FENCES towers among the essential tales of America. Denzel Washington and Viola Davis' thundering performances infuse lightning into the words of August Wilson's iconic stage play, sparking emotion to leap from the screen and live in the heart. Washington's sure direction adds layers of cinematic nuance to embrace a family that stands tall and together in a world demanding happiness and hardship be earned, not asked for - and responsibility resonate in the struggle to "take the crookeds with the straights."