Flight

Not what it appears to be

I might have given this 3 or 4 stars had I not seem so many alcoholic redemption movies already. The opening showed such great promise but then digressed into yet another drunkologue - "Oh,if only he would have admitted himself sooner..." movie. This is not an aviation movie. Calm down you pilots. This is not a mystery/suspense movie as another viewer suggested. Anyone who's ever lived with alcoholism/addiction knows where this is going. To the writers/producers, credit be given in maintaining the truth in the real story taking place. And credit to the actors/director for not turning out an over-the-top soap opera. To that end the movie was excellent - but that's not the movie I went to see.

Should probably watch movies you want to review

The two "aviation professionals" who posted reviews seem a bit overly sensitive about the role of flying in this movie. It is merely a prop that helps tell the story. The real story is the pilot's battles with his demons, and that battle is believable and well portrayed. I felt the movie was a little long, but the story was complex and took time to really develop to a point where you were really rooting for Denzel's character. I'm not a big Don Cheadle fan, but in this movie, I really liked him. Overall, this was good entertainment, though certainly not lighthearted.

Very disappointing

Following almost universally good reviews, I went to see Flight yesterday, even though as a retired airline pilot I had some reservations. Unfortunately it was far, far worse than I feared. Not only did the film get virtually every aspect of aircraft mechanical systems and basic airmanship wrong (I kind of figured that would happen), I found the rest of story lame beyond belief, and I am a big fan of Denzel's. Cliched, hackneyed, boring, unengaging, even if you grant the film the benefit of the considerable doubt that an airline pilot could be an alcoholic and a cocaine addict for his entire career without being identified as such in the many random and regular drug and alcohol tests. Don't waste your time.

Actually watched the film

"Flight" is an excellent movie. You will be on the edge of your seat not just during the "flight" but other times as well. You will be surprised, saddened, and laughing - sometimes at the same time. Watch Washington's superb performance, which is totally believable and deserving of awards. And the rest of the cast is brilliant and believable as well: John Goodman, Don Cheadle, and Kelly Reilly. Goodman is a riot, Cheadle is trying so hard to help, and Kelly is lustrous and sweet. (Goodman is in 2 of the best 2012 movies: "Flight" and "Argo" - must see movies). So even the best of us who don't fear flying, will be gripping the arms of the movie seats. And then watch Denzel reveal himself!

Perpetuates myths about aviation...

Granted, I have not yet seen the movie. But I can already tell that it will reinforce the public's already misinformed view of aviation. Being a private pilot, with many friends in aviation (both commercial and private pilots), the press and Hollywood never seem to get it right. It may turn out to be a good character study, but using aviation as the setting only seems to have allowed the director to have a fantastic, harrowing flight sequence that will scare the pants off the audience. Maybe that's OK, but the misinformed public and misinformed legislators continue to promote bad rules and the press continues to report erroneously on every aviation incident. It's gotten much worse since 9/11 and I don't think this movie will help.