So I recently watched Concussion and 'm here to bring you my review. So without further ado.....
While conducting an autopsy on former NFL football player Mike Webster (played by David Morse), forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (played by Will Smith) discovers neurological deterioration that is similar to Alzheimer's disease. Omalu names the disorder chronic traumatic encephalopathy and publishes his findings in a medical journal. As other athletes face the same diagnosis, the crusading doctor embarks on a mission to raise public awareness about the dangers of football-related head trauma.
This was a somewhat disappointing film. Now being a football fan and having played high school football who has dealt with concussions in the past, this was a film that peaked my interest and the subject matter was one that needed to be told on the big screen to get people to recognize the critical issues the film raises. It tries really hard to tackle the subject matter in a unique way, but it really does pack the pure emotional punch you expect from a sports drama. Will Smith gives an absolutely brilliant performance and it's a performance that shows he is back and that he will get an Academy Award nomination. Other than Smith's performance, the rest of the cast really doesn't do that much for the film. Luke Wilson is terribly miscast as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and every time he is on screen, he doesn't come as the sleazeball that Goodell truly is. It also tries to force a few of Dr. Omalu's personal issues outside of his research and it just doesn't help the overall main topic of discussion. Also the film probably would've been better served if someone like Ridley Scott (who produced the film) would've directed it over Peter Landesman. One thing that was truly impressive was the fact that at times it didn't hold back when going after the NFL and that is something that worried quite a few people going into the film. Overall this film tackles a very hot topic in the world today and it has one of the best performances of the year, but the weak supporting cast and the way the subject matter was presented just diminish the entire motivation for the film. I give Concussion a 7 out of 10.
While conducting an autopsy on former NFL football player Mike Webster (played by David Morse), forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (played by Will Smith) discovers neurological deterioration that is similar to Alzheimer's disease. Omalu names the disorder chronic traumatic encephalopathy and publishes his findings in a medical journal. As other athletes face the same diagnosis, the crusading doctor embarks on a mission to raise public awareness about the dangers of football-related head trauma.
This was a somewhat disappointing film. Now being a football fan and having played high school football who has dealt with concussions in the past, this was a film that peaked my interest and the subject matter was one that needed to be told on the big screen to get people to recognize the critical issues the film raises. It tries really hard to tackle the subject matter in a unique way, but it really does pack the pure emotional punch you expect from a sports drama. Will Smith gives an absolutely brilliant performance and it's a performance that shows he is back and that he will get an Academy Award nomination. Other than Smith's performance, the rest of the cast really doesn't do that much for the film. Luke Wilson is terribly miscast as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and every time he is on screen, he doesn't come as the sleazeball that Goodell truly is. It also tries to force a few of Dr. Omalu's personal issues outside of his research and it just doesn't help the overall main topic of discussion. Also the film probably would've been better served if someone like Ridley Scott (who produced the film) would've directed it over Peter Landesman. One thing that was truly impressive was the fact that at times it didn't hold back when going after the NFL and that is something that worried quite a few people going into the film. Overall this film tackles a very hot topic in the world today and it has one of the best performances of the year, but the weak supporting cast and the way the subject matter was presented just diminish the entire motivation for the film. I give Concussion a 7 out of 10.
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