Antwone Fisher

Starring: Derek Luke, Denzel Washington, Joy Bryant
Directed by: Denzel Washington
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Biography, Drama
Box Office: $21,078,145
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke), a very angry sailor is on the verge of being kicked out of the Navy due to his repeated outbursts. His life is changed drastically when he meets a Navy psychiatrist (Denzel Washington), who delves into Antwone's difficult childhood and begins helping him put the past behind him and control his anger.

Review:

Tim: This is a very interesting movie based on the real life of Mr. Antwone Fisher. The film is everything a typical biographical film should be. It is entertaining, but at times, disturbing. Fisher had a rough childhood as we discover through various flashbacks. Some of the worst events of his life are extremely difficult for us as viewers to watch. Washington pulls very few punches in the more grim scenes (well, he does allude to rather than show some of the abuse, thankfully).

Denzel Washington directs a heartfelt film in his directorial debut. He also acts brilliantly, sporting his Ricochet mustache. It is interesting to compare his first film as director and star with Tom Hanks' similar attempt in That Thing You Do!.

Derek Luke gives an emotional, powerful performance. He pulls out emotion after emotion through the duration of the film seemingly without effort. He is great to watch on screen.

Sadly, the film only manages to be mildly entertaining. This is Washington's first turn as a director and his lack of experience in this department shows on occasion.

I felt like not enough emphasis was placed on the positive aspects of Fisher's life. We mostly only see the negative. I am very sorry he had a rough life, but lots of people do and don't get a movie about them. In his conversation with his mother, we hear his accomplishments- where is the mention of them throughout the rest of the movie? We should be admiring his achievements rather than just looking at his difficult upbringing. A final criticism of the film is that the family scene at the end doesn't evoke nearly enough emotion out of us. We should have tears, people. We don't.

All in all, Antwone Fisher is a good biographical movie, but only so-so in all other aspects. Take a chance if you love Washington or biographies, but otherwise, you're not missing much.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Men of Honor, Philadelphia, That Thing You Do!, Glory, Training Day, Virtuosity