael is given the chance to attend the school that the Tuohy kids attend and befriends S.J.

Because of his size, the football coaches are salivating to get Michael on the field, but when he first does, the results are not successful. But with the help, and in a roundabout way, the coaching tips from Leigh Anne, Michael turns out to be a diamond in the rough.

It was fun as a football fan to watch several past and present college coaches play themselves, while pursuing Michael for their schools at the time. Phillip Fulmer of Tennessee, Lou Holtz of South Carolina, Nick Saban of Louisiana State University, Houston Nutt of Mississippi and recruiting analyst Tom Lemming are just a few of the coaches who make recruiting visits to Michael. Head as the young son S.J., who stands maybe to Michael’s waist, is very amusing as he joins into the negotiations.

Oscar winner Kathy Bates makes a short appearance as Miss Sue, Michael’s tutor, who helps him improve his grades in order to earn a college scholarship. As usual, Bates is outstanding.

“The Blind Side” was written and directed by John Lee Hancock. He is the writer of the truly under-rated and brilliant  “A Perfect World,” directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Kevin Costner in 1993. Hancock also directed another terrific sports related film, “The Rookie” in 2002.

Hancock does a great job of bringing this touching story alive. While the film is about a real-life sports hero, “The Blind Side” is more a film about family, love, trust and determination than it is about sports. Therefore, males and females of all ages will enjoy this story.

“The Blind Side” is interesting, well acted and emotionally satisfying.

Bullock has always been regarded as a terrific comedic actress, but if she can find more roles as strong and as interesting as Leigh Anne Tuohy, she might become recognized as just a terrific overall actress.