FILMMAKERS should have to apply for a special licence to make a movie that is more than an hour-and-a-half long.

Unfortunately there sees to be a growing trend to attempt to add gravitas to a movie by making it longer.

In the same way that the epic novel War and Peace comes across as more high-brow than the flimsier works it shares the bookshelf with and operas always last longer than musicals, there seems to be the inference that an art form is worthier if 'enjoying' it turns into a feat of endurance.

This certainly seems to be the case with Antwone Fisher. Perhaps because it is based on a true story and it is Denzel Washington's first shot at helming a film, but the film feels as if the director has been over-indulgent to his source material, giving it too much time, resulting in a film which is slow-paced and at times rather dull.

And it's a shame, because with a few more cuts, this could have been a much better film.

Newcomer Derek Luke puts in a strong performance as Antwone, as does Malcolm David Kelley as the young Antwone.

His story is poignant and moving, all the more so because it is based on fact.

The developing relationship between Antwone and his psychiatrist Jerome, played by Denzel Washington, is gently and enjoyably developed as is Antwone's blooming romance with Cheryl.

But unfortunately Washington underused himself. His character never really develops and the sub-plot about his problematic relationship with his wife has an added-on feeling.

And at the end of the film it comes as a real surprise when Jerome tells Antwone how much their relationship has helped him learn and grow - the development of this plot strand apparently took place off camera.

Furthermore, the film looses some of its bite by slipping into sickly sentimentality and towards the end appears to be trying to present a Norman Rockwell version of Afro-American middle-class life, where everyone is happy, smiling and welcoming and food is plentiful.

Antwone Fisher is enjoyable enough but essentially this is Good Will Hunting with weaker dialogue and less compelling characters.

I give it: 6/10