Movie Reaction: Fences

Formula: Fences (The Play)

I have nothing profound to say about Fences, the new Denzel Washington-directed movie based on the August Wilson play. The screenplay was also penned by August Wilson, and he wrote a play for the screen, not necessarily something cinematic. That's just what it is, a filmed play. To some degree, I appreciate that. August: Osage County a couple years ago tried to mask that it was a play written for the screen and felt off balance the whole time. Fences knows exactly what it is, which made it a lot easier to enjoy.

Denzel Washington and Viola Davis reprise the roles they won Tonys for in the 2010 revival of the play. They are the reason to see this. These are big, meaty roles full of huge moments that allow Washington and Davis to shine. Davis probably just won her first Oscar with this and Denzel has made a strong case for deserving his third. This will be one of those cases like Dallas Buyers Club where the film stands no chance for Best Picture, but the actors will gobble up the acting awards from a lot of voting bodies. Those two in particular are just so damn good. But, others like Jovan Adepo, who plays Washington and Davis' son are very good too, just not at their level.

For those unfamiliar with the play, it's about a black family in the 1950s. The father, Troy (Washington) is a demanding man, especially to his son, Cory (Adepo). Troy is committed to doing what he feels is right and never owing anything to anyone else. His wife, Rose, adores him and the life she's made with him. This requires her to give a lot though. Troy has his demons, especially those chasing him from his past. Theirs is a dysfunctional family, but it works for the most part. It's best to look at Fences as an acting delivery system. The story is like the pitcher during a Home Run Derby. It's just stringing together plot that allows the actors to shine. I talk about plot-driven vs. character-driven story a lot. Fences might be best described as performance-driven story. Things keeps happening in order to give the actors something to do.

As long as it is being watched in the right way, Fences is a good movie. It's imbalanced, but the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. If nothing else, it has made me very interested to see a stage production of the play. Washington and Davis are fantastic throughout. Washington's direction is very restrained. He doesn't get in the way of the performances at all. He doesn't add much either. No one can say that Fences isn't exactly the film everyone involved intended to make. I'm just not sure it's one designed to be loved by everyone.

Verdict (?): Weakly Recommend