Introduction
“Flight Risk,” released on January 24, 2025, is an action-thriller directed by Mel Gibson and starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace. The film, set against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, promised a high-stakes narrative of deception and survival. However, despite its intriguing premise and star-studded cast, the movie has struggled to win over critics and audiences alike.
Plot Summary
The story follows Daryl Booth (Mark Wahlberg), a pilot tasked with transporting U.S. Marshal Madolyn Harris (Michelle Dockery) and fugitive Winston (Topher Grace) across Alaska. What begins as a standard transport mission quickly spirals into chaos when it is revealed that the pilot is not who he claims to be. Daryl is actually a hitman sent to assassinate Winston, an informant set to testify against the Moretti crime family.
As tensions escalate mid-flight, Madolyn subdues the hitman and takes control of the plane. With limited flying experience and no working radio, she must rely on guidance from a ground-based pilot named Hasan (Monib Abhat) while battling further threats from corrupt officials and assassins. The film culminates in a dramatic landing sequence and a final showdown that ties up loose ends but leaves little room for surprises.
Strengths
- Strong Performances:
- Michelle Dockery delivers a compelling performance as Madolyn Harris, balancing vulnerability with resilience in her fight for survival.
- Mark Wahlberg effectively portrays the menacing yet charismatic hitman Daryl Booth.
- Tense Action Sequences:
- The film features several gripping moments, such as the mid-air confrontations and the climactic landing scene.
- Scenic Cinematography:
- The Alaskan wilderness serves as a stunning backdrop, adding a sense of isolation and urgency to the narrative.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Plot:
- Despite its suspenseful setup, “Flight Risk” falls into familiar tropes of the action-thriller genre. The twists are telegraphed early on, leaving little room for genuine surprises.
- Underdeveloped Characters:
- While the performances are commendable, the characters lack depth. Key players like Winston and Hasan feel more like plot devices than fully realized individuals.
- Inconsistent Pacing:
- The film struggles to maintain momentum, with slower segments detracting from the overall tension.
- Mixed Visual Effects:
- Some of the aerial sequences suffer from subpar CGI, which undermines the high-stakes atmosphere.
Critical Reception
“Flight Risk” has received largely negative reviews from critics, earning a 5.3/10 rating on IMDb and struggling to gain traction at the box office with $42 million in global earnings so far. Critics have praised its cast but criticized its lackluster screenplay and over-reliance on clichés.
Final Verdict
“Flight Risk” had all the ingredients for an engaging thriller: a talented cast, an experienced director, and a high-stakes premise. However, it ultimately fails to deliver due to its predictable narrative and uneven execution. While fans of Mark Wahlberg or action-thrillers might find some enjoyment in its tense moments, it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
Rating: 2.5/5
“Flight Risk” is a turbulent ride that struggles to maintain altitude but offers occasional glimpses of excitement amidst its flaws.
