Rating of
3/4
Flight review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 02/19/13
"For the first time of my life, I'm free." An alcoholic pilot Airline captain William "Whip" Whitaker (Denzel Washington) does drugs and drinks before every flight. The plane SouthJet flight 227 malfunctions and yet Whip was able to maneuver it to help the passengers survive. old friend Charlie Anderson (Bruce Greenwood) and attorney Hugh Lang (Don Cheadle) help the case of Whip. Had a realistic plane crash which heightens the tension, unfortunately the believability factor is lessened since the deaths were only minimal whereas the premise which the director originally emulated, 2000 Alaska Airlines crash, none survived. Having a pilot with substance abuse issues on a plane and easily quitting drugs but not alcohol was baffling. How was Harling Mays (John Goodman) contacted when Whip was totally wasted. Entrance of John Goodman was good, if only he had more screen time. Length was a bit stretched with the anticipation of the hearing and supposed romantic angle.
Overall, despite its minor defects, the effects were realistic, Washington effectively carries the film, direction precise, soundtrack apt, screenplay engaging, research was good and pace suffice. This is definitely one of the best portrayals of Denzel Washington of a flawed individual. Watching Denzel is sufficient to view this film, entertaining enough to view this movie. A modern day The Lost Weekend/Dr. Jekyll Mr. Hyde with an awesome supporting cast with Goodman and Cheadle. Flight emphasizes on addiction, alcoholism, religion, media coverage, lies, pride, truthfulness, identity, heroism, tragedy and transformation.
