Rating: 
Summary: Well acted drama, incredible real-life story
Review: ANTWONE FISHER is the story of a man who went through an enormous amount of hardship. It is depressing but also rewarding to find someone who managed to succeed despite all that was against him. There are strong performances all around. You expect nothing less from Denzel, and as usual, he delivers. Denzel is not the main character but he has an important role. There were two very good scenes that were powerful emotionally and really resonated. Denzel's direction is pretty solid. Nothing too fancy. Standard drama type coverage of the actors. I found the soundtrack to be okay, nothing special. The score could have been more moving. Those looking for elaborate 5.1 surround sound have come to the wrong movie. The DVD has a featurette that has the real Antwone Fisher, so you get to see what he looks like. The documentary talks about how the film became a reality, and contains the obligatory movie clips of the film you just watched. I found it interesting that Fisher wrote over 40 drafts of the screenplay before it was filmed. A good commentary by Denzel and the producer top things off. They have some interesting insights about the making of the film, and listening to it definitely made the movie even better. In conclusion, ANTWONE FISHER was a good film, and definitely a worthwhile DVD for Denzel fans.
Rating: 
Summary: "...who will hear the tears of the boy inside the man?"
Review: Antwone Fisher's story of childhood neglect and abuse is an inspiration to all among us who witnessed or even experienced the plite of foster children. Abandoned by a troubled mother, Antwone has never met his father. Growing up with "church going" abusers who use the "n-word" not only to intimidate and hurt but also as a term of endearment, as a young man witnessing how his best friend is killed in a hold-up, enduring racial slurrs and being teased while serving in the Navy, Antwone's anger is slowly turned into positive power when counseled by a Navy psychiatrist, and a love enters his life. The scene where Antwone meets his birth mother is one of the most powerful moments in the film. Stunned by the unexpected confrontation, the woman listenes in silence to hear the young man tell her how he has lived a life without crime, addictions to drugs, fathering children left and right, all despite his utterly adverse circumstances. If that scene wasn't powerful enough, the very next one drives it home (and opens the flood gates): A reception to welcome home Antwone; dozens of smiling faces and open arms announcing that HE is part of this great family. One of the messages delivered by this wonderful film is that there are many well-meaning and sincere people working to help orphans and unwanted children. Even if some of the homes and administrators don't seem to care and appear self-serving, many do give it their all. The character who found Antwone's "file" once he disclosed the circumstances of his birth is one of those "bright lights" in the darkness of the system. The DVD includes a French Language track, various subtitle choices, as well as additional features and information about foster parenting. As a Clevelander I appreciated the location footage. No matter where you are from, you will be deeply moved by this autobiographical gem.*****
Rating:
Summary: Soul Cages
Review: At the beginning of " Antwone Fisher " there is a disclaimer that states that some scenes in this film were fictionalized but the core of the story of Antwone's search for his true idenity were completely factual. My intuitions tell me that due to a certain amount of 'padding' it was truly difficult to accept this movie on it's own terms. And, sadly, that be may the core of my less then enthusiastic expereince concerning a movie that asks to be taken at face value. Bearing in mind that this was Denzel Washington's directorial debut, " Antwone Fisher " sadly is not the awe inspiring movie experience that I was so initially hopeing for. To be frank I, oddly enough, was expecting something along the lines of " Good Will Hunting " with a military bent. While the film most definitely has it's moments it left me with a nagging feeling that somehow a unique opportunity had been lost. While it certainly isn't my intention to [...] Antwone Fisher with faint praise I simply fail to recognize this movie as the " gripping story of survival and triumph " that this film purports to be. A movie that proudly wears it's heart as preciptiously on it's sleeve as this one does, for my money, simply needs to bring more to the table then what Mr. Washington provides here...and that is it's curse. It kept running through my mind that the makers of " Antwone Fisher " seemed to want their film to be much more emotionally devastating ( and ultimately personally rewarding ) then what it truly is. Sadly, the impact that this movie had on this viewer was far less then devastating. I thought it interesting but, sadly, simply far too mundane to keep me in suspense. Playing the lead role actor Derek Luke is truly gifted as the troubled young seaman who is summarily sent to Naval psychiatrist ( Denzel ) for examination before being considered for expulsion from the military. As the search for Antwones painful past is exhibited in a series of flashbacks I generally felt slightly manipulated ( a huge no-no when it comes to attempting to establish any sort of gripping human drama ) into caring for the young sailor and his search for his true family. Which never bodes well when selling a story based on pure emotion, sadly ommitting any intellectual curiosites that may have sparked the film into the emotional drama that it seemed to, in all earnest, be painfully searching for. Overall, while the movie most certainly had it's moments it came off, at times, feeling much like a film I might see on the Hallmark television channel or even Lifetime, had our protagonist been a woman. Don't misunderstand me though, as both lead actors played very well against each other and the viewer will no doubt find him/herself cheering on Antwone to its predictably somewhat happy ending. In addition, the final scene in the film, which I suspect was inserted to show how Antwone had come full circle and had gained the respect of the psychaitrist seemed truly contrived and gave the air of somehow trying to wrap up circumstances just a little to nicely. Overall, I thought, for a freshman effort, Denzel Washington's directorial debut, if not a little pedestrian, was not without it's success. I do suspect though that as popular as Denzel Washngton is ( right along-side the perennially likable Tom Hanks ) perhaps audiences are giving him a little more leeway as opposed to an established director with a fully realized body of work. And who's to say, perhaps Mr. Washington's next attempt at film-making will be a story much more worthy of his efforts. 3.5 stars
Rating:
Summary: A Powerful Tale
Review: ANTWONE FISHER is a truly powerful story. Denzel Washington made his first directing project a good one. The film tells the story of Antwone Fisher who at the time was in the Navy. After seeing a psychiatrist, the audience gets to delve into his past, which is tortured at the least. I was sceptical of the film at first. However, once I watched it, I was generally impressed. If you like true stories, Denzel Washington movies, or even military movies, I suggest you buy ANTWONE FISHER today. Antwone Fisher was a guard at a studio when he was discovered. After being discovered, he wrote the story of his life in a screenplay. The result of him being discovered is a great film. It takes the audience on a journey through accounts of abuse, violence, and finding truth. While some of the images and events are disturbing, the film is still good. Also, the star Derek Luke is talented. The combination of a powerful story, talent, and decent music make this film one you should see. This film is not for everyone, and it is not without flaws. If you don't enjoy violence, images of sexual and physical abuse, or psychological movies you won't enjoy ANTWONE FISHER. However, overall the film is great. For those who want to see a great and true story on film buy ANTWONE FISHER today.
Rating:
Summary: A great story...a great movie..what more do you need?
Review: Having benefited from obtaining a copy of this movie, before it's release to DVD, I'm pleased to say how much I have enjoyed this movie. I missed it in the theaters, so viewing it at home was a treat for me. Derek Luke does a smashing job as Antwone Fisher, and Denzel is as at home in this role, as he is in any other. This film marked Denzel's dirctorial debut, and I must say that he did a great job. Based on the true events in the incredible story of Antwone Fisher, this movie is definitely one of the best films I've seen in quite awhile. You can't helped but be drawn into the movie, wanting to discover more of Fisher's story as he struggles to tell all to his shrink. This is a very short review, and I won't go into a whole much, but needless to say, this was a great movie, and the DVD boasts a full commentary and a making of to boot. Good stuff
Rating:
Summary: Washington at his best...
Review: "Antwone Fisher" is a great story. I couldn't believe it was true. "Fish" has showed everyone that no matter where you come for or what you have: you can succeed. The U.S. Navy is a great place for a young man or woman to find themselves. And, this story of one young man's life would make you join the U.S. Navy & find yourself...it did to me.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant Film! Tragic Story!
Review: I recently saw this film about the life and times of Antwone Fisher. As a grown man I found myself weeping at certain points in the movie especially Fisher's early years of physical and sexual abuse. You can understand why he was so explosively angry. The film was directed by Denzel Washington who did a brilliant job...
Rating:
Summary: Masterpiece
Review: Antwone Fisher is a truly remarkable movie that touched me deeply after I saw it. It is heartbreakingly real about real human emotion that at times drains you but is very much rewarding in the end. Denzel Washington and Derek Luke deserved Oscar wins for sure and this or Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets should have definitely won Best Picture. It is just an epic achievement in moviemaking and is so touching because it is about true human emotion. It is sad seeing everything this man went through, but in the end he triumps by putting the past behind him and learning to move on and above all to continue living. It just makes you be grateful for life and makes you appreciate your family, and that is one of the main things that makes this movie so great, but believe me there is so much more that you will be awesomely glad you took the time to experience it when you do. I have nothing but praise to say for this film, and everyone should definitely see it. It is indeed a masterpiece and may be the greatest film ever made. But please like one reviewer did, do not just repeat comments that were on Plugged In's website. Always use your own.
Rating:
Summary: Antwone Fisher - Awesome Movie!
Review: The Antwone Fisher story is so moving. Mr. Academy Award winner, Denzel Washington's directing was just brillant. He deserves another award. It was filled with drama, comedy, romance and even suspense. I just loved it from beginning to end. I just couldn't stop crying. I couldn't stop smiling. I am definitely adding this movie to my collection of Mr. Washington's films. Just Awesome!
Rating:
Summary: The Movie Antwone Fisher
Review: This was a very compelling story about a youngman overcoming childhood trama. This movie took you to the past, filled with saddness and trama. Then this movie propelled you to the victory and joy of overcoming the trama. This is a sign of a great and up comming director,D. Washington.
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