15 Average Oscar Bait Films Elevated By Amazing Performances

Flight tells the story of an alcoholic pilot (Denzel Washington) who faces scrutiny over his actions after he miraculously rescues a plane from crashing. While very well-directed by Robert Zemeckis, as a screenplay, Flight is... to be honest, quite weak.

As a story of alcoholism and addiction it's trite, safe, predictable and cliched, while John Goodman, Don Cheadle and Kelly Reilly don't get nearly enough to do, so why does Flight work at all? It's simple: Denzel Washington is outstanding as the protagonist. Since he is able to convey so much pain and emotion through subtle facial expressions, Flight reaffirms him as a master of understated acting.

Because of his amazing work (with assistance from Robert Zemeckis' directing), Flight is lifted above the weak writing and does actually become a moving tale of addiction at times, making this a brilliant example of how ace acting can lift up mediocre material.

Washington carries the entire film on his own and while the film's nomination for Best Original Screenplay was ridiculous, Washington's nomination for Best Actor was more than earned.