Flight

Have you ever wondered if you really have to fasten your seat belt on an airliner? This film will leave NO doubt! We open with scenes that provide background for a subsequent, harrowing, plane crash. Director Robert Zemeckis ("Cast Away") knows how to set the stage.

After the astonishing but miraculous crash of an airliner, bits of distur- bing information begin to surface about the brilliant pilot whose amazing skills dazzled the experts. Was he drunk? Was that cocaine in his blood? Watch the attorney for the pilots' union as he tries to formulate our hero's defense.

Here is the high-flying cast:

• Denzel Washington ("Safe House") This guy is clear about one thing: He is NOT an alcoholic! We see why flying is in his blood. He's a better pilot while impaired, than most other pilots at their very best. Yes, he's arrogant, but to quote Dizzy Dean, "If you can do it, it ain't braggin'.
• Tamara Tunie ("Law & Order, SVU") Here we see a truly heroic flight attendant in action. Wow!
• Don Cheadle ("The Guard") This is how attorneys strategize. We may not respect his methods, but even though we know better, we still root for the defendant, so we appreciate how this guy thinks.
• John Goodman ("Argus") practically steals the show as a skilled purveyor of controlled substances and pharmaceuticals. His name is "on the list."
• Kelly Reilly ("Sherlock Holmes") looks like a young Dianne Keaton in her portrayal of a down-on-her-luck sometime actress who tries to hold onto a few standards for herself.
• Bruce Greenwood ("Super 8") is always a good utility man; this time he is our hero's last friend.

As a private pilot, I am unfamiliar with the instrument panel in an airliner, but I could certainly relate to issues as they came up. When the rudder, elevator and flaps malfunctioned, my heart was pounding along with everyone else's. Brace yourself for lots of nudity, profanity, drug use, and an extended, very effective scene with an airliner in distress. Whew!

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Here is a link to a preview:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3699024409/
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