Fences

I Think This Is One Of Those Movies That Only Someone Who Was Raised By A Father Like Troy (Denzel Washington) Would Understand Perfectly! I Really Wish From The Depth Of My Heart For Families Like This To Finally Find Happiness...

"Some people build fences to keep people out, and other people build fences to keep people in". 'Fences' is what I call an "actors movie". Great acting all round, good story, and a easy straight forward narrative. Other than that, it falls flat. Denzel directing is bland and the film has a lot of pacing issues, as I felt the runtime. Of course this was based on a stage play and it sure feels like it even watching it. Because every monologue has to be shout and be big like a stage performance, but at the same time fits certain characters. Kind of a mix bag really. You could say the main goal was to make it look and feel like a play. I mean, many movies have done it, but did it so much better. It got pretty repetitive after awhile and has a rusty flow. While a movie adaption of 'Fences' wasn't really needed, but it's the performances and story that keeps things a float. Honestly, this is some of the best I've seen from Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. Both delivering powerhouse and unstoppable performances. It doesn't shy away from dark themes and I know a lot of people will be uncomfortable, but moved of what's be presented. Just to be clear, I don't hate the movie, as it may seem. There's a lot to be liked and some may disagree with the points I brought up, which is totally fine.

While this is a very strong drama with truly fantastic performances, it is clear why it is much better suited as a play than a film. I do believe there are certain criteria that distinguish film from other art forms, and simply put having 2-3 locations in the entire 2+hour movie does not cut it. But other than that, good.

This movie was way to slow for me! Most of the movie was just talking in the backyard of their house. The only good thing was the acting of Denzel and Viola.

Oh. My. God. You'll never see such spectacular, knock-your-sock-off acting, entrapped within an utterly miserable two hours of homework. I laughed when I saw the "adapted from his play" credit; the only adaptation must've been typing "Fade In" and "Fade Out" -- as a play this would be very powerful; as a movie it's a $50K student film shot in one house with Oscar-worthy actors. It's film; why did we only get tell-not-show? The son's school and football practice; the characters at the bar; the friend's wife; Denzel's 'acquaintance,' the church women -- all theatrical offscreen references, faceless names only referred to. I was nearly coming out of my skin with impatience. Storytelling should reflect, and take advantage of, its medium. This belonged off-Broadway.