Antwone Fisher (2002)

Written by Antwone Fisher / Directed by Denzel Washington
Starring Denzel Washington, Derek Luke, Joy Bryant
120 mins/Twentieth Century Fox/Rated PG-13
Retail: $27.98 / Street: $20

The Fish Cover

Man has a horrific childhood. Man runs away from home. Man joins the NAVY. Man gets in trouble in NAVY. Through the help of a Naval psychiatrist Man finds himself and his long lost family. That's the story of Antwone Fisher. Oh...wait...Man learns how to convert his life's story into a screenplay, sell it to Twentieth Century Fox, and now the story of Antwone Fisher is forever immortalized in this major motion picture.

What saves this flick from being just another feel good, Disney-esque sleeper is three-fold. For one, the story has some depth. You can't help but not liking Antwone. You want the guy to succeed. You sit there on your couch with your pom-poms cheering, "Go, Antwone, Go, Antwone!". Alright, that might be a little effeminate but that's what it's like.

Second, the acting is superb. Denzel is Denzel, flawless as the Naval psychiatrist. Newcomer Derek Luke, who plays the Antwone role, is near perfect. He has a very honest persona that is lacking in modern day Hollywood. A very likable face. It might be due to the fact that this is his first acting gig and we as audience members have no preconceived notions about his abilities. Regardless, the guy nailed this role. Also, Joy Bryant is effective as the Navy girlfriend (Cheryl) that assists Antwone in his emotional journey. The on screen chemistry between Luke and Bryant is believable and comfortable in a non-cheesy sort of way.

Third, Denzel can direct. The guy has been in the business long enough to know what works and what doesn't. He had the foresight to cast a no name actor in a role that warranted one. Will Smith is a decent actor, but Will Smith as Antwone Fisher would have been laughable. Watching the behind the scenes featurette, we get a glimpse of Denzel's directing style. He's very hands on, he knows how to get the most from his actors, he's enthusiastic. I'll bet we see more of him in the director's chair.

On the DVD cover, Joel Siegel, is quoted "This is a film that can change people's lives." First of all, Joel Siegel is a whore, who gets paid from the major studios to write crap lines like that. From the beginning, I dared Antwone Fisher to change my life. Surprise, it didn't. But, to it's credit, it makes you think about how screwed up the foster care system can be and appreciate your own childhood, hopefully void of beatings, rapings, and psychological damage.

Movie Grade: B+

Video Grade: 4 out of 5
There is nothing indie about this flick. All shot traditional Hollywood style on "generic" film stock, but it looks damn good. Hollywood knows how to make pretty pictures. It didn't hurt the flick any having Academy Award winner Philippe Rousselot as the Director of Photography.
Widescreen Anamorphic 2.35:1

Luke and Bryant

Audio Grade: 3.5 out of 5
For a movie that is predominately dialog driven, there aren't many opportunities for knock-your-socks-off sound effects. However, the audio does a nice job in creating a sense of space, whether it's the interior rumblings of the aircraft carrier or the wind whistling through the walls of a dilapidated house. Every scene contains some element of three dimensional sound.
English (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround), French (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Extras: 3.5 out of 5
The disc contains an appropriate amount of extras, but if you're looking for some moviemaking insight...it ain't here. What you get is nice interview segments interspersed with behind the scenes footage spread out over three different featurettes: an interview with the real Antwone Fisher, a making of, and a "Hollywood and the Navy". If you really loved the film you have the option of watching it again with Denzel and the producer providing some entertaining commentary. This was Denzel's baby after all.

Overall: 4 out of 5
If you're in the mood for a mainstream, feel good movie with an edge that may or may not change your life and has no Disney affiliation....then go out and rent this puppy. Buy it, if you collect Denzel Washington flicks. Or be patient, I'm sure it will be in full rotation on the BET channel in no time.

Buy it here: Fox Store