Flight
User Score
7.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 239 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 203 out of 239
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 239
  3. Negative: 15 out of 239

Review this movie

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. ijcn
    Nov 6, 2012
    10
    Didn't expect this movie to be to me outstanding. Some good funny humor. But kept it serious. Great story telling. Great direction. Great acting. Almost a three hour movie. But very much worth the watch.
  2. amboy
    Nov 16, 2012
    10
    This is a brilliantly written, directed, and acted film. I do feel sorry for people who wanted a plane crash movie and didn't get it. This is a film of depth and moral complexity for which there are no easy answers. Zemeckis direection is flawless--there's a stunning photographic moment late that is not a special effect. Denzel Washington tops all his previous work, and John Goodman and Melissa Leo are huge in small roles.… Expand
  3. wesker2012
    Feb 5, 2013
    10
    Wow....just Wow. This is the most meaningful, compelling movie I've seen in years. When I first saw the trailer of this movie, I thought what a silly premise for a movie. Little did I know, it would be a brilliant character study. I don't have many favorite movies, but this is definitely one of my new favorites I can add to that list. All the actors and actresses do a fantastic job. The director did a superb job...one of the great facets of a movie is to feel like you are watching real life and not just a "movie". Most movies can't achieve that. But once in awhile, a movie comes along that achieves this accomplishment. This is one of those movies. One of those movies that hits you hard emotionally because of the realism it is able to provoke. Since nowadays movies are just a way to pass time and escape from life, I'm proud to see a movie that challenges our thoughts and feelings on important subjects once again. A movie that makes us look at ourselves and reflect on our own decisions and actions. I hope to continue to see movie studios put out more of these kinds of movies. Movies that will help us understand the complexities of life and ourselves and help us confront them.… Expand
  4. Lynette
    Nov 3, 2012
    10
    I think this is Denzel's best performance in the movie Flight. I think he way out performed the character in the movie Training day, which he won the Academy award for a outstanding performance. I think this movie teaches us all a lesson in the consequences of being an alcoholic and substance abuse is a major problem in this country. I think everyone should get the message the movie was trying to express. What really got to me is he had saved so many lives on the defective plane, but there was alcohol and cocaine in his system, but he landed safely on ground with the exception of a few lives The fact he saved so many lives on board the plane, and at the end of the movie he still got sent to prison, for his drug and alcohol abuse. This movie is very serious, but still have humorous parts to laugh at. I also think this is Don C's best performance for supporting, the leading character, Denzel, a still definitely handsome and tall man, who dose not definitely look nowhere in his fifties. Denzel will never give up doing the movies, I love the most. Bravo performance, bravo.… Expand
  5. poetreviewer
    Nov 4, 2012
    10
    This movie held my interest throughout. The opening action scene is realistic. Bits of comic relief are welcome. Denzel Washington's performance is solid and believable as expected, as are all the performances. Overall this movie was entertaining and made for a nice evening's escape.
  6. mwm7430
    Nov 2, 2012
    10
    As the movie begins you think you know where it is headed, but you (the audience member ) only really have a general sense of direction and you quickly learn that this screen play and director Robert Zemeckis have a much more involved journey planned. This film exfoliates like an onion to reveal much more of a surprise than you could have anticipated. For once the trailer isn't the best part and it doesn't reveal "all of the good parts." There are a number of great performances by both known veteran actors like Denzel Washington and a bunch of lesser known actors as well. This movie is packed with twist for certain, but they aren't the kind of supernatural twist that are typically overloaded with a generous helping of hyperbole, not this movie is packed with realistic moments that people will be able to identify with. There will most certainly be some Oscar nominations from this film, including perhaps best screen play, best supporting actor and may be best director. Go see this film!… Expand
  7. Micquez
    Nov 3, 2012
    10
    Flight was very good. Denzel was outstanding at portraying this morally confused pilot. John Goodman's character was so in control and entertaining. Everyone on the screen were spot on to make this film terrific. It makes you think about the choices you make everyday!
  8. cameronmorewood
    Nov 7, 2012
    10
    Flight is truly something to marvel. Denzel Washington is a hero here, not because his character in the movie landed a plane and was called a hero, but because his performance was a true act of heroism. Bravo.
  9. APOLLO_SOL
    Nov 20, 2012
    10
    All I can say is that this is a great movie that EVERYONE should see. It challenges drug dependency, alcoholism, the definition of heroism, and personal accountability/honor all in a short 2 hour span. This was a great investment of my time, attention, and money! GO SEE IT
  10. DisasterpieceMK
    Feb 3, 2013
    10
    Any film that contains a role for John Goodman immediately gains a +2 in my book. And it does not hurt that the director is Robert Zemeckis, who directed two of my favorite films Back to the Future and Castaway (oh yeah, and that not too shabby Forrest Gump). That does not mean everything he directs will be golden, but the concept of the film and Denzel on the cast certainly intrigued me more than your average film. And Mr. Washington once again proves that he could carry a weak script with his acting ability and this was by no means a weak script. It felt long only once or twice but that was worth the more than satisfying character interaction. And the plane crash that is the centerpiece of the film was full of intensity and high suspense. That proves just how great of director Zemeckis is even though you know the outcome of the scene, you still felt as if it were in total jeopardy. Brilliant film.… Expand
  11. kingacres0
    Dec 15, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a brilliant movie. I have read many good reviews by my fellow moviegoers so I won't share the thousands of reasons why this film is great but the kicker for me was Whip's scene while offering testimony at the decisive NTSB hearing. Most of us have a sense of how corporate and political machines work and we expect cover-ups as an almost routine way of doing business. Here's the spoiler: instead of taking the route laid out for him by his very bright lawyer, Whip graduates from villein to hero by telling them the unvarnished truth, for which he pays a very steep price but also finds a very a credible redemption. Denzel Washington, a screen idol of heroic proportions, strips away this facade to reveal a character with huge, even fatal flaws in a fearless performance. The work of John Gatins and Robert Zemeckis in this film is in the realm of pure genius. If you want to learn something about yourself and a good deal more about the human condition, don't miss this film.… Expand
  12. Movie1997
    Jun 6, 2013
    10
    This is no Robert Zemekis movie. This is something much more. Truly, this is a different direction that Zemekis has taken, but he without a doubt pulled it off. Flight is an engaging movie that soars in both acting and storytelling. But for sure, Denzel Washington's portrayal of Whip Whitaker is what helps make the movie so magnificent. Also, the movie had some amazing screenplay. John Gatins is a pure genius. I hope he keeps writing these awesome screenplays. One supporting character that struck me was John Goodman. The movie's that he's been lately are for sure putting him back on the radar. This is the comeback of John Goodman. I can't wait for him to bring back Sulley in "Monster's University." The only thing about this movie is that I wish it was nominated for best picture. It really deserved it! Overall, it's a breathtaking story that soars.… Expand
  13. VladimirLenin
    Nov 11, 2012
    9
    This movie is allot better than the trailer. I love the story, big ass's, blow, and booze. GO watch it and you will not be disappointed. Denzel kicks ass.
  14. eliteco3
    Feb 23, 2013
    9
    Denzel is hitting on all cylinders in this drama. The believability of Denzel's character is an A. The moral pitfalls that collide here will make many viewers question their own lives.
  15. sundaygrundle
    Jan 31, 2013
    9
    Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly, Bruce Greenwood, John Goodman, Don Cheadle
    Directed by Robert Zemeckis

    ‘Flight’ is the pure embodiment of inner conflict drama. It is the story of Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington), a commercial airline pilot who pulls off an amazing display of aerial talent and courage to save the lives of 96 passengers when his plane malfunctions at 30,000 ft. A pu    A pure gold, heart pumping, adrenaline fuelled plot…and all this happens in the first 5 mins of the film. It’s what happens next that makes this one of 2012′s best films.

    We are introduced to Whip as he lies naked, hungover, surrounded by bottles of alcohol, smoking butts (both the cigarette and the female type )…clearly leftovers of the heavy night prior. A call from his ex-wife raises him from his inebriated state and an argument over money and child welfare ensues. He is flying on an airplane today, back to Atlanta…a short business trip perhaps? A quick line of cocaine (as you do…) and he is out the door…only to shock the viewer with his attire…turns out he is a pilot! It’s at this point you really start to question this man’s integrity…surely he is a buffoon who is looking to get himself fired before he even thinks of piloting that plane!? But, sure enough, he calmly and seemingly unnoticeably takes 102 souls into his hands and departs…during a raging thunderstorm mind you.

    It is at this point we are introduced to Nicole (Kelly Reilly), a desperate and tragic young woman, in search of her next fix. A junkie who, morales notwithstanding, will do anything within reason for her next ‘absence from reality’ moment…heroin being her knight in shining armour. Terrifically portrayed by Reilly, this young heroine (sorry couldn’t resist) seems destined to collide with Whip.

    Without giving too much away, Whip saves the day. Drunk and coked out of his head he manages to pull off the most amazing of aerial manoeuvres, making you really think how much is possible these days with modern aircraft. But, as smooth talking lawyer Hugh Lang (Cheadle) says it so bluntly, “Death demands responsibility”. Being the captain of a plane where there were 6 casualties and a NTSB investigation well underway, Whitaker is faced with the scenario…will his bravery overshadow the evidence of his drug use? Despite saving 96 lives, will he face criminal charges and possible imprisonment.

    In an Oscar worthy performance, Denzel’s portrayal of this morally ambivalent character both shocks and amazes you. His constant battle with alcoholism and drug use keeps the viewer on a knifes edge over the characters like-ability during the whole film. Can he stay sober long enough to save his own hide? Are there really pilots like this out there? Have they flown me somewhere? It’s pure magnetic repulsion.

    An engrossing film from start to finish, I’d like to think ‘Flight’ looks into the inner demons of even the most respected people in todays society. As carriers of safety, pilots are often seen as untouchable voices you hear only over a loudspeaker, trained professionals with your destination and wellbeing solely in mind. It is Washington’s portrayal of an unstable, in control but out of control pilot, exuding the most fallible of human qualities that makes ‘Flight’ so brilliant.

    JD ‘Wannabe film critic’ score 9/10

    My favourite part While the special effects of the plane crash are stunning and Washington’s gutsy soul searching portrayal of Whip is brilliant, it’s John Goodman’s outrageous cameo of Whip’s friend, Dr. Feelgood that had me sold from the get-go. Fans of ‘Fallen’ (1998) will rejoice in the use of The Rolling Stone’s ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ in each of his appearances…Banana Boat anyone?    … Expand
  16. hoops2448
    Mar 2, 2013
    9
    Robert Zemeckis is back to his live action finest with Flight, a film that deconstructs the life of a hero until there is nothing left. Sounds depressing? It kinda is, but like most Zemeckis movies its full of heart. The film tells the story of Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington), a pilot who saves countless lives when his plane loses control. However when he hits the ground his life is upended by the airlines investigation into the crash and his life, which threatens to reveal his alcoholism. While the film does feel opinionated and at times a little naive (the ending is exceptionally so) it is also one of the most engrossing studies of alcoholism ever devoted to film. Denzel Washington is captivating as Whip, a man like most alcoholics in denial. His commitment to the role is astonishing and there is not a moment in the film you don't truly believe this character is real, that he would exist in a real world. There isn't a moment in this film where you don't think Denzel deserves all the adulation he has received for this role, its by far his best performance to date. In fact I may be offending Daniel Day Lewis fans when I say that Denzel was by far the more deserving nominee at this years Oscars. Even from the beginning of the film you are captivated by not just the opening sequences but by this character because not only is he broken but hes also charismatic and dare I say it, charming. However the film also soars in its technical aspects as well as the film starts with a pure adrenaline shot as it shows you in full the crash, every little detail. The editing is fantastic but the direction by Zemeckis is what makes it exhilarating. His attention to detail makes the crash tense and genuinely terrifying. The films only action sequence is crafted lovingly and with great skill gripping you to your seat so you just have to watch the rest even if the film settles into a much more serious area of discussion for the remainder. Despite the fact he is supported by some great actors like Don Cheadle and John Goodman, this is Washington's film and Zemeckis shows him at his best. The only downside is the film finds the need to inject some Forrest Gump schmaltz into the film as it draws to a close when it really isn't necessary at all but its to be expected from Zemeckis and it only annoys in the moment as the rest of the film is so good you can't help but remember the many good things over the solitary mistake… Expand
  17. MegWhiteley
    Nov 4, 2012
    9
    Flight... Ok, the movie is very interesting, have a trama that sounds interesting, the screenplay is really awesome, and the performance of Washington is really amazing. The problem with Flight, is that have some boring moments. But the movie is really fantastic.
  18. theahsanhaseeb
    Dec 23, 2012
    9
    Flight may not be liked by many but let me tell you why I like this film. Denzel Washington gives one of his best performances, he is the sole reason why I decided to watch this film in the first place and I don't regret it at all. The direction is satisfying enough to keep the viewers interested in the film i.e. the first 30 minutes of the film show the plane crash which is exceptional, I have never seen something like this before, it was too terrifying and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the sequence. After those 30 minutes, the 2 hour (almost) drama begins which passes by so quickly, you don't even realize (only if you are a fan of slow-paced drama films). And then, finally the ending, which is downright excellent, I pretty much hoped for an ending like this because without it, the film's message would not have been that clear. Washington's character Whip Whitaker finally accepts that he is a free man, he has no more lies to tell, he doesn't feel any burden or he doesn't have to carry all this throughout his remaining life.
    Whitaker is an unlikeable person, he is an alcoholic and he can't get enough of the booze and the cocaine but there comes a time when he realizes that lying about it would only make it worse since he's been lying about everything his whole life, not even his wife and his kid like him. Flight has an absolute message for every viewer: the message of acceptance, the message of "stop lying" and start telling what you really feel. What do you really want to say. Despite all these downsides, my sympathies were always with Whitaker because he really saved those people even when he was high and maybe that factor actually played its part by making him think of rolling the plane into an inverted position, who knows?
    A character-driven drama film with a phenomenal performance by Washington, strong supporting cast, great screenplay by John Gatins, and a wonderful direction by Robert Zemeckis who previously directed the two important films; an Academy award winning 1994 film Forrest Gump and a 2000 film Cast Away, both of which are excellent. Flight does not offer any action sequences or edgy moments after the plane crash but what it does offer is Washnigton's performance, the clever dialogues, and his characterization and depicts wonderfully how he's changed throughout the film. And it leaves you in a position where it's upto you that how do you want to think of his character, a hero or a criminal? A hero for saving 96 out of 102 people on the plane or a criminal for being so negligent and putting 102 people's lives at risk. You get to change your opinions about observing Whitaker's nature and his character throughout the story because of the things he do, his crazy drug addiction and finally, the decisions he make. This film may not be a strong Best Picture Oscar contender but it easily deserves a Best Actor nod for Washington's powerful performance.    … Expand
  19. FilmEqualsJoy
    Nov 10, 2012
    9
    This is one of the years best films. Not my favorite, but it keeps one interested the whole way through. Denzel Washington is at the top of his game. It is like he is not even acting, but actually is the role he portrays. I would be surprised if he wasn't nominated for best actor at the Academy Awards. Robert Zemekis has given us a film that is dramatic, sad, heart breaking, and terrifying. I would have liked to seen more scenes with certain supporting characters, however Washington's performance helps one ignore that slight problem due to his power on the screen. Flight definitely soars.… Expand
  20. BHBarry
    Dec 30, 2012
    8
    "Flight" was directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Denzel Washington, Bruce Greenwood, Don Cheadle and John Goodman. This is a film worth seeing if for no other reason than the first 20 minutes where action and drama take us into the stratosphere of emotion and fear. Written by John Gatins this is the story of an ill fated flight and the alcoholic pilot who despite his addiction, attempts to perform a miracle of aeronautical maneuvering. Not to be understated, Denzel Washington once again proves his wide range as an actor and gives us a performance worthy of his reputation and past accomplishments. Though thin in story line and weak in some other areas (i.e. depth of the characters etc.) I give the film an 8 stars because, above all else, it was entertaining and certainly gets the viewer involved.… Expand
  21. BKM
    Nov 12, 2012
    8
    Flight is, at its core, the story of a man struggling with alcoholism and the devastating course of events that have to play out in order for him to finally face the truth about himself. At the same time, it forces us to wrestle with our own notions of heroism as we must choose whether to root for or condemn the deeply flawed protagonist. The film wisely lets us draw our own conclusions resulting in a sobering take on addiction and redemption fueled by Washington's spot on performance.… Expand
  22. dijavantewow
    Mar 20, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Quite a good movie about a complicated character. He's obviously good at his craft of flying and because of that he saves the life of many people, but he does so while being high and drunk. If you've ever been close to someone who's an alcoholic or drug addict (or if you've been there yourself), it's quite hard to watch Denzel's character seemingly breakthrough and become sober, only to fall hard in the end. Well done, and well acted all the way through.… Expand
  23. nutterjr
    Feb 14, 2013
    8
    A genuinely nerve racking drama which combines top notch performance from Denzel of the multilayered flawed hero and near perfect direction to match. And it is not only the admittedly very impressive flight sequence in the start of the film, but the dram that unfold that keeps audience on their toes.
  24. Bikerjames
    Nov 19, 2012
    8
    I wanted to take a shower after this movie. The snorting, shooting up, drinking, more drinking, and general drug abuse is hard to watch. The acting and writing throughout is excellent, with especially noteworthy cameos from John Goodman as the drug pusher and James Badge Dale as a cancer patient. Denzel is solid throughout as he always is. The special effects (the plane crash) looked real and was intense. Overall I thought the movie was a little predictable, and was such a downer that it loses the repeatability factor - I have no desire to ever see it again.… Expand
  25. allystew
    Feb 5, 2013
    8
    Flight. A movie about a plane crash? Yes but also no. After the brutally realistic crash right at the start follows a movie about the pilot. Denzel Washington is great as an alcoholic who is struggling to hold his life together, and even though the character is in some ways unlikeable he is captivating. It keeps you watching, as the case about the crash closes in is as tense as any thriller. An interesting and well made movie with a star lead performance. Just don't watch before you go on your holidays!… Expand
  26. gfny
    Nov 2, 2012
    8
    An excellent movie with excitement, drama, and good story line. Denzel Washington is sure to receive an Academy nomination. The picture trailer only hints at the true story.
  27. cabrita
    Nov 12, 2012
    8
    Perhaps Flight is a little too long and may have one too many layers, but this does not stop it from being a very enjoyable experience. The film commences with the best crash sequence that I have seen and ends with one of the best performances of the year with Denzel Washington acting up a storm.
  28. drchoc
    Nov 3, 2012
    8
    This is probably the best performance of Washington's career. The story of his redemption is trite, but he plays it very well. The flight scenes are exciting. His portrayal of an alcoholic is realistic, and the ending is expected. He will surely be up for a best actor award.
  29. dharma
    Jan 1, 2013
    8
    Welcome back Bob Zemeckis! After 3 lacklustre 'performance capture' efforts, Zemeckis was in need of a comeback. Here is one of Spielberg's brightest protegee, squandering his talents on motion pictures that despite all efforts to the contrary, looked fake and 'unnecessary', be it Polar Express or A Christmas Carol. Flight marks his return to Live Action film making, and a welcome sight it is! Started out with one of the most harrowing plane crash in recent memory, Flight then transform into a study of alcholism and redemption. By the end of the film, Whip with all his imperfections, transformed himself into a true hero. Denzel delivers another tour de force performance, his best since American Gangster. Flight also is a change of pace for Zemeckis, who cuts his teeth on making event, tentpole pictures. More personal and suprisingly provacative, it's not perfect but one of the year's more memorable films.… Expand
  30. quincytheodore
    Feb 26, 2013
    8
    In an epic tale of man versus booze, Denzel Washington takes flight in one of his best roles as a deeply disturbed alcoholic pilot. He takes the audience into a private struggle, one that can easily draw us to root for this man brimming with flaws, but inadvertently hailed as a hero. The lies he makes, and the way he tells them in almost self-convincing way is sometimes lightly humorous, although the persisting issue is a heavy one.

    Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) is a heavyweight drinker, with occasion cocaine sniffing as break in between, I was informed about many types of liquors just by watching him drink. In his line of profession as a pilot, in which he's extremely gifted, it's a serious offense. Certainly, flying with an intoxicated pilot is no way to start any vacation. However, in a time of emergency, he manages to land a crumbling plane, in a stylish way, to boot. This instantly makes him a hero, but the follow-up investigation might just reveal his addiction and pretty much ruin his life.

    Nicole Maggen (Kelly Reilley) is an attractive red haired drug addict whose life entwined with Whip's, solely because they are treated in the same hospital. Whip sees her as a somewhat an escape from real life, meeting her seems rather surreal, not to mention at such junction of his life. Ultimately Nicole realizes her addiction problem and tries to find help, which proved to be a rude awakening for Whip to face his own problem.

    Hugh Lang (Don Cheadle) is Whip's attorney in the investigation. He tries to save Whip’s career, partially because of duty and perhaps some appreciation for Whip, but he eventually finds himself weighted down by Whip's erratic behavior. Hugh is involved professionally, though he resembles an incidental ally at times. John Goodman, whose entrance is the song "Sympathy for The Devil", is Whip's crack dealer. A shady acquaintance, evil Santa, who gives dark respite for Whip at his darker times.

    With fast and highly engaging screenplay, it highlights the few days of alcoholic's life with interesting perspective. Often his deception shows much confidence, but he falters when he's alone, these scenes is wittily shown sometimes even with barely dialogues in them. The start and the end provide more bombastic scenes, the first plane crash sequence is very engrossing as it puts the audience right besides these characters in their desperate time.

    Flight could've been an entirely bleak or somber movie, but it takes us into a man's journey to face his demon, merely as audience and with tongue-in-cheek humor. As result, it is a brilliant tale of triumph.    … Expand
prev
Page:

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. Empire
    Reviewed by: Chris Hewitt
    Jan 28, 2013
    80
    A welcome return to live-action filmmaking for Zemeckis, who hasn't lost his knack for a brilliant shot or for extracting great performances. It may not exactly be a first-class experience throughout, but there's nothing wrong with premium economy.
    Read full review
  2. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: David Denby
    Nov 7, 2012
    80
    We get tired of watching Whip fail, and we're caught between dismayed pity and a longing to see him punished. Only a great actor could have pulled off this balancing act. [12 Nov. 2012, p.94]
  3. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    Nov 4, 2012
    75
    It may not be frivolously engaging but it is compelling.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »