Review of Fences (2016) by Ben T — 26 Feb 2017

Fences is based off of August Wilson's famous stage play of the same name. It tells the story of a man, Troy Maxson played by Denzel Washington, trying to build a fence around his house and being both a husband and father; however due he is not quite as friendly as he seems originally and causes lots of dramatic sequences.

As I mentioned the movie stars Denzel Washington in the lead role but he also directed this movie, Viola Davis stars alongside Washington as his wife Rose, new comer Jovan Adepo stars as son Cory and Stephen Henderson plays best friend Boon.

Russel Hornsby also stars in a small role as Troy's other son Lyons and Mykelti Williams gives a heartbreaking performance as mentally disabled brother Gabe. Fences is incredibly well directed by Washington and has some top class acting from both Washington and Davis.

Davis especially steals the movie and has one truly fantastic scene where she gives the best performance of her career. Fences is extremely well written as a lot of it is the play just lifted off of the page and onto screen.

There are problems such as uneven pacing and a somewhat dull finale. Fences is still a very good movie but it is flawed however the acting is what makes it great. This is an actors movie through and through and I really liked it.

A-.