Flight

Robert Zemeckis's latest directorial effort, "Flight" is more character study than fantastical movie-making that he's known for, but nonetheless he gets solid performances from Denzel Washington (playing Capt. Whip Whitaker), and also Kelly Reilly (Nicole).   "Flight" is not only about the story of Whip able to land an airliner after something fails and causes the airliner to go into a nosedive from 30,000+ feet, but the aftermath involving the NTFB investigation and Whip's own way of hiding from the media spotlight.  On the surface, it should be a story of a heroic airline pilot under heavy duress, but Whip abuses drugs and alcohol, and that flaw turns Whip's heroism into possible criminal negligence.  The rest of the film covers Whip's unlikely relationship with an heroin-addict, Nicole, whom he meets at the hospital while recuperating, and his own battle with the demon in the bottle.

The film also features a good supporting cast: Bruce Greenwood, Don Cheadle, John Goodman, and even a brief cameo from James Badge Dale. 

With much of the film taking place in my town, Atlanta, it was neat to see some of the scenes shot inside the Marriot Marquis hotel (one of the main hotels for my favorite convention, Dragon*Con).

Overall, a solid film about maturation, for both its director and the main character.

I give it 3 stars, or a grade of B.