The title character (Derek Luke), a young sailor with a violent temper, delves into his abuse-laden past with the help of a fatherly Navy psychiatrist (Denzel Washington, who also directed). Film starts off with a talky, dramatically flaccid first half, but picks up with an emotionally overpowering finale as Fisher, who wrote the script, searches for his origins. (1 hr. 57 mins.; PG-13)—BILGE EBIRI.

Opens December 19
• Showtimes & tickets (movietickets.com)

More in Movies