What did I like?
People who know me, know that sports are a major part of my life and who I really am. I live and breathe the game and when I’m not watching movies I’m watching the game.Concussion was a movie I was looking forward to for a while because the story looked really good, Will Smith was in it, and it was about football. My girlfriend and I finally got around to watching Concussion on Friday night and I got to say I was simply blown away by this movie. Some people may balk at the thought of this movie because it is labeled as a sports movie, but let me tell you there is hardly any sports in it. This movie is about what goes on behind the scenes at football stadiums across the country and how much of an impact the game has had on society. Concussion is seriously an amazing story about an immigrant doctor who has come to the United States to live out all his dreams, only to become one of the country’s most hated men after making one of history’s greatest discoveries. The story shifts from autopsy rooms, to labs, to offices, to homes, and to bars where arguments happen, talks are had, and problems arise. Concussion moves so fluidly from setting to setting with such a well written story that it will keep you fully engaged and entertained for over two hours. On top of the story, you will find yourself drawn in and emotionally attached to the characters and their problems.
What didn’t I like?
It is hard to tell whether certain moments in this story were thrown in to add more drama to the plot, or if the NFL really went to extremes to mess with our main character’s desire and passion to tell the truth. The NFL is one of the world’s largest non-profit organizations, which much like any evil empire has their fair share of secrets that they are not afraid to do anything necessary to cover up. Those dirty tricks may be turned up for entertainment purposes, but such a powerful organization with the government in the back pockets really wouldn’t surprise me to turn to such extremes.
Was Concussion a good story?
Concussion is a very powerful story about real people doing real things. Whether they are sick football players, people who worked behind the scenes to cover things up, or our brilliant lead doctor who just made a monumental discovery, everything comes together in a great movie that really deserves award recognition but will never get it.
Notable Performances?
There are a handful of good performances from a solid cast, but Concession is all about Dr. Bennet Omalu, played by Will Smith. There will be those who wish someone else had been cast in the lead, maybe someone with more of an authentic African accent, but Smith isn’t always about being funny or saving the world. He can play characters with a heart and a conscience, someone worth investing our time and emotions in. We get all that and more with Concession, which really digs deep into the life of a brilliant guy who just wants to do the right thing,
Would I recommend it?
Concussion won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but this movie will hit home with a lot of people. This is fascinating, captivating story that will catch the attention of the average movie goer and really provide them with an eye-opening experience about a culture changing event(s). I’d recommend everyone give Concussion a chance, you may be surprised at what you learn.
my star rating: 9 out 10
imdb: 7.1 out 10 / metascore: 56/100 / rottentomatoes: 62% out 100%
roger ebert: 3 out 4 / richard crouse: 2.5 out 5
Ten Stars or Less 