Review of Concussion (2015) by Tyler R — 17 Aug 2016

For a film that recounts the true story of a discovery that shook up the NFL, Concussion really likes playing on the sidelines. All puns aside, this is a film that doesn't take risks as often as it should.

The only real visceral brilliance it has is when it shows the players in their dark states of mind. Unfortunately, it isn't explored much, and we're back to the practically infallible doctor. On the acting side, everyone does well, with most people playing versions of characters they've played before.

Honorable mention goes to Will Smith's horrendous accent, which gets dropped very frequently throughout the film. In terms of pacing, the film gets too wrapped up in showing us how good of a human being the doctor is, which slows down the primary issue of the film.

And that is due mostly in part to the writing, which gives almost everyone besides Will Smith a caricature. By the time the film ends on a very cheesy note, what could've been a damning yet strong film has turned into an overly sentimental one.