Concussion

"Writer/director Peter Landesman's medical drama is a timely reminder that just because you're Oscar bait, doesn't mean you're Oscar standard. Diligently ticking all the right boxes as if genetically engineered for awards glory, it's a true story (check), about an honourable man (check), overcoming impossible odds (check – well, the NFL), to save lives (check). It's also not very good."

"Effective enough as a cautionary tale about willful ignorance and as a showcase for Will Smith..."

"Steers both lead actor and screenplay away from the sharper edges."

"Smith's performance is shallow, conceited and bland."

"The film goes slack when its screws most need to tighten. Luckily, Smith — flawless in accent and commitment to Omalu's worthy cause — grips you from first to last."

"Landesman has pushed too hard to make this story fit into a dramatic mold, alternating melodrama and romance with those earnest warnings in a way that is more ungainly than effective."

"At last the secret is out, and Landesman and his fine cast will help to keep the conversation going."

"Remains desperately conventional and never communicates that sense of inspiration."