Rating of
3/4
A Sobering Effect
Chris Kavan - wrote on 02/09/13
Robert Zemeckis is known for bringing more light-hearted fare to the box office: Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump and The Polar Express are all on his resume. But with Flight, he proves that he can handle some heavy drama just as deftly as he can comedy.
Denzel Washington delivers a knockout performance as Captain Whip Whitaker, and from the opening scene, we know he isn't a choir boy: drinking, drugs, lack of sleep - not exactly what one looks for in a pilot. An in flight nap is on order but after flying out of a storm early, the plane suddenly begins a steep dive and he has to make snap decisions, including an incredibly daring inversion, to save the flight.
Make no mistake, the plane crash has to be one of the most intense scenes I have seen at the movies this year. The editing was superb and the acting was simply perfect during the entire harrowing sequence. That scene alone in my mind makes this film worthy of Oscar inclusion.
What follows is a study of addiction, denial - plumbing the depths of the soul only to find out what kind of person you really are. Washington is the standout, but he is surrounded by a truly excellent supporting cast including Kelly Reilly as a fellow addict who herself yearns to become clean, John Goodman as Whip's drug supplier, Bruce Greenwood as his only real friend (the bond which is sorely tested) and Don Cheadle as his appointed lawyer. Each brings something to the table and all the pieces truly come together.
Zemeckis also does right with his choice of music from the upbeat "Feelin' Alright" by Joe Cocker (which contradicts the scene it is used in both times), The Rolling Stones "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Gimme Shelter", Red Hot Chili Peppers "Under the Bridge" and the Cowboy Junkies rendition of "Sweet Jane" - music selection is always spot on and a nice addition to the story.
The film does tend to get somewhat bogged down in the second half. After watching the crash and immediate reaction - things slow down a bit and, while I can't say I was bored, it certainly lacks the punch that you got from the opening. Also, the relationship with his wife and son isn't touched upon nearly as much as I would have liked, though I can understand there is only so much you can include. The ending is pure Zemeckis - a little to corny and sweet following such a dramatic punch. Still, the good far outweighs the deterrents in this case.
Considering all the films it's up against this year, I think Flight makes a pretty good case for itself as one of the better films of 2012. The performances are there (Washington in particular proves he can still carry a film), the story is solid and isn't afraid to tackle substance abuse and its consequences and it has a rocking soundtrack. It is certainly a film I would recommend seeing before the Oscars - but if you wait awhile longer, that's okay - just make sure you catch it at some point.
