I probably wouldn't have lasted through this - had one of my favourite AFL players not recently retired at just age 23, citing mental health issues. There are definitely some parallels here.

Beyond that, "The Phenom" is a frustrating film to watch.

Ethan Hawke successfully portrays one of the most unlikeable guys I've seen on film in ages.

Paul Giamatti also puts in a great performance as a sports psychologist. The back and forward emotional banter between Giamatti and Simmons is in a very similar vein to that of Damon and Williams in "Good Will Hunting" - just without the Oscar-worthiness.

Johnny Simmons is convincing as the somewhat of an asshole but emotionally vulnerable sports star.

None of it seemed to tie together though and the film just went nowhere. It never succeeded as anything more than being a fly-on-the-wall look at a young talented sportsman with emotional difficulties. I also agree with many other viewers, that found the ending abrupt and poorly written.