Fences

Davis went big...debuting film actor Jovan Adepo shines...

Fences is one of the most prescient movies out now.

The performances by each of its six main characters... combined with Washington's gripping direction (inciting a mix of terror, madness, and pity), FENCES is simply extraordinary. It is not to be missed.

Denzel swells with dangerous charisma. Viola works high emotion from every one of her many lines. They are so good they almost convince us we're watching a movie.

There is a powerful drama here about the legacy of racism but Washington doesn't know how to liberate it from the stage.

The symbolism is heavy handed. It's like being repeatedly clobbered by Troy's prized baseball bat: Rose takes a phone call that delivers bad news; a lightning flash illuminates the crucifix on her wall.

“Fences,” directed by Denzel Washington, is one of the finest and most seamless examples of the power of performance being translated from the stage to the screen.

“Fences” is lively and vibrant yet aching and tragic. The cast’s rapport carries over beautifully from stage to screen, and their handling of August Wilson’s characters comes from an understanding far deeper that simple familiarity.

It's impossible to watch and not be moved.

Washington grandstands, showing every facet of a man consumed by the shadow of his past, but unable to keep himself from repeating history... the strength of the performance delivers a more rounded character than you might expect.