Review of Concussion (2015) by Robert K — 26 Dec 2015

This docudrama starring Will Smith, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Alec Baldwin really misses the mark with accurately telling the story of the NFL concussion scandal. Despite overall great performances from the leading cast, this film unfortunately downplays how the NFL intentionally concealed evidence that they knew about health risks for years. There are more layers and key players to this still fresh debate and this film really does not do an adequate job of providing the audience with accurate takeaway knowledge about this serious issue.

The argument could be made that like An Inconvenient Truth, this film's only purpose is to simply raise awareness among a naive population. While this is a benefit and it is hard to argue that certain images from the film will not stick in the minds of people for months to come, I believe it does and injustice by simplifying the issue and falsely gives the impression that there is some sort of institutional resolution (like there always is with a traditional Hollywood film).

I was expecting more and I thought I was getting it after a strong first act. However, the second and third acts fell flat and this docudrama became less about the overall issue and more about an intelligent and brave immigrant man in Pittsburgh with an inferiority complex. There are a few cliche cringe-inducing scenes that seal the deal with this movie being more about one powerless man taking on the powerful world.

However, despite the David vs. Goliath dramatic structure and my other qualms with the film, I think this is still worth your time and money. If you know nothing about the football head trauma argument, then this is a good starter movie. I expect this film to provoke discussion and to spur commentary among sports writers. I give it a 6 out of 10 rating.