 | Merry Christmas everyone! I have a movie review for you today. If you like to see movies on Christmas day, then plan on Fences. This review is spoiler free, so if you haven't seen the movie yet, no worries, I've got you covered! Movie Release Date: December 25, 2016 MPAA Rating: PG-13 | Drama | 2 hr 18 min Watch Date: December 14, 2016 Rating: 4.5/5 |
This movie was so much more than I expected. I'd heard good things about the classic stage play written by August Wilson, so I expected a "play feeling" movie. Did I get that? Hmm...not exactly. Essentially it does feel like stage play-like, but that stage play feel fell away bit by bit as the movie went on. It was engrossing from the very first moment.
Denzel Washington's performance as Troy was memorable and impressive. He knows how to spot a good role. I suspect he may be nominated for an Oscar for this role. Viola Davis killed it as Rose, I'm sure she'll be nominated for an Oscar as well. The two of them together was on screen magic. She's an early 50's housewife that must manage a washed-up baseball dreaming, alcoholic, angry and bitter trash man husband with many issues. The rest of the cast is great. Everyone had a strong performance and those supporting roles were just as substantial as the leads. The actors and actresses fit the roles amazingly. I felt horrible for Mykelti Williamson's (best known for his role in Forest Gump) character, Gabriel. His time fighting in the army has left him mentally challenged and damaged. Hell, I felt bad for all of them. They were all in a bad way at one point or another in the film. There is heartache, anger, and a bit of healing that touch these characters.
Denzel Washington's performance as Troy was memorable and impressive. He knows how to spot a good role. I suspect he may be nominated for an Oscar for this role. Viola Davis killed it as Rose, I'm sure she'll be nominated for an Oscar as well. The two of them together was on screen magic. She's an early 50's housewife that must manage a washed-up baseball dreaming, alcoholic, angry and bitter trash man husband with many issues. The rest of the cast is great. Everyone had a strong performance and those supporting roles were just as substantial as the leads. The actors and actresses fit the roles amazingly. I felt horrible for Mykelti Williamson's (best known for his role in Forest Gump) character, Gabriel. His time fighting in the army has left him mentally challenged and damaged. Hell, I felt bad for all of them. They were all in a bad way at one point or another in the film. There is heartache, anger, and a bit of healing that touch these characters.
This story isn't uplifting, but it's relatable and emotional on a lot of different levels. It's a true reflection of life at that time. The title Fences, really was a metaphor within the movie and may leave you evaluating a few things in your life. Speaking of the plot, it delivers a strong punch and it's a movie that I recommend. Washington also directed this gem, so he may be nominated twice! It's a powerful movie that I will ever forget. If you're looking to kill some time after opening presents and eating Christmas dinner, spend a few hours watching Fences.
