FLIGHT

This high concept film is gripping, especially with Washington’s elegant performance guiding the way. Where the film falls short is not in the story but the stroytelling itself. The character of Whip has no redemptive bone in his body, which is not only hard to watch but becomes a roadblock for audiences when trying to engage or emotionally attach to the character. At 138 minutes, the bulk of that time watching a man get drunk repeatedly is simply not good cinema. In terms of the crash investigation plot line - from the beginning, we’re aware that Whip wasn’t the cause of the crash, along with his hotshot lawyer (Don Cheadle) constantly telling us that his clients don’t go to jail. Zemeckis has instantly eliminated the stakes in what is supposed to be a high-stakes drama.

That aside, the plane crash sequence is one of the most impressive, realistic and therefore frightening cinema-going experiences on offer. The seamless GCI combined with a mixture of camera angles that place you right in the middle of the event alongside gut-wrenching performances by all involved, this is not a film for those with a fear of flying.

With a highly original story and terrific performances all around, this is not a bad film, but it certainly has its flaws. When Zemeckis chose to use gratuitous full frontal female nudity within the first 20 seconds of the film, you’re aware that cheap ploys to hook an audience are on the menu. While one should expect more and, quite frankly, better for this great director, glimpses of the old Zemeckis are evident somewhere within the chaos.