2002

January 15, 2003
Camera 7
USA
English
120 minutes

Inspired By A True Story -- Antwone Fisher.

Maybe it's because I'm adopted, but I fell for this thing hook, line, and sinker. It was like a cry-fest. Fisher came from a terrible childhood and entered the Navy because they were the only ones who would have him. He is quick-tempered, punching someone for saying "What's on your face?"

Denzel directed it well. I couldn't see any real faults. But Derek Luke, as Fisher, was spectacular. He was strong and scared and he portrayed perfectly the 'just-barely-holding-back-tears' that young men often try to do. His relationship with a cute girl who works in the bookstore was very natural and awkward and sweet. Less successful was Denzel's relationship with is wife. I can't get over how great Luke was.

Plot-wise, there was too much information on Denzel's character, a psychiatrist. The ending felt tacked on. We didn't need to know what we learn in the last four minutes. But when Fisher confronts those who hurt him as a child, and he tries to find a sense of belonging--for god's sake, bring kleenex.

Sappy, but believable. A chickflick for boys.

~~Viola Davis--Best Supporting Actress of 2003--Independent Spirit Awards Nomination
~~Derek Luke--Best Actor of 2003--Independent Spirit Awards Nomination, Online Film Critics Society Breakthrough Performance, National Board of Review Breakthrough Performance

7.4 Critical Consensus