Posted: 12/27/02
© 2002 Filmmonthly.com


Antwone Fisher (2002)
by Hank Yuloff

Mr. Washington directs a superb drama in his first go.
On Christmas Day, my wife and I decided to spend the day in deep religious contemplation - yep, we took in three movies at the local cineplex. The "throw in" movie was supposed to be Antwone Fisher because we had seen the preview at least 12 times and knew the entire movie because they lay it all out for you. But after all, it IS Denzel Washington (Glory, Philadelphia, Training Day) so we went on in to theater #15.

They do tell us too much, but I'll be damned if it wasn't the best movie of the day and one of the very best of the year.

Antwone Fisher is a troubled young man. He grew up in a bad foster home and circumstances made it fortuitous for him to join the Navy. The trouble is, that is not the best place to be if you are prone to acting out in a violent manner. After what seemed to be another in a series of fights, Fisher is sent to the base psychiatrist (Washington as Officer Jerome Davenport) who must make a recommendation on whether is able to stay in the Navy. Thus begins Fisher's search within himself and his need to confront all of the things in his past which cause him to lash out with rage in most difficult situations.

There are two other story lines worth mentioning. First is the relationship between Davenport and his wife, Berta (Salli Richardson from Book of Love). Here is a man who deals with patients daily, yet when it comes to communicating with his wife, there is a wall that can not be torn down. Second is the relationship between Fisher and Joy Bryant (Cheryl Smolley from Showtime), a 2nd generation Navy enlistee. Fisher, at 25, is just beginning to relate to women in any way other than reclusive.

The acting is amazingly good. Fisher is played by newcomer Derek Luke who has two movies coming out in 2003. He was an excellent choice to play this part and I think he should get some consideration come Oscar time. As an obscure actor, we were able to focus on the part he played, not on the actor playing the part. Bryant is also good as his girlfriend. She has a smile that really does light up the screen.

As for Washington's job as first-time director: 'Bravo!' Add another feather in this talented man's cap.

The only fault I find with this movie is the trailer. In this case, it told us the exact truth - compared to all of the ones that suck you into a bad movie by showing you all the highlights. It just gave us too much of the movie so we knew where it was going and how it was going to end. The trip is worth taking, however, and you may want to bring along a few tissues.

Hank Yuloff is an advertising guy in Los Angeles who loves to see Denzel in a uniform (think Crimson Tide!)