Predicted Critical Consensus: "It may get no points for subtlety, but Concussion delivers its vital message with potent force thanks to another riveting performance from Will Smith." Will Smith hasn't received significant critical praise for a role since 2007's I Am Legend, and that very same year he received his second (and to date final) Oscar nomination for his work in The Pursuit of Happyness. He's long overdue a resurgence after sitting by the sidelines for the last few years, and this role, in which he plays the forensic neuropathologist who first discovers a link between head injuries in sports and life-long cognitive difficulties, might be just prestigious enough to get him back on Oscar's radar. Given how examining concussions in sports is still a relatively new thing, it's a prime subject with which to confront both critics and Oscar voters, and if Peter Landesman's (Parkland) sophomore feature can make everyone forget his mediocre first, then this one could be a surprise that's itching to tear through Oscar season with a vengeance. Still, it's more likely that not all critics will go for Landesman's one-two writing-directing punch, even if they'll almost certainly end up praising Smith to the high heavens. Which movies are you most looking forward to from Oscar season? Do you agree or disagree with these scores? Shout it out in the comments!
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
