'Flight Risk' Movie Review: Strap in for a Bumpy Ride
- Details
- Category: New Series and Movie Reviews
- Published: Friday, 24 January 2025 02:09
- Written by Lupe R Haas
FLIGHT RISK’s 91-minute runtime is the first sign that Mel Gibson’s directorial effort may have challenges. While occasionally suspenseful and entertaining, this low-budget thriller feels like a half-hearted attempt, with Mark Wahlberg taking on the role of a crass and over-the-top villain.
The plot follows Madolyn, an Air Marshal (Michelle Dockery), tasked with transporting a fugitive (Topher Grace) on a plane piloted by Daryl (Wahlberg) over the Alaskan wilderness. Unfortunately, the trailer reveals much of the story, including Wahlberg’s villainous turn, which diminishes any sense of mystery or surprise.
Wahlberg’s performance is crude and exaggerated, making it easy to root for his eventual downfall, though it takes far too long to arrive. Meanwhile, Topher Grace leans into his trademark neurotic persona, which surprisingly makes his character relatable and likable as he fights for survival. Michelle Dockery, though somewhat dry in her delivery, brings a unique and understated presence to her role.
The film’s low-budget nature is glaringly apparent in its poorly executed fight scenes, rough special effects, and Wahlberg’s unconvincing balding cap, with visible lines that are hard to ignore. The dialogue often feels clunky and on-the-nose, though a few humorous moments emerge—mostly unintentional—from its silliness. For some of the scenarios, you’ll have to suspend belief.
At just 91 minutes, FLIGHT RISK still manages to feel overly long, especially as the audience, like the characters, remains confined to a small Cessna plane for the majority of the runtime. The limited setting becomes repetitive and stagnant, making the movie drag despite its brief duration.
Despite its flaws, FLIGHT RISK offers occasional suspense and a short enough runtime to keep it from completely crashing. It’s a turbulent ride but one that might still entertain fans of Gibson and Wahlberg.
FLIGHT RISK is now playing in movie theaters.