Antwone Fisher

2002

Antwone Fisher

Critics Consensus

Washington's directing debut is a solidly crafted, emotionally touching work.

79%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 151

86%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 47,210
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Antwone Fisher Photos

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Movie Info

The directorial debut of Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, Antwone Fisher is an autobiographical drama written by the real-life Antwone Fisher. Played by newcomer Derek Luke, Antwone is a volatile young sailor in the Navy, getting into trouble for his constant fighting. When he gets appointed to see naval psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington), he begins to reveal the emotional problems behind his rage. Through an introduction to anger management, Antwone is able to confront some secrets of his past and eventually search out his family for a confrontation. Also starring model-turned-actress Joy Bryant as Antwone's girlfriend, Cheryl, and Salli Richardson as Davenport's wife. Antwone Fisher's memoir, Finding Fish, was released to book stores right before the film's theatrical release. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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Cast

Derek Luke
as Antwone Fisher
Denzel Washington
as Jerome Davenport
Joy Bryant
as Cheryl
Salli Richardson-Whitfield
as Berta
Earl Billings
as James
Kevin Connolly
as Slim
Yolonda Ross
as Nadine
Novella Nelson
as Mrs. Tate
Viola Davis
as Eva
Rainoldo Gooding
as Grayson
James Brolin
as Captain
Kente Scott
as Kansas City
Stephen Snedden
as Berkley
Malcolm David Kelley
as Antwone Fisher Age 7
Cory Hodges
as Antwone Fisher Age 14
Lynne Charles
as Spinoza's Wife
Leonard Earl Howze
as Pork Chop
Leo Nepomuceno
as SP No. 1
Cordell Stokes
as Keith Age 5
Ellis E. Williams
as Reverend Tate
Timothy Reddick
as Dwight Age 8
De'Angelo Wilson
as Jesse Age 19
Jascha Washington
as Jesse Age 8
Vernee Watson-Johnson
as Annette
Margaret Ford-Taylor
as Eda
Bob Banks
as Horace
Jada S. Louie
as Jeannette
Rebecca Morris
as Anna
Brandon Biggins
as Eddie
Brandon Lewis
as Ray
David Fowler
as Chief Master-At-Arms
Sean'e La'Dae
as Edward
O.L. Duke
as Uncle Duke
Charlie Robinson
as Howard
Michelle Davison
as Johnny Mae
Lissy Gulick
as Mona
Antwan Andre Patton
as Kenny
Doug Jewell
as Spinoza
Lynn E. Charles
as Spinoza's Wife
Andreas Patton
as Kenny
Jason Dixon
as Jason
Sung Kang
as Receptionist
Eddie Baccus
as Blind Piano Player
Linda Cevallos
as Sexy Woman
Fran Dorsey
as Owner
Ruth Stehle
as Snide Clerk
John Pittman Jr.
as Another Clerk
Edward C. Reynolds III
as Man
Rita Pearson
as Cashier
Janaya Reynolds
as Young Girl No. 1
Ellis Williams
as Reverend Tate
Na'tasha Marie Evans
as Young Girl No. 2
Mary Bradley Marable
as Other Lady
Teresa Hoefke
as Case Worker
Angela Gillespie-Winborn
as Woman In White
Kim Marie Johnson
as Disc Jockey
Nicolas Dodd
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Critic Reviews for Antwone Fisher

All Critics (151) | Top Critics (37) | Fresh (119) | Rotten (32)

  • There is such a thing as under-acting to a point where you exude the charisma of a plant pot. The directing goes the same way, plodding along conscientiously but without any spark -- one can sense the cameras splintering out of sheer boredom.

    Jan 2, 2018 | Full Review…

    Barbara Ellen

    Times (UK)
    Top Critic

  • A mind-numbing, soul-deadeningly dull experience, it is a miracle of mediocrity, a small wonder: how can anything be quite this tedious?

    Mar 4, 2003 | Rating: 1/5 | Full Review…

    Nev Pierce

    BBC.com
    Top Critic

  • A fine film that proves the past is never too bleak -- or the future too hopeless -- to discover a productive new life, and a home and family to share it.

    Jan 16, 2003

    Rex Reed

    Observer
    Top Critic

  • A riveting story well told.

    Dec 27, 2002

    Ann Gorman

    Washington Post
    Top Critic

  • Denzel Washington gives a sensitive yet powerful performance as a Navy psychiatrist, and newcomer Derek Luke is a pleasant surprise as the title character.

    Dec 27, 2002 | Rating: 3/5

    Bill Muller

    Arizona Republic
    Top Critic

  • For sure, Antwone Fisher is corny. But it's corny in a way that a Hollywood movie about a boy who just wants to go home ought to be corny.

    Dec 26, 2002 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Wesley Morris

    Boston Globe
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (151)

Audience Reviews for Antwone Fisher

  • Mar 31, 2014
    Antwone Fisher is a pretty good drama, directed by actor Denzel Washington in his first directorial outing. The story is a well thought out, engaging, and the cast are very good in their roles. Washington is a standout actor, one of the finest that I have seen. With this film, he displays a unique eye for crafting a truly engaging story, and he is aided with some standout performances. Derek Luke is great in the title character, and he adds so much to the film, that really makes this picture standout. I liked the film, but at times there are things that don't seem to work, and the material could have been handled better. Luckily the performances standout, and that's the strongest aspect of the film. I wanted to really enjoy the film, but at times, some parts of the film tried to be a bit too ambitious, as if Denzel Washington had something to prove in the director's chair. The film was good, but it felt that the filmmakers tried too hard at making a memorable drama. In the end, the film was entertaining, but you could clearly see that the film tried too hard at being more than what it was, and it didn't end up being the film that it could have been. Luckily the performances here save the film, and also it does show that Washington is capable as director, but for this first directorial effort, he tried a bit too hard at delivering a drama that just made you want more out of the film. If you're a fan of Denzel Washington, this is worth seeing, but it's not a truly memorable drama. It's more of a good drama that could have been improved upon. But for what it is, it's nonetheless an engaging picture that relies on a good story and is saved with engrossing performances by its cast.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
  • Jun 06, 2009
    A Film that from start to finish has you in it'sgrip, so tight it won't let go and ends up with a bone crushin g ending. "Three out of four" Stars. High Reccomendation.
    Joseph E Super Reviewer
  • Sep 17, 2008
    outstanidng movie cant think of anything bad to say about denzil in this movie he was totally world class as his role and so was derek luke the story line was emotional and delecate so have say directors were brave for doing it
    Lone W Super Reviewer
  • Jun 26, 2008
    Very good story, will have to watch this one again
    Lee K Super Reviewer
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