Denzel's performance stays with you.

Rating: Null/10 (12 February 2013)

Spoiler Alert.
Okay, aside from Denzel's co-pilot who had us laughing our ass off through the plane crash sequence, the movie is not that bad. This is NOT the movie pitched in the trailer. If, like myself you're thinking you're going to see a big scale Zemeckis action/adventure - throw that idea out the window and picture instead Nicolas Cage in Leaving Las Vegas - aside from the shopping cart full of booze, there are few differences.
Zemeckis, I understand the narrative requirement that Denzel be cool and calm and in control when the plane is going down, contrasted with a more panicky co-pilot - BUT, an eight year old girl would be less panicky than the one played by Brian Geraghty. I cannot possibly imagine that at the screenings there weren't others laughing like us and not sure why Zemeckis let it through. The first three times he squeals like a ninny you let it go as it seems to be a serious film. But the eighth time you can't help but burst out laughing. EVERY time the plane makes a move in the final minute of the crash sequence he squeals like a stuck pig. Does a guy like this EVER make it through flight school? Okay, the plane crashes, then its basically two bloated hours of Denzel getting wasted sucking on bottles of Vodka and getting his ass saved by an even more inebriated John Goodman ( not sure how many 60 year old 300lb coke addicts are alive but this one is Denzel's right hand man ).
If I would have read reviews first I probably wouldn't have seen this film. I don't really like Denzel and the only reason I saw this was because I love Zemeckis ( I forgave him for the snooze-fest 'Castaway' ). The movie plods along and is actually kind of boring but the next day or two Denzel's performance really sits with you. He may win as it is very difficult to play drunk and he's drunk for all but a couple of scenes.
Major continuity gaff is in the prison scene where Denzel addresses a group of prisoners about sobriety - he's wearing a big gold chain and watch. Ridiculous there isn't ANYBODY on set on a Hollywood movie with an Oscar award winning Director and Actor who didn't notice this. Fire someone.