Flight (2012)

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

Written by: John Gatins

Players: Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly, John Goodman, Don Cheadle. 

Setup- A drug-obsessed commercial pilot uses keen instincts and decision-making to land a failing jet full of passengers-- while drunk and high. The ensuing crash investigation threatens to permanently revoke his license to fly.  

It’s particularly jarring to see a movie based on addiction. It is for me, anyway. Becoming addicted to anything, be it alcohol or something believable like the internet, would turn you into a figurative zombie. A sociopathic zombie bent on suppressing bad thoughts with internet spontaneity. And what hurt am I in denial about? Life would be just a constant act, a trick to get to my next wireless hotspot. Most of us enjoy a healthy amount of surf time, hanging digital, and wouldn't expect that we or our friends might develop the next case of internet addiction disorder (IAD).

Just the thought of not being able to google anymore makes my hand shake uncontrollably!

The frightening movie, “Flight” stars Denzel Washington as Whip Whitaker, a commercial airline captain. During the flight, a sudden event sends the plane diving toward the earth, surely on it’s way to imminent doom. Sideswiping doom, Whip performs an unusual maneuver and ensures the majority of those with souls do not die. However, routine toxicity reports taken from all crew members reveals he had quite the drug party happening in his body during the ordeal. Alongside Whip is his do-good lawyer played by Don Cheadle, while Kelly Reilly plays his sexy new girlfriend in Nicole, and John Goodman kicks butt as his lovable enabler Harling Mays.

I spent the better part of the movie pondering what it's like to be so unable to wise up. He was a hero who performed a miracle, but his own mindset never changes throughout the movie. Several times you’re left feeling disappointed in the character and hurt that not only is he letting himself down, but he’s letting you down too. The character's charm in constantly making you care is one of the reasons I fully expect Denzel to be in the pack of Best Actor nominations. Everything Whip does in the movie, good or bad, just makes you invest more in his well-being. 

When the curtains drew to a close and I was finished thinking about why a modern day movie theater would even have curtains in the first place, I realized I had just watched a very decent movie. The plot was solid and I wasn’t able to catch any wildness with logic, which is always half the battle eith these things. As I’ve mentioned, the acting was amazing, the characters were more than authentic, they were the sort of people that we wish we had in our lives to remind us we're alive and help us be happy and makes awesome nachos that they share with you. The only reason to rush to a theater right now would be for the crash scene, otherwise, just make sure to catch it on when it comes out on DVD. I have a hunch that the Oscars will play a role in reminding you. 

Tidbit: No compensation was received from alcohol companies for featuring the various beer, liquor, and wine. Zemeckis only gave a shot to each company, so as not to "endorse" any one brand. 

Drink of Choice: Straight vodka, chilled if you have to. Maybe a touch of tonic, but nothing close to a normal amount. Drink the vile liquor with him! Share his torment!