“Flight,” Grade (B-plus): A heroic pilot’s substance abuse comes into question when he crashes an airplane. Star Denzel Washington received an Oscar nomination for lead actor for his role.

The crash at the beginning is the kind of on-screen moment that will stick with viewers long after the movie is over. But it also doesn’t take long to realize that the more spectacular crash-and-burn moments are the ones Washington’s character experiences after the big fall.

Director Robert Zemeckis uses a similar format to the one that made “Cast Away” such a monumental hit. Both films start with big events, but then rely heavily on the star’s acting abilities to make the rest of the movie equally as memorable.

“Alex Cross,” (Grade C): A detective’s investigation reveals more about a murder case. “Alex Cross,” the latest attempt to turn one of James Patterson’s crime novels into a movie, should have been Tyler Perry’s opportunity to establish a film franchise where he didn’t have to wear a dress. But the attempt falls short because of an uneven script and sloppy pacing. If this is the best Perry can do, then he’d better stick to the pantyhose.

“Celeste and Jesse Forever”: High school sweethearts decide to divorce. Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg star.

“Ben 10 Omniverse: A New Beginning”: Includes 10 episodes from the series’ first season.

“Above Suspicion, Set 2”: Detective tries to prove herself in what is mostly a man’s world.

“Here Comes the Boom”: Teacher (Kevin James) becomes a mixed martial arts fighter to save his school.

“Caught on Tape”: Sticky Fingaz stars in this tale of a bank robbery investigation.

“Little White Lies”: Friends must face the hard truths of their carefree lives.

“Gunsmoke: The Seventh Season, Volume 2”: James Arness plays the TV marshal.

“R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: Volume 3”: More creepy tales for young people.

“Cougar Town: The Complete Third Season”: Courteney Cox comedy about friends who love to drink.

“So Undercover”: Miley Cyrus stars.

“Testimony of Two Men”: Story of the decades-long saga of Dr. Jonathan Ferrier.

“Elmo’s World: All Day with Elmo”: Daily activities Elmo and a child can have fun doing!

“Paul Williams: Still Alive”: Documentary looks at the life of the song writer.

“Southland: The Complete Second, Third & Fourth Seasons”: Cop drama set in Los Angeles.

“Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers: 25th Anniversary Edition:” Interview Bill Moyers did with Joseph Campbell 25 years ago.

“Mafia”: Ruthless crime boss (Ving Rhames) faces cop (Pam Grier) bent on revenge.

“Celebrate With Clifford”: Seven Clifford tales.

“Tyler Perry’s Madea Gets A Job”: Newest musical stage play from Tyler Perry.

“The Whole Truth”: Acting coach (Elisabeth Rohm) coaches criminal defendants on how to win jury acquittals.

“Frontline: Poor Kids”: A look at how one in five of the nation’s children are living below the poverty level.

“What Will the Future Be Like?”: Includes four episodes of NOVA.

“Cabaret”: Bob Fosse’s film is being re-released to mark its 40th anniversary.

“Animaniacs: Volume 4”: Catch up with Yakko, Wakko and Dot.

“A Perfect Ending”: Woman’s friends set her up with a high-class call girl.

Rick Bentley, the Fresno Bee