Antwone Fisher

Reviewed by:
Tony McMenamin

Take Oliver Twist, add some serious mental damage, change the name, and you have Antwone Fisher. If there ever is a movie that will have you bawling rivers of tears, it’s this inspiring drama of how a young black Navy rookie (Derek Luke)—in dealing with his anger problems—has to re-connect with his childhood to examine the source of his furious outbursts. Confiding in his shrink (Denzel Washington), Fisher re-visits the murkier times in his life and reveals a childhood so disturbed that your month-long confinement under the stairs will pale in comparison. Abandoned by his mother, father killed by an ex-girlfriend, abused by his stepmother—you’d join the Navy, too. Playing on your oft-expressed emotions of empathy, guilt, and affection, Fisher may strike a raw nerve in its harrowing treatment of childhood abuse and racial injustice. No worries, the Oprah-fication and pervading atmosphere of “kid-done-good” will offset any feelings of negativity—just bring some kleenex for the Mrs.

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