Brilliant acting by Denzel - a powerful heavy film that isn't Hollywood-style redemptive

Rating: 8/10 (30 July 2013)

Flight is superb. It's a dark treatise in alcoholism, desperation and addiction and Washington is superlative. He portrays Whip the pilot as both genius and attractive but also pathetic, broken and fallen. He deserved his Oscar nomination. The film is absorbing, engaging and completely compelling. I couldn't look away it was so gripping. Up to the last you didn't know how it was going to end up - you can see how it could have gone either way but he demonstrates a strength despite it all.
Nadine Velazquez, always beautiful and engaging, for a small role showed commitment to character, bravery at such exposure (there is total nudity in this film) and her physicality on the plane was great. John Goodman was comic relief given the seriousness of the story, and was really amusing. Kelly Reilly who played Nicole was also brilliant - another exposing and vulnerable role and understated believability - a really likable character. Tamara Tunie (Snr Flight Attendant Margaret), Co-Pilot Brian Geraghty, Lawyer Don Cheadle and Bruce Greenwood from the Union and Adam Tomei as the despicable landlord were the back up players - all of whom were brilliant. Everyone brought their A-game ensuring that the film is nigh on flawless. I don't think I can fault it and it only loses points really for how depressing the film is. Despite the religious overtones which were uplifting to a point, and not too overplayed, it's a dark film and whether there is redemption and whether the outcome is good bad or controversial is the genius of the film. The end doesn't tie up loose ends entirely satisfactorily and leaves it open for discussion and personal opinion. Overall a superbly performed, written and produced film. It is real, gripping and immersing. I defy you to watch it and not want to discuss it. Brilliant film for adults, I may be a bit out of touch but I would have put it at an 18 not a 15 although all of the "adult" bits are real, relevant and not offensive or gratuitous. Really powerful film.