Smashbomb

Fences (2016)

2016 | Drama

7.9

(9 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Acting (1 more)

Mykelti Williamson

Too much dialogue (0 more)

Great acting, shame about the rest

It pains me to say this, but I really wasnt impressed with this film. The acting is fantastic, from Denzel Washington, Viola Davis and Mykelti Williamson (Bubba!), and the dialogue too is top notch. The problem is the film is too dialogue heavy and the rest of the story seems to take a back seat. Most of the film is taken up by characters standing around talking. Yes they are delivering some great pieces of dialogue, but it just isn't enough to stop the film from becoming a little bit tedious. You can really tell that its been adapted from a play, with the heavy dialogue and minimal sets. And it doesn't help that Washington's character isn't very likeable.

Sadly this film reminds me a little of Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight, which had so much talking in the first half that I fell asleep before the intermission. Fortunately Fences isn't quite this bad as it is at least propped up by some fantastic performances.