This redemption-minded sports flick serves its inspiration straight-up with no twist. Writer-director John Lee Hancock wisely lets the true story of Michael Oher — the African-American teen who found a home and, eventually, football stardom, after being adopted by a wealthy Memphis family — speak for itself. That direct focus delivers a feel-good crowd-pleaser, but it also drains the film of the kind of subtle nuances that might have separated it from other Hollywood Hallmark-like efforts, including Hancock’s own “The Rookie.” The movie dutifully chronicles the transformation of Oher (newcomer Quinton Aaron) from blank slate to a fully formed young man, emphasizing the involvement of Leigh Ann Tuohy (Sandra Bullock). Bullock brings her trademark spunkiness to the mother hen role, delivering an iron-willed woman who looks past appearances to do the right thing. Huntsville native and actress Kim Dickens portrays Mrs. Boswell.

GLENN WHIPP, FOR THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Opening Thursday: “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” at Carmike Century Cinema 8.

Opening Friday: “The Blind Side” and “Planet 51” at Carmike.

Closing Thursday: “Coco Before Chanel,” “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant,” “Saw VI” and “Twilight” at Carmike.

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AP CONTRIBUTED TO THIS REPORT.