Rating: 
Summary: Washington's debut is promising
Review: I must admit (shamefully) that this did move me to tears. It is definitely a sad story, but unfortunately it is too true, and not only in the ghettoes. Antwone Fisher's story shows the importance of families in the emotional development of human beings at the earliest age. In a time when we have been bombarded with guilt-stories we tend to shake off what we consider as another attempt at making us feel guilty. But this story isn't about making anyone feel guilt. It shows the struggles that face people who have not had the security of a family, and it helps those who haven't experienced that sort of insecurity relate to those that have. I'm not a big-fan of love interests either, but I think it was important to show that his girlfriend played a role in his rehabilitation. One thing I did not like about the movie was Denzel's character almost compelling Fisher to lose his virginity. I don't think this sends the right message especially to those young people who may be watching this movie, but then what movies do? The acting wasn't bad, although the movie had that Hollywood feel to it. I think some stories get through even if they are painted with tinsel-town's brush, and for this to have been Denzel's debut as a director adds to the specialness of this movie. I hope he comes out with another one sometime soon.
On another note, it's good to see a positive potrayal of Afro-American people on film, there have been too many 'gangsta' films coming out of Hollywood of late. Finally, watch this movie to get a perspective on your own life.
Rating: 
Summary: Why does everyone like this movie so much?
Review: Why does everyone like this movie so much?
I saw it a long time ago, so I probably shouldn't even be writing this review as I can hardly remember a lot of it
But I DO remember that I actually couldn't watch the whole movie.
It was cliched, boring, unrealistic and the acting really wasn't too good. There was no real suspense to the story, no catchiness. I sat there, bored out of my mind until I decided to make a lame excuse to leave the house I was watching it at. The script was horrible and unrealistic. A lot of the lines were basically just things people would never say, and then they'd include all these things about white people being racist in ways that most white people aren't, especially in this day in age.
Even the love story was boring. A lot of movies add a love story to whatever is going on to appeal to audiences that might not like the other story and to add more suspense...it was just so...blah. If you want to watch a good movie that addresses REAL issues about racism/abuse etc in today's society, there are MANY more out there (im sorry but I'm too tired to think of any specific titles at the moment) with better scripts, acting, and stories. Just search around a little.
Rating: 
Summary: A Very Moving Movie
Review: This is truly one of the best movies I've ever seen. Newcomer Derek Luke was simply brilliant in his portrayal. As much as I love watching Denzel, Mr Luke is reason I've watched this movie over and over again. He's such a gifted actor. I hope to see more from him. Denzel Washington did an outstanding job behind and in front of the camera. He never disappoints. I'm so glad Mr Fisher shared his story. It was truly inspiring.
Rating:
Summary: Antoine Fisher
Review: This true story is truly moving. It is a story of trimuph above circumstance. Again we are horrified by the circumstances in which this child grew up, without anyone. I look forward to reading the book and hope to do something worthwhile to touch a child in similar circumstance.
Rating:
Summary: Healing a Sensitive and Talented Young Man - Very Good!
Review: This is a very moving movie. I did not have any idea that it was in any way biographical until the end of the film. Who knows how much license has been taken and who cares. Derek Luke does a great job in portraying a talented and sensitive young man whose harsh life has trained him to lash out as his only means of protection. Denzel Washington, whom I can never not enjoy on screen, is naval doctor Jerome Davenport who is assigned to decide of Fisher should be discharged from the Navy as unfit after yet another brawl. Davenport and Fisher develop a close relationship in a way that becomes rewarding but limiting for both, but Dr. Davenport has the professionalism to urge Fisher to seek out his real family. Fisher does and learns a lot about himself and gains some healing connections with his life. Denzel Washington also directed this movie and I think he did a fine job. This is a good movie for young people (if not children) to watch. It can teach adolescents something about the problems and emotions they are facing.
Rating:
Summary: see it
Review: i loved this film. i thought it was powerful and uplifting. yeah it does have some clinches but there easily over looked. like i daid in past reviews denzel is briliant always. newcomer derik luke is great here to as he has the lead role. this is a great feel good movie that is toushing and moving it has acouple laughs. some twists ans turns that keep u interested in the story. denzels directorial debut is a great movie and i cant wait to see wat he directs next if he ever does direct any more movies. he dosent give us all the information at once he feeds the veiwer with a little bit of info at a time to keep us glued to the screen for 2 hours and after i watched it the first time i felt so good i went back and watched it again. 4 and a half
Rating:
Summary: A great film with a great heart
Review: When I saw ANTWONE FISHER early last year, it was one of the only few films that I've seen an audience applauded after the film was over. That's a sign of a wonderful film. The film is based on the troublesome real life autobiography of Antwone Fisher, who wrote the screenplay of his painful past as a child which leads him to confront his demons as a Navy seaman. He meets a psychologist (Denzel Washington) who lifts his spirits up even though he's reminiscing about his unpleasant years. Derek Luke is an excellent up-and-comer who gives a naturalistic performance as Fisher, and Washington's directorial debut is fine. I was astounded by the real Antwone Fisher, who first revealed his story as a film-studio security guard, whose sad life is penetrating theme to the audience. Courage, dignity, and a great heart is Fisher's message in the film. A notable accomplishment by Fisher! A thoughtful film about life and a highly recommended movie to watch and learn.
Rating:
Summary: On a scale of 1 to 5 this movie is a 20!!!!
Review: As other reviewers have already stated, this movie should've gotten Denzel a bunch of academy awards. Any black actor could've done Training Day halfway decently. Why is Hollywood so in love with negative black stereotypes (let me not even mention Monster's Ball)? Derek Luke should've also walked away with plenty of awards himself! This is hands-down one of the best films I've seen in my 32 years of life. I rarely buy movies on DVD because I know I won't watch them more than once and maybe twice at best. Well, I not only bought this movie, but, I have bought more copies as Xmas and birthday presents for friends and relatives! Rarely does a movie move me to tears. This movie had me crying for joy or sadness several times. This movie was so powerful, I even saw other grown men crying when I was watching this with my wife at the theater! I'd like to know what movie the reviewers that didn't give this movie 5 stars felt was worthy of 5 stars. Pick this one up you won't be disappointed!!
Rating:
Summary: Director Denzel Washington comes up with a real winner
Review: I live in a city that is off the beaten path, especially when it comes to movies. "Lost in Translation" never came here and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" only made it to the local art theater. I remember when "Boyz in the Hood" came to town there was a story about it in the newspaper that made it sound for all the world that it was a foriegn film, and there is a sense in which that is true because the idea of living in a place where police helicopters are buzzing overhead all the time is beyond our experience. But even though films by African-American directors do not always manage to make it up this far into the Northland, I have made a point of checking them out when they are released on video and DVD. One of the main reasons is that directors like Spike Lee and John Singleton are making films that speaks to the African-American experience in America. This seems self-evident, but I have to tell you that very few movies have spoken to me directly about my life; I have identified with the television series "thirtysomething" and "Once and Again," at vastly different times in my life, more than anything else. But I can still appreciate the sense of purpose I almost always find in these films. We have all heard the alarming statistics about how many African-American children are raised in homes without a father and the devastaing impact that has had on generations of such children, and on one level "Antwone Fisher" is about one such child. This 2003 film begins with a dream in which Antwone walks into a room and finds his entire family gathered for a big meal. Then he wakes up on the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier on which he serves. The next thing we know Antwone is getting into fights if anybody says the wrong word to him. The captain hits him with a list of punishments and also requires him to see a therapist, Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington), before the ship sails again. Antwone refuses to talk and in the tradition of "Good Will Hunting" Davenport waits him out. Eventually Antwone begins to tell his story and we learn of his horrific childhood. Antwone's father was murdered before he was born, which was in the prison where his mother was surving time. When we see him as a boy he is in a foster home where he is abused emotionally, physically, and sexually. All of his problems stem from what happened then and Davenport helps Antwone to put the pieces together. But the final part of the healing process is Davenport's insistance that he has to go and find his family, whatever there is left to be found, and confront the last of his demons. At this point we discover that everything in the first hour-and-a-half of "Antwone Fisher" has been mere prologue to the powerful series of scenes that conclude the film. The story behind this film is almost as impressive as the film itself. Fisher was a security guard at the Sony Studio when his screenplay was bought and Denzel Washington decided to make it in his first try at director. Then throw into the mix Derek Luke, a newcomer who was cast in the lead role and the end result is even more impressive. We are told at the end of the film that Fisher based the screenplay on his life but dramatized some of the scenes, which is always the case, though rarely admitted so boldly. Of course such a comment immediately makes your curious as to what was changed and why, but I quickly decided I did not care. That was because I liked the way the film ended and I do not care if it "true" or not because of the way it rings true, which is what matters most in film. What makes "Antwone Fisher" worth the seeing is the value it places on family, most notably by it absence, but also by the idea that it is out there if it you can find it.
Rating:
Summary: this movie is so good....
Review: Antwone Fisher was a movie full of emotions. I liked this movie because all of the characters did their job very well. Denzel Washington gave one of the best performances of his career. This movie had very good flash back scenes. Although this movie was very good, there were a few parts that made me angry. One of those parts are when Antwone's stepmother called him names just because he was darker that the rest of his family. I also was bothered by all the beatings that Antwone received. If you put all those things aside, this movie makes you laugh as well as cry.
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