The action-thriller FLIGHT has a lot going for it…
Of course there’s Denzel Washington but I’ll get to him in a bit.
A lot of credit for this top notch nailbiter goes to a major talent behind the camera – director Robert Zemeckis to be specific.
Zemeckis has given us some terrific movie experiences in the past including ROMANCING THE STORE, BACK TO THE FUTURE, USED CARS, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT and, of course, FORREST GUMP.
Then, during the early part of the 21st century, Zemeckis turned his attention to CGI based productions—specifically to motion capture technology.
His 2004 production of THE POLAR EXPRESS was probably his biggest achievement during the decade.
Well, Zemeckis is back and this time out in the live action arena—with a bang.
So fasten your seat belt. You’re in for one hell of a FLIGHT!
Here Denzel Washington stars as veteran airline pilot ‘Whip Whitaker’ with lots of carry-on baggage. There’s the ex-wife, estranged son and major drinking and cocaine habits.
Yet he’s one of SouthJet Airlines’ best.
So when a horrific hydraulic malfunction forces him to crash-land his crippled jet in a way that saves all but six souls aboard, the N.T.S.B. now wants to know whether the accident in fact was pilot error with Washington betraying the public trust?
Was Washington in shape to command the plane that fateful morning?
The toxicology report questions that while attorney Don Cheadle sets out to defend the suspected ace pilot.
But FLIGHT is much more than a disaster movie. It’s a terrific, white knuckle character study with Washington delivering what could become an Oscar nominated performance.
It’s also a somber portrait of an airline, its ownership and the union. But foremost the personal demons that’ll have you buckle up for tense cinematic turbulence.
Also special kudos to John Goodman who delivers a bouncing off the walls performance as Washington’s dealer that could earn him a best supporting actor nomination.
“See you on the dark side of the moon.”
Heavy on drugs, sex and alcohol: FLIGHT—cleared for takeoff, raising 4 out of 5 tense fingers.
JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES: On Radio / On Cable / On Line.
Robert Zemeckis gives us a Leaving Las Vegas type look at a pilot operating in commercial planes.
The previews might make a lot think they are going to see a way diffrent film.
But for a long film it held my attention very well. In fact you lose track of the time you get so into it or least I did.
Couldn’t agree with you more. Do you think that John Goodman’s performance was strong enough for possible Best Supporting Actor consideration?
Man that is a tough one. While Goodman was good it also was well like this was reaching maybe to bring a little humor into a dark story.