Flight gets derailed.

Rating: 5/10 (10 February 2013)

At its core, this large scale Robert Zemeckis film has a provocative idea and a potentially fascinating character, but unfortunately the filmmakers have come up with an unnecessary and awkwardly introduced sub plot involving Nicole, a junkie who shoots up to the strains of Sweet Jane, and her sleazy landlord who along with John Goodman's flamboyant dealer belong in a different film. These three characters are total clichés, and they undermine the film's seriousness and focus. Flight would be considerably shorter and significantly better without them. Excellent support from Melissa Leo, Don Cheadle, Brian Gerahty(co-pilot) and Tamara Tunie(Margaret)help keep it real, and Denzel Washington is superb whether you like his character or not. Alas, there is also an over reliance on a jukebox soundtrack, and the film's spiritual/religious undertones are heavy-handed. The film is not a complete waste;despite excess baggage,it occasionally takes flight.