Brilliant...you have to be there to know

Rating: 10/10 (18 November 2014)

This movie captures the essence of addiction and any review that says otherwise is simply a reflection of those who do not get it or refuse to get it. And the movie captures this essence as well. We are always the last to see ourselves. The music score is perfectly layered.
The casting for this movie was perfect. Kelly Reilly was brilliant...I mean really brilliant. John Goodman was slightly over-the-top but used with precision to lighten the mood. Peter Gerety as the owner of the airline was instantly believable. Don Cheadle use of subtlety in his performance noteworthy. Alan Silvestri's soundtrack haunting. Mr Washington is amazing. Denzel just knows his craft. When someone is this good, I just relax and like a beautiful sunset, I can only admire and give thanks. Yeah...I dug this flick!
There are millions of alcoholics and even more so in denial of living the illusion of being in control. Add the addicts of other forms of substance and we have a whole lot of people addicts to something.
How any review can be negative about this film is beyond me. The film portrays the insanity of addiction, that despite a crash, the desire to drink is not quenched, in fact, it escalates. Guilt and resentments fuel addiction. Denzel was brilliant here as was the writing and direction.
Arrogance is the only power a guilty man can stand on, and once that ladder is climbed, the top is about to peak, and quickly. Then there is a time when the lies must stop. One must accept the consequences. This is like the person arrested and says they are glad the police showed up. They were ready to let a "power greater than them self" take over.
Many reviewing this have addictions, but with different consequences. Shopping, gambling, sex, food (the number one addiction) can be equally as powerful in a person's life, but with different outcomes. At the core, the addiction is fueled by the same elements, some form of brokenness. Life in a fallen world. The key is repentance or a change of heart to seek God. We do not seek God out of His love for us, but out of pain and the need for rescue. Our hearts are that hard. Do you understand that? If not, continue on, by His grace you might have life.
When one says I am a grateful alcoholic, they mean if it weren't for that addiction they would not have found grace, so in a twisted irony, those with the "lesser" addictions might be worse off for they believe they are in control and live in their illusion.