Great Performances Make the Film

Rating: Null/10 (3 June 2016)

Concussion (2015)
*** (out of 4)
Pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) is working as a coroner in Pittsburg when Steelers legend Mike Webster (David Morse) shows up on his table. Omalu is confused as to why what appears to be a healthy man would have so many hidden issues. After reviewing Webster's brain the doctor begins to think that playing football has done damage to his brain but as the doctor starts to spread his warning the NFL tries to shut him up.
CONCUSSION, the movie, got pretty much overlooked at the box office and it didn't quite catch on like I'm sure everyone involved in it had hoped. If anything the movie made the most noise when Smith's wife threw a fit that her husband wasn't nominated for an Oscar and the fallout that followed is probably what the movie will always be remembered for. It should also prove that the majority of people who watch football on Sunday's probably don't care about the damage being done.
As far as the film goes, it's certainly has many flaws but there's no question that it remains entertaining throughout, although I'd argue that there are a lot of times where it feels like a made-for-television movie. There's just not enough energy or power that comes from the film and I think it needed to be a bit darker. With that said, there's still a lot to enjoy here including the performances, which are without a doubt the best thing here.
Smith turns in the best performance of his career (not one of the year's five best though, sorry Jada) as the African born doctor who finds himself constantly battling to prove his science. I thought the accent by Smith was terrific and you certainly saw a real character while watching the movie and not once did you feel that you were seeing an actor. The supporting cast includes nice work from Alec Baldwin, Albert Brookes and several others but I was really impressed with the work of Morse. He has always been one of the most underrated character actors and he turns in a brilliant performance here.
CONCUSSION isn't a great movie and it's certainly not one of the year's best but it's an entertaining film.