This is a perfectly serviceable movie -- it's a drama, it's well-acted, it's well-written. It's working, generally speaking.

The emancipation Brian Banks depicts becomes narrative chains in its wake.

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 is an effective indictment of the business of the criminal justice system when politics dictate someone eventually has to pay for the people’s investment, whether they are guilty or innocent.