Synopsis
An All-American football player's dreams to play in the NFL are halted when he is falsely accused of rape and sent to prison.
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Cast
- Aldis HodgeBrian Banks
- Greg KinnearJustin Brooks
- Tiffany DupontAlissa Bjerkhoel
- Sherri ShepherdLeomia
- Melanie LiburdKarina
- Dorian MissickMick Randolph
- Xosha RoquemoreKennisha Rice
- Matt BattagliaPete Carroll
- Jose Miguel VasquezDistrict Attorney Mateo
- Morgan FreemanJerome Johnson (uncredited)
Recommendations
- 80
Variety
So, where do Shadyac and Atchison expect audiences to direct their frustration at such a miscarriage of justice? Well, that’s what makes “Brian Banks” special: It is not an angry film, but one that preaches forgiveness in the face of such adversity. - 75
Washington Post
On one level, Brian’s story is meant to be inspirational; the real Banks would ultimately go on to play in the NFL. But it is also a painful reminder of how young black people still face overwhelming disadvantages. The film leaves you wondering: What might have happened if Brian hadn’t been a talented linebacker? - 70
The Hollywood Reporter
Hodge’s performance is what keeps Brian Banks on track. He is powerful in scenes of anger, but he may be even better in purely silent moments where his unspoken reactions are eloquent. - 70
Los Angeles Times
Conventional but effectively so, more tense and involving than might be anticipated as obstacles pile on obstacles, this emotionally affecting story knows enough not to push too hard and reaps the benefits from its relative restraint. - 63
Chicago Tribune
Brian Banks proceeds non-chronologically, toggling between high school years and Banks’ post-prison life. This helps keep the audience on its toes. But it’s the actors who complicate things most fruitfully. - 50
San Francisco Chronicle
Despite some real virtues, Brian Banks as a whole, is only a break-even experience. - 45
TheWrap
Perhaps the worst thing a film can be, even more so than the binary of good or bad, is forgettable. - 42
The A.V. Club
This is a movie that seems utterly convinced that it’s saying something profound, but proves difficult to actually parse.
