Flight's flight-plan seems to correlate with the film’s plot: taking off through some rough weather, leveling into dosing off, and then crashing amidst a combination of mechanical and personal issues... Despite compelling performances by Denzel Washington and some other cast members, Flight is a mediocre film at best. Its primary problem is that the main character, airline captain William 'Whip' Whitaker (played by Washington), an alcohol and substance-abuse addict, draws no sympathy at the film's start. Shortly after, he scores points with a heroic maneuver that saves most lives onboard the doomed flight, but whatever points he gained are quickly lost due to Whitaker's addiction denial. Seriously – why should we care for this guy? Flight’s other problem is the story’s lack of focus. It could have been an interesting dilemma – having a hero that saved the day but violated criminal law in the process. Which of the two is more important? But the plot hastily takes a different turn and focuses on Whitaker’s self-deceit, related to his addictions. The result is a 139 min long film that is at least 40 min too long. It is boring through its middle part, and out of focus for its remaining part. If you are going to see Flight have a lifejacket at hand.