Brian Banks

Hodge's resolute performance anchors the film, while the nuanced screenplay from Doug Atchison and lush visual language from cinematographer Ricardo Diaz push it several rungs above prosaic TV-movie-style fare.

Brian Banks almost never surprises us. We know where the story is going. (If it didn't go a certain way, there would be no movie.) Still, it's a well-constructed, well-acted, solidly told tale.

The true story of a football player falsely accused of sexual assault is lifted by Aldis Hodge in the title role but brought low by a flat, formulaic telling.

[A] well-intentioned film crippled by its dramatic structure.

For "Brian Banks..." it to succeed we have to buy Banks as an exceptional individual, able to rise above adversity and doubts by virtue of his determination, belief in self and overall strength of personality, all of which Hodge urgently conveys.

Playing Banks over the course of more than a decade, Hodge consistently makes the movie compelling, even when it veers toward a safe, faith-based uplift.

It is gut-wrenching to watch the unfairness Banks endured and Hodge's performance is amazingly true to life. ..a film that will stay with you for a long time.

Brian Banks is a feel-good movie of triumph over insurmountable odds. Bank's story is one of hope and inspiration and takes only a minor misstep...

"Brian Banks" might not be original, but it's an important tale to tell and one that's told well. (Full Content Review for Parents - Violence, Profanity, etc. - also Available)

There's plenty injustice here to enrage the thinking, feeling citizen, but despite a passionate performance by charismatic Aldis Hodge, this docudrama is nowhere near incensed enough on his behalf.