Mel Gibson, the cinematic maverick known for his explosive action sequences and controversial persona, takes the helm once again in “Flight Risk,” a white-knuckle thriller set almost entirely within the confines of a small aircraft. While Gibson’s off-screen history might be a turbulent flight path of its own, there’s no denying his knack for delivering visceral and engaging cinematic experiences. Does “Flight Risk” maintain his landing streak, or does it nosedive into the abyss of forgettable action flicks? Buckle up, film fanatics, as we dissect this high-altitude adventure with the precision of a seasoned aviation engineer.
Flight Risk
First-time screenwriter Jared Rosenberg’s script, which languished on the Black List for four years before being rescued by Gibson, sets the stage for a claustrophobic showdown thousands of feet above the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. Michelle Dockery, shedding her period-drama elegance, takes on the role of Madelyn, a Deputy US Air Marshal tasked with transporting a shifty mob accountant named Winston (Topher Grace) to testify against his criminal overlords.
The mode of transport? A rickety, barely airworthy plane piloted by the affable Texan, Daryl Booth, played with a characteristic blend of charm and intensity by Mark Wahlberg. What initially seems like a routine prisoner transfer quickly spirals into a chaotic freefall as hidden agendas and deadly secrets emerge from the shadows of the cramped cabin.
While “Flight Risk” certainly delivers its fair share of adrenaline-pumping action, the film’s true strength lies in its character dynamics. Wahlberg, shedding his action-hero persona, imbues Daryl with a disarmingly goofy demeanor, his Texan drawl and flirtatious banter with Madelyn providing a welcome counterpoint to the escalating tension. But beneath the surface lurks a darker side, a twist that will leave audiences questioning their initial perceptions.
Dockery, known for her nuanced portrayal of Lady Mary Crawley in “Downton Abbey,” proves her versatility once again. Madelyn is a woman of action, resourceful and resilient in the face of danger. Her transformation from a by-the-book law enforcement officer to a quick-thinking heroine forced to take control of the aircraft is a testament to Dockery’s acting prowess.
And let’s not forget Topher Grace, who injects a dose of nervous energy and witty quips into the role of Winston, the seemingly meek accountant who finds himself caught in the crossfire. Grace’s performance is a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there’s always room for a well-placed one-liner.
While the performances are solid and the premise intriguing, “Flight Risk” does suffer from some turbulence in its execution. Gibson’s direction, while effective in creating a sense of claustrophobia and suspense, occasionally veers into over-the-top territory. Some of the action sequences, particularly those involving hand-to-hand combat within the cramped confines of the plane, feel somewhat staged and lack the visceral impact they could have achieved with tighter choreography.
The film’s pacing also falters at times, with moments of intense action interspersed with slower, more dialogue-heavy scenes that disrupt the momentum. A tighter edit could have streamlined the narrative and maintained a consistent level of tension throughout.
Despite its shortcomings, “Flight Risk” remains an entertaining and engaging thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The performances are strong, the premise is intriguing, and the action sequences, while occasionally overblown, are still undeniably thrilling. While it may not be Gibson’s most polished work, it’s a testament to his ability to craft compelling genre fare that delivers on its promise of high-octane entertainment.
