Film Review: Flight

Film review by Tom Hunt

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Robert Zemeckis Films

Robert Zemeckis is a name most will associate with Back To The Future, but over the years he's drifted from Sci-F into Drama's and is back once more with Flight. Flight stars Denzel Washington as Whip Whitaker, Kelly Reilly as Nicole, Don Cheadle as Hugh Lang, Bruce Greenwood as Charlie, John Goodman as Harling Mays (brilliant role) and Nadine Velazquez (that hot one from My Name is Earl that most guys wanted to see naked) as Katerina (who is naked for the first 2 minutes of the film)

Flight poster.

Captain Whip Whitaker, is Washington's most despicable character since Training Day. He's a liar, an alcoholic and he cheats his way through taking responsibility for his actions. To quote the film he's "an arrogant scumbag" pilot, who knew? After we find out he's not on good terms with his ex wife or son he arrives on the plane, still drunk from the night before and later drinks again mid flight (hey look it's the title of the film, coincidence?) Bad things happens in the air and the plane begins to fall apart, literally. In an adrenaline filled moment, acting on instinct the captain manages to land the plane in dramatic style. This scene is superbly done by Zemeckis, and you genuinely believe the sheer astonishment of two members of the public seeing this plane flying upside down. Add into that camera phone footage of the landing, which again is some wonderful cinematography and you have the building blocks for the film. Initially it looks like Whip is done with his drinking and his drugs, his loveable and easy going drug dealer played by John Goodman, comes over to give him some 'stuff' (drugs, stuff is drugs) which he rejects. In the hospital he meets Nicole played by Kelly Reilly and the two come together like damaged goods finding each other in their sadness. As an investigation forms around him and the added pressure of the media the captain soon returns back to drinking. Nicole fears Whip will bring her back down and leaves him and his life begins to spiral further out of control.

The film's underlining theme is redemption, seen through both Denzel and Kelly Reilly. Both are seeking redemptions from their demons, but only Reillys character, Nicole has the strength in herself to seek it out. Whip however has everyone bending over backwards for him, doing whatever they can to give him a free ride and get him off the hook. With a bit of luck and manipulation along the way people get on his side but ultimately it looks like Whip finally gets the redemptions he struggles so hard to find.

Flight isn't as good as Zemeckis's previous drama, Cast Away, but it's still an enjoyable film. It's easy to see why it didn't take any Oscars, it wasn't a great film just a good one instead. Denzel Washington was a strong leading man as usual, but it could have done with a little bit more.