Overview

Mel Gibson makes his grand return to directing in “Flight Risk,” following his acclaimed work on 2016’s “Hacksaw Ridge.” In this latest action thriller, he opts for a smaller, yet no less intense, setting—a rundown Cessna airplane. The film showcases a gripping aerial journey filled with high-stakes drama involving a Deputy U.S. Marshall, a mobster, and a deceptive pilot, encapsulated in a brisk 91-minute runtime that aims to thrill, though doesn’t quite soar to great heights.

Plot Summary

The film opens with Deputy Marshall Madolyn (Michelle Dockery) making a dramatic entrance at a dilapidated Alaskan motel, where mob accountant Winston (Topher Grace) is hiding following a dangerous financial slip-up. With plans to transport Winston to testify against his crime boss, Madolyn hops aboard a rickety plane piloted by the suspicious Daryl (Mark Wahlberg). Daryl’s exaggerated Southern charm becomes a red flag, and just as you expect trouble, his true identity as a hit man is revealed.

Tension and Chaos

The plot thickens as Madolyn quickly finds herself in a precarious situation—not only must she restrain Daryl after a chaotic confrontation, but he's also the only one capable of navigating the aircraft. The tension amps up when communication devices fail in the remote mountains, forcing Madolyn to rely on a satellite phone. Here, the calls for help unveil pilot Hassan (Maaz Ali), who, despite his helpfulness, spends too much time flirting rather than focusing on the life-or-death situation at hand.

Writing and Direction

“Flight Risk” walks a fine line between thrilling action and questionable scripting. While the dialogue sometimes veers into cringe-worthy territory—bizarrely reminiscent of a poorly executed radio drama—Gibson keeps the momentum going. With every twist and turn, you find yourself not fully engaging in the absurdity, but still entertained.

Performance Highlights

This film marks a significant shift for Wahlberg, stepping into a downright villainous role for the first time since “Fear” over twenty years ago. Eschewing his usual heroic persona, he lets loose with an outrageous performance that’s both menacing and oddly captivating. Audiences will likely be taken aback by his bold transformation, especially when juxtaposed against Dockery's fierce portrayal of Madolyn, showcasing her depth far removed from her previous roles in “Downton Abbey.”

Topher Grace also deserves a nod for his comedic contributions as the nervy prisoner, providing humor and levity amid the chaos. His character’s snarky comments lighten the tension, even when the situation looks dire.

Conclusion

As the film careens toward its explosive conclusion, viewers will likely find themselves shaking their heads at the sheer audacity of the narrative—sometimes reminiscent of classic action flicks like “Die Hard.” Yet, despite its flaws, “Flight Risk” is engaging enough to keep your eyes glued to the screen, leaving little room for distraction. In this madcap mix of thrills and absurdity, it’s safe to say you might just have your heart racing from start to finish!