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Washington's directing debut is a solidly crafted, emotionally touching work.
All Critics (151) | Top Critics (37) | Fresh (119) | Rotten (32) | DVD (9)
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…
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.
Barbara Ellen
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…
A mind-numbing, soul-deadeningly dull experience, it is a miracle of mediocrity, a small wonder: how can anything be quite this tedious?
Nev Pierce
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
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.
Rex Reed
A riveting story well told. Dec 27, 2002
A riveting story well told.
Ann Gorman
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
Denzel Washington gives a sensitive yet powerful performance as a Navy psychiatrist, and newcomer Derek Luke is a pleasant surprise as the title character.
Bill Muller
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…
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.
Wesley Morris
a very powerful drama that doesn't just tug at the heartstrings, but yanks them hard Jan 10, 2016 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…
a very powerful drama that doesn't just tug at the heartstrings, but yanks them hard
Kevin Carr
Devastating story of abuse based on real life. Dec 21, 2010 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Devastating story of abuse based on real life.
Nell Minow
Rings false, belittling instead of honoring its sensitive subject with its twinkly score, kid-glove nobility and cloying payoffs. [Blu-ray] Feb 1, 2009 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…
Rings false, belittling instead of honoring its sensitive subject with its twinkly score, kid-glove nobility and cloying payoffs. [Blu-ray]
Peter Canavese
It is to Washington's credit that he keeps it just real enough to move our hearts and our heads. Dec 6, 2004 | Rating: B | Full Review…
It is to Washington's credit that he keeps it just real enough to move our hearts and our heads.
Jeffrey Overstreet
Sails the same route as dozens of Hollywood psychiatry dramas...Its power lies in the rich themes and performances. Jun 18, 2004 | Full Review…
Sails the same route as dozens of Hollywood psychiatry dramas...Its power lies in the rich themes and performances.
Thomas Delapa
The most remarkable thing about Antwone Fisher is the real-life story on which it is based. Jan 6, 2004 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
The most remarkable thing about Antwone Fisher is the real-life story on which it is based.
Greg Maki
My type of movie. I saw it for a second time some 5 years later, and reduced my rating a bit, but it is still my type of movie - a drama where the characters care and where they learn something about themselves, and sure enough where there is a positive outcome.
Super Reviewer
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.
Strong acting and terrific story, based on the real-life experiences of former U.S. navy man Antwone Fisher. Before I saw this, I had no idea that Denzel Washington had done some work behind camera. What I can say now though, is that he ought to do it more often. For his directing in this feature is quite phenomenal, and his acting on-screen just the same. It would be unjust to lay all focus on him though, as his co-star Derek Luke easily matches that excellence. I'm surprised we haven't seen more of him, because his performance in this film is truly worthy of recognition. It's genuine and touching, and his story a highly riveting one to follow. Wonderful supporting cast as well, whose combined talents makes this anything but run-of-the-mill. Engrossing all the way and with a moving and heartwarming ending. Not to be missed if you appreciate great dramas.
A remarkable tale based on a true story, I was gripped from start to finish. Derek Luke, I thought played a fantastic part and it was a good performance from Denzel too, who also Directed the film. An emotional account of how someone's present circumstances are a result of their past, facing your fears and forgiving to enable you to move on. VERDICT: A great film which I definitely recommend.
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