Flight

This time, maybe it isn’t Denzel Washington’s performance that seals the deal. Oh, sure, Washington is his usual amazing self; his performance certainly does lay the groundwork for this film’s payoff in the long run. But maybe some credit should be given to the storytellers as well. What cannot be denied is the fact that this film pulls off something of a miracle rescue of its own, telling the story of a character who tightropes the line between sympathy and damnation so precariously that it’s a wonder that the viewer can still be brought through to compassion and understanding when the moment of redemption arrives. It’s a remarkable achievement, all the more so because director Zemeckis, as usual, mixes his generally skillful storytelling with his all too typical ham-handed use of music to set mood and create emotional signposts for the audience. But let’s not quibble; this is ultimately an effective and affecting movie that should not be missed by anyone.