ANTWONE FISHER —*** 1/2 — Derek Luke, Denzel Washington, Joy Bryant, Salli Richardson, Earl Billings, Kevin Connolly, Viola Davis, Rainoldo Gooding, Novella Nelson; rated PG-13 (profanity, violence, racial epithets, vulgarity, rape, brief gore).
There's absolutely nothing wrong with a manipulative feel-good movie, especially when it's done as well as "Antwone Fisher."
Make no mistake about it; this biographical drama is definitely sappy. But it's also heartwarming and touching, and it features a stirring, needed message about putting the past to rest.
"Antwone Fisher" is also very well fashioned by director Denzel Washington, who co-stars and makes his feature filmmaking debut. The result is that Washington solidifies his claim as a true multitalented presence.
It should be noted that, for a PG-13 movie, some of the material will challenge moviegoers (there is frequent use of racial epithets and a scene that depicts — discreetly — the rape of a child).
"Antwone Fisher" is based on the true-life story of its title character, a U.S. Navy sailor prone to fits of violence. The film picks up his story as Antwone (played by newcomer Derek Luke) has lashed out at one of his fellow sailors. He's given a second chance to prove himself — contingent on his seeking counseling.
So Antwone is sent to Jerome Davenport (Washington), a psychologist and naval officer who wants him to share his feelings. Easier said than done. After a series of sessions, the truth finally emerges — Antwone was abused by foster parents.
As he begins to deal with his horrifying past, his demons jeopardize a promising romance and threaten to overwhelm him. So it appears that Antwone may have to return home to deal with the ghosts that are haunting him.
If the material has the ring of truth, it's not just because the story was taken from Antwone's memoirs, but because the screenplay was written by Fisher himself.
Washington is an assured director; he never hurries the pace and seems to develop all the relevant details.
Still, the film relies heavily on its performances, and newcomer Luke is more than up to the task. He even holds his own against Washington, which is really saying something. There is also a fine supporting turn by Joy Bryant as the requisite love interest, and actors Cory Hodges and Malcolm David Kelley, who play younger versions of Fisher (in flashbacks) also acquit themselves nicely.
"Antwone Fisher" is rated PG-13 for occasional use of strong profanity and racial epithets, violence (a bar scuffle and other fisticuffs), some crude sexual talk and use of sexual slang terms, rape (overheard but not seen) and brief gore. Running time: 113 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com