For those unfamiliar with the group, the California Innocence Project is a non-profit organization based out of San Diego that reviews cases and provides free legal services to wrongly convicted individuals. What does their work have to do with the movies and popular entertainment in general? Well, this week sees the release of a biopic that details the story of Brian Banks, one such person whom the group represented in court.
As the movie begins, Brian Banks (Aldis Hodge) is introduced as a promising football player with dreams of being drafted into the NFL. However, his life has taken a turn for the worse after being convicted of rape at the age of 16 in his local high school. Released from prison, Banks does his best to restart his career. Unfortunately, he finds most institutions and employers unwilling to hire or help him, and his probation requirements prevent his development. Frustrated but unwavering in his insistence that he did not commit the crime, he attempts to convince California Innocence Project attorney Justin Brooks (Greg Kinnear) to help him clear his name. His positivist attitude inspires the team and as more and more about the case is uncovered, they begin to believe they may have a chance in overturning the conviction.
This is a small picture and one that is, in many respects, less-than-subtle. It is very clear from the outset that the lead is completely innocent and the movie doesn’t shy away from big emotional moments and outbursts as the man faces roadblock after roadblock (a grand orchestral score emphasizes such moments). Director Tom Shadyak (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Patch Adams, Bruce Almighty) might have been wiser to employ a softer and less obvious approach with the score during some of these grander moments.
Still, the cast are committed and do a fine job in displaying the turmoil and pain of having to survive such an ordeal. In between scenes of Banks trying to remain upbeat about his plight, we do see him internalize the pain as further impediments are thrown in front of him. In addition to being stuck in a particular country and unable to get work, the false conviction also puts a strain on a burgeoning relationship. The actor also does a stellar job of reacting with shock, fear, anger and confusion during an unexpected encounter with Kennisha Rice (Xosha Roquemore), the student who accused him of rape. Kinnear is also solid as an attorney who fears he has become complacent and cynical and is inspired by Banks unwillingness to give up.
As you might expect, nothing in this particular story will come as much of a surprise. However, the tale is well-performed by its stars, who do make viewers feel empathy in between expositional conversations that explicitly state the film’s message. While it may not be the most subtle movie in the world, the California Innocence Project is a valuable and important service that is certainly worthy of the publicity and needs to be supported.
In the end, Brian Banks is a decent biopic that, at the very least, provides viewers with an opportunity to learn more about the remarkable work of this organization, along with the unending efforts of an innocent man forced to endure 12 unnecessary years of suffering in order to get his life back on track. Those curious about his story will likely be inspired by the man and his fighting spirit.