Critic Reviews

• Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

  It's solid and interesting work in the main, but Head Games can't help but feel like a come-down after The Interrupters.

• J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

  Director Steve James centers this documentary on Nowinski, but there are affecting profiles of various NFL and NHL veterans who are living with the damage -- or may have died from it.

• Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

  The documentary by Steve James paints a devastating picture of the long-term consequences of head injuries among pro NFL players.

• John Anderson, Variety

  One of the more fascinating aspects of a thoroughly entertaining movie is how incomprehensible James' proposed changes are in a country where many would list their necessities as food, shelter and Monday Night Football.

• Adam Litovitz, Globe and Mail

  Finally, there's a sports movie for people who are caught between admiration and fear of athleticism.

• A.O. Scott, New York Times

  "Head Games" gains credibility and power from compassion for athletes and respect for their accomplishments. But it also tries to open the eyes of sports lovers to dangers that have too often been minimized and too seldom fully understood.

• Mark Pfeiffer, Reel Times: Reflections on Cinema

  The film struggles with the contradiction of knowing the serious risks while enjoying the games as participant and spectator.

• Christopher Long, Movie Metropolis

  The film paints a dire picture that will strike fear into the hearts of many parents. How many concussions are too many? The documentary suggests the magic number might be one.

• Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy

  A bit more palatable than most "let me teach you a lesson"-style non-fiction films.

• Sarah Boslaugh, Playback:stl

  It's exciting to watch big, powerful guys bash into each other, and a well-executed hit makes an excellent addition to any highlight reel. The problem is that the human brain is not designed to absorb repeated impact.

• Brent Simon, Shockya.com

  There may not be a more important documentary release this year for the general health of (especially sports-playing) American kids than Head Games, an impactful look at the trauma inflicted by repeated concussions.

• James Verniere, Boston Herald

  If you have children involved in contact sports, you must see 'Head Games.'

• Cynthia Fuchs, PopMatters

  Players risk their health and their very lives, in futures hard to imagine when they're eight or 12 or 24. Head Games means to change those futures, for players and sports alike.

• Chris Knight, National Post

  It's certainly wholesome food for thought for anyone with kids in sports.

• Adam Nayman, The Grid

  Its steady, methodical style, however, does justice to its overall aim, which is to touch a nerve that has been desensitized by the media's valorization of athletes as tough guys.

• Jake Mulligan, Boston Phoenix

  Seeing former NHL star Keith Primeau's teenage son light up to talk about how fighting is "pretty fun" gives us the conclusion the statistics can't yet provide: before the games can change, we need to.

• Ben Kenigsberg, Time Out Chicago

  You'll feel like you need a helmet in the theater.

• Brian Tallerico, HollywoodChicago.com

  I have two young boys, and when they express interest in playing sports, it will be impossible not to remember what I learned from this film.

• Mark Dujsik, Mark Reviews Movies

  James is primarily concerned about bringing awareness, and he does so with an intelligent presentation of the best data available and genuine concern.

• Matt Pais, RedEye

  Asserts this as a problem that isn't going away and, especially for those who suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is virtually guaranteed to get worse.

Read all 23 critic reviews