User reviews

When I want to feel emotion I turn to this movie. I find it to be a story about survival on a couple fronts. The performance by Denzel Washington is my favorite of his. I've watched this movie several times.

Anyone who thinks this is a disaster film (something like "Airport") will probably be surprised, and possibly disappointed. The end of the doomed flight is a perfect piece of suspense and tension. But that episode is not the theme of the film.

This film is actually about addiction (including alcoholism), but it is definitely not a sermon. Anyone unfamiliar with the illness may not notice what is being presented--so light is the touch here, and so excellent are the performances. There is an early scene of the dismal effect of addiction, and that is contrasted with a view of someone equally addicted but who is still "functioning." Is substance abuse not really a problem until something horrible happens as a result? Decades ago, Ray Milland won an Oscar for playing an alcoholic in "The Lost Weekend." And then there was "Days of Wine and Roses." There have been harrowing films exploring the depths of drug addiction, and the withdrawal from it. Denzel Washington makes the same point, without having an extended scene of excessive "drunk" behavior. While prior films on the subject had casts and situations which really punched across the message, this film opts for a more subtle message in an interesting story.

For example, when Nicole puts a blanket over Whip and leaves him, rather than helping him to his feet and tucking him in bed. When she is on the porch and Whip takes a quick glance at the book she has with her. Some of us know what she was reading and it's not a Bible).

Note the various contexts of "act of God," and not just as a legal term: such as the members of the church returning daily to the crash site, the meaning that some survivors take from the fact that they survived, the issue of any divine intent behind cancer.

There is also a great paradox in this film. Examine what you wish to happen in the final hearing. Who are you cheering for? The exchange between Whip and Ellen Block (the terrific Melissa Leo), is one of the most powerful scenes in quite some time. Without shouting, antagonism and wild emotions, Denzel and Melissa put it across. That final silent look she gives him has so much in it. I need to see that again.

I won't say anything about the plot except this: anyone who laughs when the second refrigerator is opened has totally missed the point.

This is the second time I have seen this masterpiece. Denzel Washington nailed it , he's one of the best actors of all time. I highly recommend this movie.

It's been a while since i really felt that moved by a movie,and i'm a Zemicks fan since Forrest GUMP,so it came as no surprise that he would deliver that great piece of art,i was taken by this film from start to end even though it's more than 2 hours,you just wanted it to keep going. From the crash of the plane ,you feel like you are actually inside the plane yourself,to the many struggles of Washington with his inner demons,and every time you think he finally was able to beat those inner demons,you get mistaken,but the end makes you believe in him once again. as underneath that surface of a careless drunk hopeless man,there lies a hero who just needed to have his faith back. There are no words to describe how breath taking Washington is,his talent is overwhelming,so amazing. The last scene is bound to make you cry,as it shows when Washington IS FINALLY FREE. The soundtrack is classic rock,all the cast were great,especially don cheadle,great music,wonderful story of how one could lose his way and drift so far off track,but he manages to pick himself back up and confront himself with the truth he spends his whole life running from. Just one of the finest movies ever.

Denzel carried this movie all himself! His acting was phenomenal. I could do nothing but have sympathy for him. He created a character from scratch and it is easily one of the finest performances he has pulled off in his career.

I have seen Daniel Day Lewis in Lincoln and I have seen Phonenix in The Master, both outstanding performances in their own right, but in my view it would simply be unfair not to give the Oscar to Denzel. He far excelled both of the above actors in acting potential in Flight. The connection I felt with his character was amazingly immense.

The movie itself is well directed and scripted, with 'slow burner' plot, but at the same time, very gripping. This is a movie not to be missed and easily one of the best films of the year.

Boy, Denzel Washington really uses his acting chops to play such a flawed character who's both heroic and pathetic! I mean, he's a pilot who manages to save most of his passengers on a plane that obviously wasn't very functional when he boarded it despite his drinking and having a snort just several hours ago. That's just for starters on what is perhaps the most compelling dramatic picture of the year directed with a sure hand by Robert Zemeckis in another of his surprise moves since he's usually associated with more commercially entertaining movies like Back to the Furure or Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Well, not everything here is meant for serious thinking as John Goodman is a great hoot as his supplier! But just seeing the range Washington displays here is enough for me to highly recommend Flight wholeheartedly. So if you like something more challenging for your brain, see it!

Every one of Denzels' performances is so good that it's next to impossible to pick a best. But I'm gonna say that this movie is DENZELS' BEST PERFORMANCE...EVER!

I think you need to have experienced alcohol one way or another or be around alcoholics in order to appreciate this. My father is an alcoholic and this movie struck a cord indeed. It was sad, but freeing at the same time. For alcoholics to change, they need big events such as these (plane crashes and whatnot) in order for them to break. They cover up in lies so good that is hard to penetrate. Many are like that for the rest of their lives until they die. Denzel's character was set free and that was satisfying to see.

Robert Zemeckis emerges from several years in the world of performance capture animation with a tale about addiction, admitting faults, and finding ways to move on. This couldn't possible be about the animation, could it? No matter Zemeckis' meaning at making this film, he comes out with his best movie since Cast Away, an intimate and penetrative look at alcoholism told at the personal level. It recalls Billy Wilder's The Lost Weekend but is far less consciously "important". It's much more focused on the story of an individual than in making it into a lesson for the audience.

Whip Whitaker is an airline pilot surviving on booze and cocaine to get himself out of bed and to work. He relies on those around him to keep the plane up in the air while also making rather reckless decisions to get through a storm pocket at liftoff. Passing out for the rest of the flight, Whip is barely functional until something goes drastically wrong. The plane starts into a steep dive, waking Whip up from his beauty sleep, and he takes control, performing some very unconventional maneuvers, like inverting the plane upside down completely, in order to establish some kind of control over the descent, eventually landing the plane hard into a field just beyond a Pentecostal church. The sequence itself is the sort of technical achievement and pulse pounding excitement one has come to expect from Robert Zemeckis. The sudden drop, the efforts to establish control, the concentrated visual delivery of pertinent information that build the situation, and finally Whip's concentrated efforts to address them all comes together to expertly tell the story of the crash. It's a great sequence.

Well, Whip is a hero, but six people died including the stewardess that he was sharing a wild night with the night before, but the National Transportation Safety Board needs to investigate the crash. The first thing that the NTSB does is to draw blood from every member of the crew, including Whip as he's unconscious. He had a blood alcohol level of .24, and he becomes a prime suspect as a cause of the crash. The rest of the movie's plot is a journey through preparation for an NTSB hearing that Whip, the pilot's union, and his lawyer want to use to clear his name and point the finger directly at the plane manufacturer for the fault that caused the initial dive.

The irony at the core of the film is that Whip might have made these life-saving maneuver purely because he was so jacked up, unable to make informed decisions. Being a drunk, he consistently uses an addict's methods of lying and guilt in order to deflect any questions about his responsibility for his own behavior because he saved lives. He goes up and down in his addiction, swearing off booze, getting black out drunk, swearing it off again, and then getting black out again, and that journey of self-deceit continues all the way to the end.

Alongside Whip's journey is Nicole, a young woman and heroin addict that Whip meets in the hospital. They bond rather quickly, relying on each other for their mutual efforts at recovery, but Nicole, despite her lower stakes, takes to recovery more fully and completely than Whip. She's a nobody with no one relying on her. He's got a federal investigation into his behavior hanging over him, and yet he just keeps falling off the wagon. She offers him support and a model of behavior, and yet the change needs to come from himself. He lays claim to his own bad behavior calling it a choice, but the movie is also knee deep in the ethos of the 12-Step Program from Alcoholics Anonymous. He can't rely on himself, he has to turn to God, and that is one of the more surprising parts of this film, the embrace of God as the answer to Whip's problems. Relying on other people or himself never addresses the issues at his core, but surrendering himself to God creates a more permanent solution (also ending up in prison doesn't hurt). It's a humbling experience as Whip realizes how little control he can actually exert over his own actions.

The low point is the night before the hearing when Whip, locked in hotel room without any booze, finds that the connecting door to the next room was accidentally left open, along with its minibar filled with mini-bottles. He finds it, opens a single vodka bottle, walks away, and then falls headfirst, emptying every bottle in a single night. Barely functioning after a few hits of cocaine, he makes it to the hearing and gets within sight of going home free, but it would require just one more lie to defame the stewardess he knew, and he can't do it. He reaches his breaking point and can't go any further, and it's carried really well by Denzel Washington.

For a filmmaker who seems to just love his toys, Robert Zemeckis is remarkably good with actors. I don't know if that's because he's good at casting actors who know what to do in the right spot or because he can help craft a performance with an actor, but the results speak for themselves. Like Terry Gilliam, Zemeckis is a technical minded director who can still manage great performances from his actors, and it's a consistent output. Denzel was nominated for an Oscar for this performance, and he deserved it. The self-doubt, the pain, and the desperation of a broken man finding his limits is wonderfully done. Beyond Denzel, though, the acting is still quite good. Kelly Reilly is very good as Nicole. Don Cheadle is no-nonsense as Whip's lawyer. John Goodman has a small but memorable part as Whip's drug dealer.

This is a wonderful character study of a broken man forced to face the reality of his own faults through an act of heroism and its aftermath. This is the work of a skilled technical director using the medium to craft an emotional product of a truly human situation.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Flight" is a great movie. Terrific performance by Denzel Washington and great supporting stuff from all involved around. This is a movie making at it's best. The opening sequence is breathtaking and also it has amazing production. Flight, a terrifically exhilarating film, hits all the right notes as a thriller and as a complex drama. A large part of the praise for this film goes to Zemeckis' professional direction (hey, this guy's roots are in Lithuania!)

Not usually we see great addiction dramas with performances like in "Flight". Outstanding, A must see.

Watched it in 2013, not drank alcohol since, ten years sober.... I was Walt in the opening scene, drink, coke and casual sex....sounds great right?

I thought so....until the film unravelled. Incredible film.... Life changing..... I used to drink and have no recollection of what i did, people would tell me the next day and i though i was cool.

I have re watched it so many times, Denzel is outstanding in this, outstanding.. Great casting, some amazing scenes, the hotel room mini bar is stand out the best movie scene ever IMO, Jon Godman, what a character, brilliant utterly brilliant, ten out of ten.

I respect Denzel Washington for his many ways of mastering characters in film and this one supports that belief. The story is remarkable and the character development by Robert Zemeckis, director is one that is worthy of a re-watch for sake of inspiration. There comes a time when a moral conscience hopefully breaks through and shines even in the most difficult situations. All cast & crew are exceptional. Thank you kindly. SMIB.

I'm not sure if this is an unpopular opinion or not, but this is my favorite Denzel Washington performance. Flight is the story of a high functioning alcoholic who is forced to face his addiction in the midst of a harrowing investigation into a plane crash that presents him with profound moral dilemmas. It's a modern day parable about personal accountability and the choices that define who we are as people. It's a great portrayal of addiction that had me captivated from the first frame to the last.

Denzel really brings a character to life. I must say he plays a drunk so well oscar worthy better performance than daniel day-lewis as lincoln don't see him giving a performance just a lot of make up oscar should have gone to his make up team anyway I digress. Great film plane scene was riveting some the best acting I've seen 10 out of 10 from me

Denzel Wahington once again reminds us why he's such a great actor in this drama. Flight is not a film about planes or a pilot's life, but it is an amazing character study about the demons of a man. This man, portrayed almost flawless by Washington in an award worthy performance is a man of addictions trying to overcome these. And that is what the movie is basically about, a man trying to fight his disease and how the people around him react to his actions. What's so great about the movie is how you actually sympathize with the character of Denzel Washington: I mean there are literally many times during the film when I actually was talking to Denzel in my head like "Oh don't do it man, don't drink that stuff, come on" And I believe that says a lot about the movie, cause you actually care for the characters in this. Flight has great performances, a great story and it is beautifully told. Robert Zemeckis' epic comeback, indeed.

Airline pilot Whip Whitaker(Denzel Washington) saves a bunch of passengers after a plane nearly crashes, while in the hospital recovering he meets Nicole(Kelly Reilly) a recovering addict who he befriends. At first being regarded as a hero, but soon an investigation starts to begin, cause Whip might have been drunk while flying, and was Whip the cause of the plane malfunction?

Brilliantly directed by Robert Zemeckis, is first film in a while that is just people not animation. Denzel Washington gives an Oscar worthy performance. Playing a character we don't know weather to love or hate. The plane scene is very intense you feel like your in there with them. Supporting players don't disappoint either, Don Cheadle, Bruce Greenwood, John Goodman, and Kelly Reilly.

This movie captures the essence of addiction and any review that says otherwise is simply a reflection of those who do not get it or refuse to get it. And the movie captures this essence as well. We are always the last to see ourselves. The music score is perfectly layered.

The casting for this movie was perfect. Kelly Reilly was brilliant...I mean really brilliant. John Goodman was slightly over-the-top but used with precision to lighten the mood. Peter Gerety as the owner of the airline was instantly believable. Don Cheadle use of subtlety in his performance noteworthy. Alan Silvestri's soundtrack haunting. Mr Washington is amazing. Denzel just knows his craft. When someone is this good, I just relax and like a beautiful sunset, I can only admire and give thanks. Yeah...I dug this flick!

There are millions of alcoholics and even more so in denial of living the illusion of being in control. Add the addicts of other forms of substance and we have a whole lot of people addicts to something.

How any review can be negative about this film is beyond me. The film portrays the insanity of addiction, that despite a crash, the desire to drink is not quenched, in fact, it escalates. Guilt and resentments fuel addiction. Denzel was brilliant here as was the writing and direction.

Arrogance is the only power a guilty man can stand on, and once that ladder is climbed, the top is about to peak, and quickly. Then there is a time when the lies must stop. One must accept the consequences. This is like the person arrested and says they are glad the police showed up. They were ready to let a "power greater than them self" take over.

Many reviewing this have addictions, but with different consequences. Shopping, gambling, sex, food (the number one addiction) can be equally as powerful in a person's life, but with different outcomes. At the core, the addiction is fueled by the same elements, some form of brokenness. Life in a fallen world. The key is repentance or a change of heart to seek God. We do not seek God out of His love for us, but out of pain and the need for rescue. Our hearts are that hard. Do you understand that? If not, continue on, by His grace you might have life.

When one says I am a grateful alcoholic, they mean if it weren't for that addiction they would not have found grace, so in a twisted irony, those with the "lesser" addictions might be worse off for they believe they are in control and live in their illusion.

'Flight' is A Captivating Film! Prolific Filmmaker Robert Zemeckis delivers a story worth watching. And Lead-Star, Denzel Washington, is Terrific!

'Flight' Synopsis: An airline pilot saves almost all his passengers on his malfunctioning airliner which eventually crashed, but an investigation into the accident reveals something troubling.

'Flight' begins & ends, arrestingly. The journey of its protagonist, is abusive, courageous & reckless. The Oscar-Nominated Screenplay Written by John Gatins, progresses marvelously, as it maintains pace & adds enough thrills to keep you hooked on the screen. Zemeckis is in complete form as a Director. He has handled a film as complex as this, like a complete pro. Cinematography & Editing deserve a special mention.

Performance-Wise: Denzel is Terrific, in an Oscar-Nominated Performance. He rips it up & how! Easily, amongst his finest performances to date. Kelly Reilly looks stunning & delivers a remarkably subtle performance. Bruce Greenwood & Don Cheadle are in command. John Goodman & Melissa Leo are fabulous in cameos.

On the whole, 'Flight' is a must see. Two Thumbs Up!

This is a must see movie. The acting and direction was extremely well done. The director, Robert Zemeckis, and writer, John Gatins, really brought this drama to life. Some lines could have been delivered in a cheesy and unrealistic way, but they were not. I enjoyed every metaphor. One of the most memorable scenes for me was when Denzel had a brief interaction in the stairwell at the hospital. :)

I experienced more chills then expected during this film. I would definitely watch it again in a heartbeat.

With me knowing how a drunken grown man acts, Denzel Washington delivered a magnificent performance. His connection to his character took me so deep into this dram that I didn't even notice the movie was about 3 hours long! :) It kept moving in brilliant ways!

A huge thank you to every team player that put time into the making of this film. It brought a smile to my face as I know it did the same to you.Thank you! Thank you! I hope to make a movie as good as this one someday! Job well done! :)