Antwone Fisher (2002)

Good concept, poorly executed.

Absolutely Fantastic

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Antwone Fisher is somewhat of a breakthrough film in several ways ~ Based on a factual story, it features a screenplay consisting of the first writings of the central character (Antwone Fisher) ~ A remarkable first acting performance by a new screen personality (Derek Luke as Antwone) ~ An accomplished directorial debut for performer Denzell Washington.Perhaps the most instantly striking aspects come in the form of the visual structure. The opening shots draw the viewer into a mesmerizing beautiful vista that carries you to a doorway leading into the dream of a child. I marveled at the power of these visuals till I realized the director of photography was none other than the great Philippe Rousselot. The Frenchman responsible for those unforgettable images that made "The Emerald Forest" and "The Bear" so breathtaking. Art Director David Lazan ('The Usual Suspects' '95) and set Decorator Anne Mc Culley ('My Life' '93) reinforce this convincing look with solid background designs. Mychael Danna ('The Life of Pi' '12) creates his trade mark musical design to complete this stylish production.Performances are heartfelt with one brief stand-out 'wordless' scene provided by Viola Davis ('Doubt' '08) as Antwon's Mother. Always a difficult to achieve plus in any movie are convincing performances by the child actors - all do very well in their important roles. An uncredited appearance early in the film by a well kept James Brolan as a Navy ships commander - gets the story rolling on a strong note. If anything, one sequence that needed a better approach may have been the party provided for Antwone by his newly found extended family. Being so hastily organized this event is not given time to be convincingly developed and might have been best set as being held at a latter date - as good as this scene is, it tends to come across as tacked on and perhaps needlessly over sentimentalized. Apart from this minor (but important scene) Antwone Fisher is mostly grade 'A' life affirming entertainment.

I can't find a reason why to not dislike this film. The acting and story plot are all brilliant. This is the type of movie that makes me have a better positive outlook on life and makes me feel fortunate of the family I was raised by. This movie does show the tough circumstances of being a foster kid as many foster parents can be abusive. With the urge of his psychiatrist, he seeks out to find his biological family. This is defiantly a feel good movie about the positive outlooks of life. It can help people feel better about themselves and make them feel more appreciated. Denzel Washington does a good job for his first time of directing a movie. Denzel Washington probably made the movie of what is now. Without Denzel in this movie, the movie might of not been as good. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone. Anyone who likes dramas should see it because for one, there can't be a reason to not like Denzel as he is one of the most talented actors to come to screen.

this is a film about life, the triumph over adversity and the wonders of the human spirit. I defy anyone not to shed a tear by the end of the movie. This is more than just a tear-jerker, its an engaging, thought-provoking drama with excellent performances from all the cast but especially derek Luke and denzel washington. 7 years on, I'm amazed that Luke is still a virtual unknown and washington only directed one other film. Nevertheless, apart from a slow build-up, the story of this foster child's trials and tribulations and how it still affects him in adulthood is the sort of movie that stays with you long after you have seen it. Like many fox searchlight pictures, this was more of a sleeper hit and didn't get the mass critical acclaim it deserves. The scene where Antwone finally meets his mother summed up the movie for me, there were so many ways that could have been done and it could have been all schmaltzy or it could have been unrealistic but Washington struck exactly the right tone, his mother never said a word and could only shed a tear, while antowne asked simply why. Her overwhelming guilt prevented her from saying anything, what could she say to defend herself? One of the most moving cinematic scenes I have seen.

A great story, based on a true story about a young black man and all the difficulties along the road. Being that this is Denzel Washington's first ever movie that he himself was gonna direct, i have to admit i was a tad sceptical, but who wouldn't be..? But then again, he's a great actor with plently of years of experience, and the end result turned out great. The story is told in a great way, making you that has had difficulties during your childhood, and young adulthood, see yourself in those situations. So, it hits you hard, letting you know your not the only one going through hell. In all, a touching story about a young man trying to make it in this f***ed up world. (The story is based on the life of Antwone Fisher, born 3. August 1959, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, whom was also the writer of this movie) Strongly recommended. 8/10