Movie Review: Flight Risk
Flight Risk is a movie from the director of Braveheart, Apocalypto, and Hacksaw Ridge—yes, that’s Mel Gibson. The premise is intriguing: Topher Grace plays a government informant, Michelle Dockery plays the US Marshal transporting him, and Mark Wahlberg plays the pilot on their small plane. Except—surprise!—Mark Wahlberg isn’t just the pilot; he’s a hitman sent to kill Topher.
The setup hooked me from the start. The first 30 minutes had solid tension. Wahlberg, though not the real pilot, knows how to fly the plane. Watching the characters grow suspicious of him was when the movie peaked.
Performances:
Everyone did a fine job. Topher Grace brought his usual quippy charm, almost like a “should’ve been Deadpool” energy. Wahlberg, known for playing psychopaths, nailed the menacing vibe. But his lines were often over-the-top, predictable, and felt lazy.
Instead of maintaining the tension in the confined space of the plane, the movie lost its edge once the satellite phone entered the story. Suddenly, ground support was guiding the characters, and the thrill of being trapped with a hitman fizzled out.
Writing and Execution
The script—credited to Jared Rosenberg—has its issues. Some dialogue felt like filler or comic relief, and the subplot about a mole in the office seemed like padding. The CGI was inconsistent; some shots looked real, while others were downright dated.
At 90 minutes, the movie thankfully doesn’t overstay its welcome, but it feels like a stretched-out TV episode. The abrupt ending gives the sense that a darker, more fitting conclusion might have been cut.
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Final Thoughts
When the movie leaned into its thriller premise, it had potential. But by introducing unnecessary characters and side plots, it diluted its strengths. Mel Gibson is a talented filmmaker, but Flight Risk feels like a missed opportunity.
Verdict: Wait for streaming, and don’t feel bad about stopping halfway through.
Question for You:
What’s your favorite small-scale thriller? (Red Eye and Phone Booth are two of mine!) Let me know in the comments below.
What is the plot of “Flight Risk”?
“Flight Risk” is a suspense thriller directed by Mel Gibson. The story follows a Deputy U.S. Marshal named Madolyn (played by Michelle Dockery) who is transporting an informant named Winston (Topher Grace) on a small plane piloted by Daryl (Mark Wahlberg). As the flight progresses over the Alaskan wilderness, the true identities and intentions of those on board come into question, leading to a tense and dangerous situation.
Who are the main cast members in “Flight Risk”?
The film features:
Michelle Dockery as Madolyn, a Deputy U.S. Marshal
Mark Wahlberg as Daryl, a hitman and pilot
Topher Grace as Winston, an informant
Additionally, voice roles include Leah Remini as Van Sant, Paul Ben-Victor as Coleridge, and Maaz Ali as Hasan.
When was “Flight Risk” released?
The movie was released in the United States on January 24, 2025.
What is the runtime of “Flight Risk”?
The film has a runtime of 91 minutes.
Is “Flight Risk” suitable for all audiences?
The movie contains intense scenes and mature themes, including violence and strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.
Where can I watch “Flight Risk”?
As of its release date, “Flight Risk” is available in theaters across the United States. Availability in other regions and on streaming platforms may vary; it’s best to check local listings or streaming services for the most up-to-date information.
Who wrote the screenplay for “Flight Risk”?
The screenplay was written by Jared Rosenberg.
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