Review of Flight (2012) by Ulla D — 29 Aug 2014

Denzel Washington gives one of his best performaces in "Flight". He stars as an alcoholic pilot who's plane has some trouble and has to make an emergency landing while inverted. Although there is loss of life, he succeeds despite being intoxicated during the flight. Out of 102 souls onboard, 98 survive, albeit with injuries. The flight was simulated with other sober pilots and none were able to land the plane without killing everyone. So the question is, although he was intoxicated, did Denzel's character have some moments of clarity because of the alcohol or was he more relaxed because he was intoxicated that allowed him to land the plane with little loss of life?

There are a few moments in the movie that might be difficult for some viewers, especially younger viewers to watch. There are some sex scenes where little is left to the imagination. There is also frequent and intense drug and alcohol abuse. Denzel's character even has a physical altercation with his ex-wife and teenage son. Language is also fairly strong in the movie, especiallyin the beginning when Denzel's character is drunk or hung over.

Despite it's setbacks, "Flight" does pose some interesting questions, and sends positive messages about being a recovering alcoholic, staying calm under pressure, and healing relationships. I would say that the R rating is certainly appropriate and wouldn't recommend anyone under 17 seeing "Flight" without and adult.