A deceptively simple movie with a deeply felt message.
83
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam Arnold
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam Arnold
Washington brings it off with an unforced and well-earned emotional wallop, and whose strong hand, keen eye, sweet spirit and good taste are reflected in almost every scene.
80
L.A. WeeklyErnest Hardy
L.A. WeeklyErnest Hardy
The film offers an impressive melding of quietly radical images and ideas with, yes, an old-fashioned, crowd-pleasing holiday tearjerker.
75
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
There are a few occasions when Antwone Fisher crosses the line to become too syrupy -- For the most part, however, the production radiates emotional honesty.
But there's a vaguely self-congratulatory tone to the screenplay that's a bit off-putting.
60
Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern
Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern
Affecting but formulaic.
60
New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter Rainer
New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter Rainer
Should be remembered for a pair of performers -- Derek Luke and Viola Davis, whose cameo as the mother who abandoned him cuts through the sap like an acetylene torch.
50
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
Has warmth and integrity, but it lacks the urgency of a story that had to be told.
50
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick Groen
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick Groen
This is the brand of sentimentality that comes with a high concentration of saccharine and every taste of bitterness safely removed.
30
Village VoiceMichael Atkinson
Village VoiceMichael Atkinson
Washington directs with proficient blandness charged only occasionally by organic acting moments.