Concussion (2015)

Another "must see" movie that makes you actually THINK. In this world of CGI fantasies, non-stop porno, and never ending sequels, it's good to know that some producers, albeit it too small a number, actually believe that there's still stories out there with actual social impact and importance. This is one such film. I think Will Smith has truly grown as a serious actor over the years, with this as his crowning achievement, in my view. Great performances all around, with a special nod to a superb Albert Brooks in a fantastic supporting role. Great comics often make great serious actors, agreed?

I work professionally with individuals with concussions, including carrying out post-concussion assessments. Thus, this film was on my must-see list, but it felt a little bit obligatory for that reason. I was expecting kind of a dry, medical progress sort of story, with the scientific hero establishing new insights (and, of course, being recognized, sooner or later, for doing so). While that's kind of true in the final analysis, the story is actually about power and belief, including the struggle to change a system in which the very behaviours that create devastating brain injuries are glorified, celebrated --- and commercialized. That truth has few champions is a recurring story in every field of human endeavour, not just at the junction of science, healthcare and sports. But it is easy to forget how unpopular and unwelcome truth so commonly is, and the many reasons why this is so. On an additional note, Will Smith outdid himself in exhibiting his capacity to portray a character who is obviously not a mere variation of "himself." He succeeds at placing himself imaginatively into a character who is somewhat distinctive and, more than that, not at all a North American stereotype --- that is, a successful immigrant who had established much of his success before he ever got here, and was then stymied in the United States by cultural forces whose nature, ultimately, is alien to his own background and experience. In short, this was not a dry, scientific progress story; rather a gripping drama of struggle and hard-won victory --- and still only partially-won.

I am a big sports fan so I was interested on seeing the other side of the story with concussion and I really enjoyed it. The premise of the film sees a pathologist find out the damage that concussion in American football really can cause. Will smith plays Dr Bennett omalu in this film and this is possibly his best ever performance, he totally washed away the will Smith I usually see and bought into this character that is so interesting and likable. He nailed the accent and I feel like he gave everything in the dramatic scenes hoping for that Oscar. Albert brooks plays his boss and I thought he was pretty awesome in this film, his chemistry with smith is really good and he definitely provides a lot of comic relief which does really work. Alec Baldwin plays a doctor more in line with the football side and he is also great in this film, he has great scenes with smith that can be really emotional. Gugu mbatha raw plays a girl who ends up having to live with omalu and she does a good job as they start to build a friendship based on there differences and I liked it. The story of the film is really interesting as you see omalu going through the investigation into the concussion law and a conflict he does have with the NFL. However the first bit of the film just isn't that interesting as you see all these things that don't involve concussion and I was waiting for this film to get going. The script has some great dramatic dialogue especially by smith who nails it in the role, also surprisingly when needed it has some really good humour in it as well. The style of the film has some really intense scenes in it that makes you care about the situation. But I feel like it would been better if the subject matter was more balanced instead of being totally against the NFL which this film does. Overall I really enjoyed watching the film and found it interesting to watch.

A splendid, uplifting movie, focusing on the scientific intelligence and courage of Dr Omalu, who discovered the effects of concussion on football players, which was named CTE. Will Smith does a great job as the doctor, as enjoyable as his performance in The Pursuit of Happiness.The actress who plays his wife is also excellent. When he wavers in facing the forces trying to silence him, she reminds him his name is Omalu Onyemalukwube: "if you know, you must come forth and speak."Supporting actors, including Alec Baldwin, do a good job as well. Highly recommended, and a topic that every parent should be aware of.