This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Paramount Pictures. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All opinions are mine. I am a huge movie buff. Like I know the dialog to so many movies! I am what you call a participatory movie watcher. I tend to talk to the screen. But this is only with movies that have moved me deeply. That is how the movie “Fences” effected me. “Fences” is a powerful and moving cinematic masterpiece.
“Fences” is an Oscar nominated movie, based on the Pulitzer prize and Tony award winning play written by August Wilson. The story is set in the 1950’s and centers around Troy Maxson, played brilliantly by Denzel Washington. Washington brings his Broadway role to life for the big screen. In his younger days, Troy was a former Negro league baseball player. he was a pretty good one at that. Troy accidentally kills a man while committing a robbery, and gets fifteen years in prison. Troy continues to practice while behind bars. Because the color barrier has not yet been broken in the major league, Troy is unable to make a living playing his beloved baseball.
When he is released, he meets and marries Rose. Rose is brought to life by the incredible Viola Davis, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Troy’s brother Gabriel suffers considerable brain damage from a war injury. Gabriel receives $3,000 from the government and Troy buys a house with the disability money. He lives in the house with Rose, their son Cory and Gabriel. Troy settles into a dissatisfied life as a garbage collector. Rose raises their son and watches over Gabriel. Troy lives for his payday Friday where he can drink and talk smack with his friend and co-worker, Bono. Troy tells colorful tales of his childhood, his dog Blue and reminisces about his baseball days.
With “Fences“, there are so many layers to the story. The character development is strong, deep, emotional, and heartbreaking. The relationship with Cory and Troy is tense at best. Rose puts it so eloquently when she describes it to Cory years later. She tells him Troy wanted Cory to be everything he is and everything he wasn’t. Wow! I don’t want to give any more away. There is so much to this story, you will want to watch it over and over again. I know I do!
Among the strong and colorful characters in the movie, one of my favorites was Gabe. He is played by Mykelti Williamson. You will recognize him from such hit shows as 24, Designated Survivor and Nashville. He is so believing as the mentally impaired and child like Gabe. You will also recognize Russell Hornsby as Det. Hank Griffin on the NBC supernatural drama Grimm. He and I have had a regular date on Friday nights for years! He plays the sax playing, Lyons, Troy’s son from a previous relationship.
If you grew up with a hard ass for a father, you can relate to Cory, Troy and Rose’s son. He is played by British actor Jovan Adepo. He has been in the popular show Leftovers and The Youth. The relationship between Cory and Troy is contentious and volatile. Their only buffer is Rose. The cast is rounded out by the jovial Bono, Troy’s sidekick, played by Stephen McKinley Henderson. He is a teddy bear and the long suffering friend of Troy’s, who you cannot help but like! Here is the official trailer from the movie.
The movie “Fences“, is now available in a Blu-ray Combo Pack. The combo pack includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film as well the Bonus Content. This includes Expanding the Audience: From Stage to Screen, The Company of Fences, Building Fences: Denzel Washington, Playing the Part: Rose Maxson and August Wilson’s Hill District. Be sure to follow The movie “Fences“ on Facebook and Twitter. One USA reader will win a copy of the movie “Fences“, $40.
Have you seen Fences? Please tell me what you thought! If not, tell me why you would like to see it!
