Antwone Fisher MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

Based on a true story, this biographical drama was written by the real-life Antwone Fisher. Played by newcomer Derek Luke, the films Antwone Fisher is an angry, young Navy man with a haunting past. His short fuse and proclivity to fight land him in the office of Navy psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington in his directorial debut) who will determine if the sailor is fit to stay in the Navy. The stubborn Fisher resists therapy but gradually softens when he determines that Davenport is not the enemy. Fisher develops a dependence on the psychiatrist, being reduced to tears when he is told the visits must end. Dr. Davenport gradually draws out Fishers past, which includes abandonment by his mother who gave birth to him in prison, the death of his father, child abuse and molestation, and the violent death of his closest friend. Fisher, accompanied by his girlfriend Cheryl (Joy Bryant), returns home to deal with his painful past and consider a dramatic life change.

The source of Fishers violent behavior is revealed through a series of flashbacks the young Fisher being beaten, whipped with a towel, tied up in the basement, and scared by the threat of a flaming torch. There is also implied child molestation by an adult female who kisses the young boy, later seen running from the house with his pants undone. One of the flashbacks shows Fishers childhood friend being shot point-blank in the head. There are a couple of fight scenes, and in one bar scene are numerous scantily clad women. Antwone Fisher is an inspiring and touching story of a young man overcoming a bad childhood and maturing as an adult. The themes of reconciliation, hope and overcoming ones past are prominent in the film, but the foul language and violent scenes involving children earn it a negative acceptability.

Preview Reviewer: Bob Russer
Distributor: 20th Century Fox