Flight (2012)

An airline pilot saves many people when his plane crashes, but the subsequent investigation reveals the real story...

When a packed passenger airliner falls apart at 30,000 feet it is assumed that everybody on board would die, but through quick thinking and years of experience Captain "Whip" Whitaker is able to land it safely. Afterwards he is thrown into an investigation of professional negligence and the real truth about his errant lifestyle is bound to come out.

Legendary director Robert Zemeckis, best known for his inspired work on "Back to the Future" and its blockbusting sequels, returns to the chair for the first time since "A Christmas Carol" in 2009 to bring a truly special film to the big screen. Touching on the very emotive topics of alcoholism and drug addiction with a great amount of feeling and showing both sides of the coin in a rather tragic, yet somehow triumphant story.

Denzel Washington takes the lead in this terrific film, and is excellent value for his amazing, SIXTH Oscar nomination, two of which he has converted to golden statues. It is 11 years since this immensely talented actor received the nod for the ultimate prize in his industry, but with his portrayal as "Whip Whitaker", a man trying and failing to hold his life together despite being completely off the rails, he finally returns to the limelight. His performance as a lifetime drunk and drug user is at times, hard to watch, but always convincing and very entertaining, bringing the necessary gravity to a role which deeply deserves it.

John Goodman, seems to be popping up all over the place in the past twelve months with outings in "Argo" and "The Trouble with the Curve", but surpasses all of these with his wonderful portrayal of the rather unorthodox "Harling Mays". A lifetime friend to the lead character, but also his drug dealer and unofficial saviour, "Mays" could also be blamed for the troubled place where "Whitaker" finds himself. Goodman may not be on screen for much of the film, but his performance is truly awesome and his comedic style holds the film together when it threatens to unravel.

Don Cheadle returns to feature films for his first outing since the dark comedy, "The Guard" in 2011 with a tremendous showing as high powered lawyer "Hugh Lang". He really seems to take to this role with gusto and shows the amazing amount of wheeling and dealing which is done behind the scenes by legal wranglers. A very enjoyable experience watching this talented and versatile actor in this film!

Bruce Greenwood, better known for his work on tv, comes back to the big screen with great showing as "Charlie Anderson", trying to keep his friendship with "Whitaker" together despite the pilot trying his very best to throw it away. He joins Washington for the third time in their careers, having worked alongside him on "St Elsewhere" in the 80's and then "Deja Vu" in 1996. His performance is dedicated and believable and the audience cannot help but feel sorry for his character and his seemingly fruitless efforts to save the career and life of his friend.

Kelly Reilly does a wonderful job as "Nicole", giving a great performance as this troubled young woman who does her best to keep her life together while trying to aid the self destructive "Whitaker". It would be good to see more of this talented actress in the future. Also keep an eye out for the beautiful Nadine Valezquez who makes a good break from her TV career as "Katerina Marquez". Her time on screen is short lived, but is entertaining.

The film is well paced and enjoyable, with Washington giving a superb performance in the lead. He is well deserving of his best actor Oscar nomination and seems decent money to win his third award. The film is a very serious one, with the odd light hearted moment, but does pay the correct amount of respect to various issues which plague modern society. This one is a very good watch and will keep the audience engaged throughout the 138 minutes running time.

This move is well worth your admission fee and is entertaining from start to end.

7.5/10