Read Positive User Reviews for Concussion (2015)

8

SchroederRockMar 10, 2016

"The NFL owns a day of the week". That line epitomizes the greatness and the pitfalls of the NFL. Concussion paints a great picture of the problems players are experiencing, and those that we as fans cheer for: big hits (which mean big"The NFL owns a day of the week". That line epitomizes the greatness and the pitfalls of the NFL. Concussion paints a great picture of the problems players are experiencing, and those that we as fans cheer for: big hits (which mean big problems down the road). Will Smith turns in a solid performance, maybe Oscar-worthy perhaps, and helps anchor this journey. While the learning of the horrific turbulence that is a concussion makes for a very engaging bit of film. However, it's the life stories that hold the movie back. Not that they aren't interesting, they just aren't portrayed very well compared to the bigger issues at hand. If you're a fan of football, or you're out for some engaging drama, Concussion is worth a watch.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

10

sd-tennisMar 3, 2016

Just a perfect movie. Its not only the perfect acting of Will Smith, but its awareness to what american football can cause to human's brain. I am not surprised that critics and in general the hollywood 'omerta' have not promoted this movie asJust a perfect movie. Its not only the perfect acting of Will Smith, but its awareness to what american football can cause to human's brain. I am not surprised that critics and in general the hollywood 'omerta' have not promoted this movie as it deserved to. In my opinion, its a must see movie, especially from all americans parents!… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

7

mrmonsterApr 30, 2016

It was well worth watching, if nothing else for the amazing performance from Will Smith. Seriously, I am shocked that Will Smith did not get a Best Actor nomination for this movie. But other than that, the movie was just alright. Interesting,It was well worth watching, if nothing else for the amazing performance from Will Smith. Seriously, I am shocked that Will Smith did not get a Best Actor nomination for this movie. But other than that, the movie was just alright. Interesting, but other than Smith, just alright.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

9

LeZeeMar 24, 2016

At first in the past, all good things in the world were always denied.

Based on the real life story of a Nigerian forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu who discovered CTE disorder that most of the American football players are sufferingAt first in the past, all good things in the world were always denied.

Based on the real life story of a Nigerian forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu who discovered CTE disorder that most of the American football players are suffering from. So he fought for his theory against the NFL who was denying it. I was neutral when #OscarsSoWhite broke out, but for this movie I definitely agree on that. Whether he would have won or not, Will Smith name should have been in the best male actor in the lead list.

That's not at all, this movie did not qualify for any other category in the event which is not unfortunate, but deliberately the Academy chose a wrong side to stand. Felt like they are supporting NFL instead of fact and its own product. This biographical movie talked mainly about one particular sport, maybe there are other sports in the globe that might cause CTE as must as this one. Since Dr. Omalu's research came from NFL players, so it was all about between them.

This is a wonderful movie, I was very surprised for it. In the past, every good thing in the world was always opposed in its beginning, but later accepted widely like the global warming. I hope people aware of such thing is exist and act accordingly. No need to abandon the sport, just change the rules and the style of play. This is one of the best movie you could find from the 2015. I think it is a must see biopic, the credit must go to Ridley Scott who is the man behind for this movie to happen.

9/10… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

7

TributeManMar 19, 2016

Na Wstrząs szedłem nie wiedząc o tym filmie nic po za tym, że gra w nim Will Smith.

Film bardzo mi się podobał. Poruszona tematyka idealnie wpasowała się w moje zainteresowania, więc film oglądało mi się świetnie. Will Smith dał dobryNa Wstrząs szedłem nie wiedząc o tym filmie nic po za tym, że gra w nim Will Smith.

Film bardzo mi się podobał. Poruszona tematyka idealnie wpasowała się w moje zainteresowania, więc film oglądało mi się świetnie. Will Smith dał dobry występ, momentami brzmiał sztucznie, ale w ogólnym rozrachunku uwierzyłem, że jest postacią, którą gra. Reszta obsady też dobrze wypadła. Warto iść zobaczyć choćby dla historii.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

8

jlittle1404Apr 1, 2016

If you played football or really any sports in general this movie will get you thinking! Will Smith gives a tremendous performance. I really enjoyed how it showed real footage of certain NFL players and tells how they died and how thisIf you played football or really any sports in general this movie will get you thinking! Will Smith gives a tremendous performance. I really enjoyed how it showed real footage of certain NFL players and tells how they died and how this disease turns them into someone their own family doesn't recognize. Parents with young football players watch this! Just a good movie all the way around.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

9

drose70Dec 25, 2015

Whatever short comings the film may have, it is made up for by the powerful story. It is hard to believe that the current season is ending in time for questions to be asked of the NFL on Superbowl press day. American football represents someWhatever short comings the film may have, it is made up for by the powerful story. It is hard to believe that the current season is ending in time for questions to be asked of the NFL on Superbowl press day. American football represents some of the best that we are along side the very, very worst that we are.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

All this user's reviews

9

FlotchaJan 10, 2016

Giving it a 9 to raise the user score, and because of its important messages about our culture.

This is a very good film. It would have been better had it not tried to be a love story in addition to a hard-hitting expose of the NFL'sGiving it a 9 to raise the user score, and because of its important messages about our culture.

This is a very good film. It would have been better had it not tried to be a love story in addition to a hard-hitting expose of the NFL's disregard for players' health and safety in pursuit of profits.

"Concussion" is NOT unfair to the NFL. It could have, and probably should have been much harsher. It's one of the more thought-provoking films of the year. Too bad so few football fans are willing to see it.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

All this user's reviews

7

moviemitch96Dec 26, 2015

A raw and heavy drama with a worthy performance from Will Smith. While the film does lack any real dramatic punch and becomes a little too carried away in its patriotic message, Smith's performance mostly makes up for this, as do the fineA raw and heavy drama with a worthy performance from Will Smith. While the film does lack any real dramatic punch and becomes a little too carried away in its patriotic message, Smith's performance mostly makes up for this, as do the fine performances from other supporting players, such as Alec Baldwin and Albert Brooks. Overall, it's a simple yet somewhat interesting film that should satisfy and interest fans of football, as well as those looking for one of Smith's most notable performances in quite some time.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

All this user's reviews

9

royphishoohJan 20, 2016

A fine movie with an important message about how big business runs America. Great performance from Will Smith, I can't think why he wasn't in the running for an Oscar; is it because Matt Damon and Michael Fassbender were so good, or is thereA fine movie with an important message about how big business runs America. Great performance from Will Smith, I can't think why he wasn't in the running for an Oscar; is it because Matt Damon and Michael Fassbender were so good, or is there another reason?… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

All this user's reviews

9

RlovesmemoreJan 14, 2016

Will Smith was excellent in this great movie. The story is shocking and relevant. It is admirable that the actors and all involved in this film, took this challenge... Especially in light of how dr omalu's life was so damaged by the NFL.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

All this user's reviews

10

bubDec 25, 2015

it was the best film ever on metical stuff the best part of the movie is when will smith started singing the fresh prince of bel air theme song with dj jazzy jeff

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

All this user's reviews

10

karenrkaneJan 7, 2016

Very engrossing movie. Shows how business, the NFL in this case, can manipulate to protect their own interests to the detriment of others. Will Smith did an amazing job.

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

All this user's reviews

7

NickLikesMoviesDec 31, 2015

Concussion is completely riveting but uneven in quality. Will Smith gives a fantastic performance and the story is fascinating and one that needs to be told.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

7

ydnar4Dec 26, 2015

Concussion offers an interesting premise that the world has been waiting to be taken to light for years. The film is a great story of the relatively unknown man who discovered the consequences of concussions in football. Will Smith isConcussion offers an interesting premise that the world has been waiting to be taken to light for years. The film is a great story of the relatively unknown man who discovered the consequences of concussions in football. Will Smith is outstanding in this movie. I think this is one of the best performances that he has had to date. Dr. Bennet Omalu is simply good for the sake of good and he is easy to root for. Then you have a great supporting cast in Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks and David Morse as Mike Webster. The downside to this very interesting story is the third act which derails the train a little bit and takes away from the story that we were really interested in. Concussion could also be considered a little biased or overdramatised but overall its a good watch, even if you are not a football fan.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

7

Tone01Dec 25, 2015

- Welcome Back, Will Smith -

After a series of career missteps in truly awful films, Will Smith returns with a vengeance in "Concussion." Smith is nearly unrecognizable as Dr. Omalu, the Nigerian immigrant who takes the powerful NFL to- Welcome Back, Will Smith -

After a series of career missteps in truly awful films, Will Smith returns with a vengeance in "Concussion." Smith is nearly unrecognizable as Dr. Omalu, the Nigerian immigrant who takes the powerful NFL to task for the deaths of players due to the brain disease he discovers.

While the plot is a very familiar Little Man David – Corporate Goliath story, the film is elevated by not only Smith's work but terrific supporting players in regretful Alec Baldwin and supportive Albert Brooks. There's particular note of David Morse, a C level, sixth billing actor who continually shows his impressive chops. Morse plays to great effect Mike Webster, a Steelers player who goes quietly insane – pulling teeth and supergluing them back, shocking himself with a Taser – and finally succeeds at suicide. As a Pittsburgh Coroner, Dr. Omalu's scientific curiosity regarding the death of the otherwise healthy Webster sets the ball in motion.

Thing is, Webster is a former football God in Steeler's town where fans take the game far more seriously than a sport ever should be. The pressured Omalu persists, pays out of pocket for expensive tests while the complications quickly pile up.

"Concussion" adds subtext about what it means to be an American. Smith places Heaven just slightly above America. Surely a large corporation who knows they're killing people will take swift and direct action to stop the deaths and forget the billions at stake. That's what America stands for. Or so the not-yet-a citizen Omalu believes. Then the very rude awakening alarm clock goes off.

This ripped from the headlines story also adds a love interest for Omalu that's sweet but neither here nor there.

One laughable scene finds Omalu courted by the Fed to be the US Coroner. The interviewer touts the government's honesty. Omalu doesn't take that corrupt bait.

There's sincerity in these proceedings. A Capraesque quality. "Concussion" successfully walks the tightrope between earnestness and cynicism - quite an accomplishment in contemporary cinema. "Concussion" offers good acting, a solid story that's part forensic mystery, part Don Quixote quest, part pledge of allegiance. It's satisfying and worth a look.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

7

johnem95Jan 6, 2016

Concussion drags at parts, and while it doesn't quite sack the corporation its targeting, it still brings to light an unsettling, relevant issue in eye-opening ways. Will Smith is excellent here.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

7

RayParadiseDec 28, 2015

Buoyed by the excellent performance of Will Smith and the strength of his supporting cast (Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, & Gugu Mbatha-Raw), "Concussion" more or less achieves it purpose of demonstrating Dr. Bennet Omalu's revolutionaryBuoyed by the excellent performance of Will Smith and the strength of his supporting cast (Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, & Gugu Mbatha-Raw), "Concussion" more or less achieves it purpose of demonstrating Dr. Bennet Omalu's revolutionary discovery of CTE and his battle with the National Football League to have his findings recognized.

However, it is difficult to determine whether or not this film is successful because of its story alone, or the execution of the directing and the script. Will Smith, as he often does, creates an amiable and intelligent character in Dr. Omalu whom we feel compelled to cheer for and feel compassion for. But the character isn't fully developed and we don't ever feel like we truly know the Nigerian immigrant in his totality. The script flips between the personal life of Omalu where he finds love and suffers the tragedy of a miscarriage, and his professional life where he battles the NFL 'who owns a day of the week' and apparently in connection to the NFL, the federal government. Neither side of the story is taken up as the vantage point and the film doesn't really have an identity apart from the bare bones of the story and the strong acting. The film would have been better served to have taken up the struggle against the institution, and the process of that struggle such as "Spotlight", or should have assumed the personal lens of Dr. Omalu. Both cases have their arguments.

For example, the idea of the 'American Dream' is invoked quite often in the film and in one scene in particular Will Smith discusses the US's comparison to Heaven with his immigrant wife. If the film would have pitted the ideals of the American Dream --an intelligent immigrant who makes a tangible impact to the scientific community and the nation at large -- against America's beloved sport, football, the story would be more compelling and might even invoke a better performance from Mr. Smith. The American values of science, truth, and little-guy success juxtaposed against the American values of hard-work, grit, and the warrior mentality would have been an interesting take on the story.

On the other side of the coin, the "Spotlight" argument, if the film would've been for the better if had focused on the institution of the NFL and its despicable attempts to reduce the advancements of science in the name of profit. The film does this in suped-up dramatic scenes such as one where a former player, down and out on his luck, pleads with another former player in a leadership role within the NFL. The leader basically ignores his former comrade who then commits suicide. If the film could have focused on the battle of the small guy against the institution and investigated more of the NFL's side it would have focused the film and made it better.

In conclusion, the film is definitely worth seeing. Especially if you are a fan of science or football. It serves as inspiration to the former and a cautionary tale to the latter. It's an important, contemporary period piece because it does foreshadow the end for the NFL as we know it.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

7

netflicDec 28, 2015

A story about a talented doctor, neuropathologist, an immigrant from Africa, who finds that American football causes brain trauma with long-lasting effects. He tries to convey that message to public.
That puts him and people who support himA story about a talented doctor, neuropathologist, an immigrant from Africa, who finds that American football causes brain trauma with long-lasting effects. He tries to convey that message to public.
That puts him and people who support him at odds with NFL.
Based on the real story of Dr. Omalu (played by Will Smith), who found that his vision of America, his expectations of it did not match with reality. Will Smith is very good in this role, so as the supporting staff.
The movie provokes some thoughts about how far will you go to do what you think is right, which risks are you willing to take. Overall the movie is well done.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

9

Brent_MarchantJan 2, 2016

A somewhat formulaic but extremely well made film about exacting justice when it's perilously impaled on the capitalist sacrificial altar. The picture successfully weaves suspense, heartfelt drama and understated heroics into a package loadedA somewhat formulaic but extremely well made film about exacting justice when it's perilously impaled on the capitalist sacrificial altar. The picture successfully weaves suspense, heartfelt drama and understated heroics into a package loaded with outstanding performances, particularly those of Will Smith, David Morse and Albert Brooks. There's a slight tendency for the pacing to drag at times in the second hour, but otherwise the film passes muster on virtually every other front. One of the genuine surprises of this year's awards season releases.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

7

geo333Dec 26, 2015

Will Smith does a wonderful job portraying Dr. Bennet Omalu, however the story development is weak as at times it feels likes is drags along. In the end, Concussion does a good job bringing the awareness of the physical sport, but it leavesWill Smith does a wonderful job portraying Dr. Bennet Omalu, however the story development is weak as at times it feels likes is drags along. In the end, Concussion does a good job bringing the awareness of the physical sport, but it leaves the viewer wanting for more.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

7

quincytheodoreMar 9, 2016

The serious case of the mind and peril of announcing it.

Will Smith is probably one of the best uncrowned actors without Oscar award on his name. He can portray his role with outstandingly natural conviction, and he does no less as Dr.The serious case of the mind and peril of announcing it.

Will Smith is probably one of the best uncrowned actors without Oscar award on his name. He can portray his role with outstandingly natural conviction, and he does no less as Dr. Bennet Omalu here. This is a biopic about the determined doctor, his discovery of a malady and also uniquely about the popular sport.

Dr. Omalu is a coroner who incidentally comes across a famous football player, sadly after his tragic death. He becomes curious of the cause of death and his research eventually becomes larger than he originally expected. It's a good biography which can be enjoyed for those even without much knowledge about the sport as it translates the procedure in approachable manner.

As the lead Will Smith doesn't disappoint, he presents a variety of emotions with good origin accent. This is a story when the more he tries to help the more resistance he encounters, voiced by a compelling script. Both his personal and private lives are changed by the finding, furthermore the repercussion ripples beyond towards the lives of others.

The movie has a respect towards the sport source and it's careful on presenting the subject without making judgment. It does tend to spread too thinly across the runtime with administrative process. Admittedly this is an integral part, but more time could be spent on the athletes themselves. The tension is built slowly and it's kept better in some instances than the others. Nevertheless, it doesn't take away too much from the sophisticated drama.

"Concussion" is an informative guide to the mind and its plague told by an educated thinker.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

7

roosevelt323Jan 7, 2016

This movie is touted as somewhat of an NFL movie... but surprisingly.. that was a small part of this movie. The focus of this movie is on the doctor that stayed true to his profession and duty to follow the science. All odds against himThis movie is touted as somewhat of an NFL movie... but surprisingly.. that was a small part of this movie. The focus of this movie is on the doctor that stayed true to his profession and duty to follow the science. All odds against him from the start... African born... came to America to follow the American dream.. has an accent and is black... but he perservered . And that was before he came across the ex-football player that seemingly lost his mind at the age of 50. Will Smith plays and Oscar winning role and the tale of this movie is about humanity... heroes... and the truth. So if you are looking for a football movie... go see On any Given Sunday... this one is for all walks of life.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

7

bfoore90Feb 8, 2017

A very well done movie with a very committed performance by Will Smith along to lead off a talented cast. Its a very engrossing film, that does a fine job showing how the NFL, glossed over CTE despite the harm it caused to their players andA very well done movie with a very committed performance by Will Smith along to lead off a talented cast. Its a very engrossing film, that does a fine job showing how the NFL, glossed over CTE despite the harm it caused to their players and how it manipulated the public to protect their own interests to the detriment of others. The only negative I had with this film was how it washed over how WWE wrestler Chris Benoit was the first known case of CTE that went public, if it wasn't for Benoit being one of the first known cases of CTE going public then along with numerous other pro wrestlers dying then CTE would not be the boogeyman it would be known as today.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

9

DOUGKJan 1, 2016

The movie is excellent, Will Smith does a great job and the other actors do as well. I don't understand why there are so many negative and mediocre reviews. It is an important movie done very well. I'm glad to see Will Smith get a great part,The movie is excellent, Will Smith does a great job and the other actors do as well. I don't understand why there are so many negative and mediocre reviews. It is an important movie done very well. I'm glad to see Will Smith get a great part, he has matured as an actor and deserves it.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

All this user's reviews

8

alejandro970Jul 30, 2020

Is football more dangerous than it seems? It is not much compared to what has already been done in denunciation dramas but the effort is compensated by seeing a sober and mature Will Smith. It deserves a chance.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

10

Mutch_TallerMar 26, 2021

Still relevant and important. Gripping and informative. It won’t change your mind about football if you already love it, but it will make you think twice about signing your kid up for the team.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews