Flight

 “No one could have landed that plane like I did. No one.”

And no one could have pulled off this movie quite like the actor who said that line: Denzel Washington, as seasoned airplane pilot Whip Whitaker who miraculously crash lands a plane – leaving devastation and mysteries to be resolved.

I was fortunate to see this film without the story being spoiled in a trailer or ad, so I won’t mention one the film’s major themes. Know only that it’s a fully layered story that additionally touches on themes of god, destiny, heroism and more.

This film is guided by director Robert Zemeckis ,who creates precise tension throughout the film, including one haunting scene featuring a single object on top of a refrigerator. Flight is one of the best surprises of 2012.

 Simply put: One heckuva ride. And one heckuva performance from Denzel Washington.

Award potential: Denzel Washington outdoes even himself in this picture and you can expect him on the Best Actor shortlist. If the film sustains buzz, you can expect nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and some technical awards. Wild card pick: John Goodman (who’s also in Argo but better here) for Best Supporting Actor.

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks.