Parents' Guide to Flight

Movie R 2012 138 minutes
Flight Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson By Jeffrey M. Anderson , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 17+

Excellent but mature drama about alcoholic airline pilot.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 17+?

Any Positive Content?

  • 2:23
  • Flight Trailer
  • Flight
  • Flight

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 9 parent reviews

 

 

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age 16+

Based on 15 kid reviews

Kids say that the movie features strong themes of alcoholism and drug use, presenting a cautionary tale against substance abuse, despite its engaging plot and Denzel Washington's outstanding performance. While it is praised for its gripping storytelling and character depth, it is also criticized for graphic content, making it appropriate only for mature audiences.

  • mature themes
  • performance praise
  • substance warnings
  • graphic content
  • mixed pacing
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 15 kid reviews

What's the Story?

Faced with a malfunctioning plane, commercial airline pilot Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) pulls off a spectacular crash landing that saves nearly all the lives on board. Unfortunately, during the subsequent investigation, it becomes apparent that he was drunk while flying. Worse, he abuses alcohol regularly. In the hospital, Whip meets recovering drug addict Nicole (Kelly Reilly) and decides to help her out. In the days leading up to a hearing that could cost Whip his job, he tries to stop drinking, but with all the pressure, he finds the urge too strong. Even with all the people in his life trying to help, it all comes down to Whip, who must decide for himself which path to take.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 9 ):
Kids say ( 15 ):

After too many years of gimmick- and special effects-based movies, with FLIGHT, director Robert Zemeckis once again finds the perfect balance between characters and spectacle. (He achieved this in his best films, Back to the Future and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.) This is also easily the most mature movie of his career. A slightly less talented director would have focused on the heavy issue of alcoholism, but Zemeckis instead uses the suspense of the impending hearing, as well as rich characters and performances (John Goodman is a particular standout). The balance makes for a far more effective and appealing film.

Likewise, special effects are restricted to the first act only and used to support the characters and themes, rather than the other way around. Moreover, Flight bravely includes many unconventional moments, ranging from powerful, passionate speeches by minor characters to amazing moments with no dialogue at all. Flight is purely a Hollywood film, but it's Hollywood at its very best.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Flight depicts drinking. Why does Whip drink so much? What are the results of his drinking? What consequences does he face? Do they seem realistic?

  • Why doesn't Whip accept any help from anyone? How can you help a loved one who might be an alcoholic/addict?

  • How did the violent plane crash sequence affect you? Was it too over-the-top, or did it seem to fit the story? How does a scene like that compare to something in a big-budget action movie? Which has more impact? Why?

Movie Details

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