Flight
By Jeffrey Anderson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Excellent but mature drama about alcoholic airline pilot.
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Flight
Community Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Full frontal gratuitous female nudity from the first second!
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Gratuitous female nudity
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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?
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
- In theaters: November 2, 2012
- On DVD or streaming: February 5, 2013
- Cast: Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 138 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: drug and alcohol abuse, language, sexuality/nudity and an intense action sequence
- Last updated: June 2, 2023
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