Concussion (3/29/2016)

Rated PG-13 for thematic material including some disturbing images, and language.

Starring Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks and Luke Wilson

Directed by Peter Landesman (Parkland)

This film made my head hurt.

Will Smith stars in Concussion, a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known. Omalu’s emotional quest puts him at dangerous odds with one of the most powerful institutions in the world.

This film begins in Pittsburgh and focuses on my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and especially Hall of Famer, Mike Webster. I actually remember hearing about Mike Webster’s death and wondered how could that possibly happen. How could a Super Bowl winning professional football player die homeless in a pick up truck in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Justin Strzelczyk was one of my favorite players. I remember watching him play and cried when I watched the news about his death. So this film was more emotional than I expected.

As a fan of professional football, I am very familiar with the dangers of concussions, the changes that have been implemented and the lawsuits, but I knew very little about Dr. Bennet Omalu. I didn’t realize he was the doctor who performed Webster’s autopsy or the incredibly difficult road he walked. I am so glad his story has been made into a movie, and I’m glad Will Smith was cast to play him.

Smith delivers the performance of his career and is already receiving early Oscar buzz. I know I am in the minority when I say that I’m not a huge fan of Smith in the over-the-top silly roles that he has made a career of. So although I enjoy seeing him play a more serious character, I’m not sure his fan base will agree.

Peter Landesman, who directed the documentary-like Parkland, now tells another (lesser known) story and brings the same artistry and care to the production. That being said, I think Landesman goes a step too far and the film becomes more preachy then storytelling.

Will this film affect the popularity of professional football? Will it change anything about the game? I doubt it. In fact I’m watching football as I right this review.

At the end of the day, it’s a compelling story with a terrific cast about a controversial subject… for me it was a “Rental.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity in this film. There are a few violent hits that take place on the football field and the effect it has on the players brains.

There is one F word and a few other profanities in the film.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. In one of the more dramatic scenes, Dr. Bennet Omalu urges his advisory to “tell the truth.” Why was telling the truth so important to him?


2. Why is it easier to lie sometimes rather then to tell the truth?


3. Are you tempted at times to lie instead of telling the truth?


4. When you are tempted to lie, remember the “Truth will last forever; lies are soon found out.” Proverbs 12:19