Complete star power doesn’t come any better than (in industry stalwarts themselves) Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. Having those two stars combine on any setting, no matter the plot, is enough to make even the most non-believer of movies sit up straight and pay attention. Directed by the main man himself, Fences is based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play of the same name. Overall a promising build up but does it deliver?

The above trailer alone is enough to give you goosebumps!

Fences is the story of Troy Maxson, a mid-century Pittsburgh sanitation worker who once dreamed of a baseball career, but was too old when the major leagues began admitting black players. He tries to be a good husband and father, but his lost dream of glory eats at him, and causes him to make a decision that threatens to tear his family apart. The title is symbolic and combined with the plot you’ll soon find out why upon watching.

Like Moonlight, Fences has received positive reviews with the flick already grossing a cool $53 million. It was chosen by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten films of 2016, and has been nominated for numerous awards, including four Oscar nominations at the 89th Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor (Washington), Best Supporting Actress (Davis), and Best Adapted Screenplay. It also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor (Washington) and a Best Supporting Actress win (Davis).

It’s no secret that Denzel Washington is one of the best actors of our generation if not the best. There’s a very good reason for that…the man always manages to get it right, Fences is no different – in fact it may be his best performance yet, the man has come full circle with this role. Fences captures your imagination from the onset and never lets up. With a running time of just over 2 hours, it’s not necessarily short but best believe that you won’t even notice or wonder when it’s coming to an end.

To say that I was impressed and blown away by it is an understatement, I can safely say it is one of the best flicks I’ve seen in a good while. A classic already (in my book at least), Fences is a masterpiece and a great display of cinematography, great storytelling that flows from one point to the other seamlessly and most of all, includes acting of the highest order. It now makes sense why it’s gotten so much attention, favorable commentary and achieved so much.

Cast – Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson & Saniyya Sidney

Director – Denzel Washington

Genre – Drama

Running Time – 2h 19m

I can’t stop singing its praises and to be honest if anyone doesn’t make it a point to see this movie anytime soon, they would be doing themselves a huge disservice. The best movie I’ve seen to date and probably ever. Definitely didn’t disappoint, very far from it, Fences gets an outstanding 4.5 out of 5 rating from me – GO SEE IT NOW!