Prepare For Take Off! Scott Gentry reviews "Flight", the latest film from "Forest Gump" director Robert Zemeckis.

  "Flight" (15)                                     Directed by: Robert Zemeckis.          Starring: Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly and John Goodman.                 Running time: For containing strong language, sex references, nudity and drugs/alcohol misuse.     

Out Now on DVD and Blu-Ray.                                                                              

On a routine flight to San Francisco, Captain Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) and his co-pilot Ken Evans (Brian Geraghty) encounter a malfunction with their plane. Whip manages to guide the plane into crash landing in a field nearby. Soon after, an investigation arises that reveals a shocking truth.

"Flight" begins with a terrifying sequence involving a plane crash that holds you firmly in your seat. Although "Flight" has elements of a disaster film, it manages to develop into a tightly-wound romantic drama. "Flight" is mainly centered on the affects of alcohol and drug misuse which proves to be an engaging sub-plot. At times "Flight" can be generally distressing, due to the effects of the alcohol and substance misuse that provides you with emotions for the main character`s well-being.

Denzel Washington has been known for playing detailed characters over the years, including roles in "Man On Fire" (2004) and "Training Day" (2001). However, it is the performance that Washington delivers in "Flight" that proves to be more intriguing than his other roles. Washington plays an alcoholic with such integrity , that you almost think Washington has had a real life situation that is similar to this. There is an overall theme of Christianity in "Flight", as Washington`s character is constantly told by people that the crash was an act of God; this also proves interesting.

Kelly Reilly plays Nicole, a girl who had lost her way in life, due to the tragic death of her mother and has resorted to Drugs. Reilly plays her role with great enthusiasm and proves that (given a chance) she can handle large roles. John Goodman also stars as Washington`s cocaine dealer/friend; who has a small amount of screen time, but provides the much needed comic-relief to balance the film. "Flight" is a reminder that alcoholics really do exist, so it is fair to say that "Flight" is a detailed look into addiction.

Although "Flight" is fairly lengthy (in it`s running time) it does not outstay its welcome, including wonderful performances, enjoyable plot twists and an original story line, that made "Flight" an engaging thriller worth waiting for.

4 Stars out of 5

Written by Scott Gentry.