Flight Risk is a Thrilling Ride or a Crash Landing?

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January could be considered an unusual month for movie releases. During this time, major studios typically don’t release blockbuster films. Instead, they often distribute movies that they have less confidence in. However, it’s not all bad news. This is the period when many award-worthy films are finally shown in cinemas. Additionally, there’s always a chance for some unforeseen gems to emerge.

I was considering “Flight Risk” as one of those unexpected releases in January. The main reason is that it’s directed by Mel Gibson, who last worked on a film behind the camera in 2016 with the Oscar-nominated “Hacksaw Ridge”. Although he’s famed for directing epic period films, this time he has opted for a straightforward, unadorned suspense thriller that is frank about its objectives. From the outset, it makes no secret about what kind of experience you can expect.

Regrettably, “Flight Risk” fails to live up to its aim of providing a fun and thrilling experience that’s both silly and entertaining. With an outlandish premise that seems ripe for amusement, one would expect an enjoyable ride. However, the movie has difficulty taking flight, and when it finally does, it settles into autopilot mode, lacking the necessary intensity to create the nail-biting suspense it requires.

The movie is penned by Jared Rosenberg, whose script has been on the Hollywood Black List for several years. The narrative centers around three characters immersed in an absurd situation. Michelle Dockery portrays Madelyn Harris, a Deputy U.S. Marshal who apprehends Winston (Topher Grace) at a secluded motel in rural Alaska. It’s discovered that he is a fugitive accountant for the mob, who then becomes a valuable government witness after deciding to testify against a powerful crime boss.

To bring Winston to New York for the trial, Madelyn initially needs to take him to Anchorage first. Therefore, she hires a worn-out Cessna flown by Daryl Booth (Mark Wahlberg) for this 90-minute journey. However, during their flight at an altitude of 3,000 feet over snowy mountain ranges, a surprising truth unfolds – Daryl is not the person he claims to be. In reality, he’s a ruthless assassin hired by the mafia to eliminate Winston. Eventually, Daryl attempts to carry out his mission, but after a fierce struggle, Madelyn manages to overpower him.

The majority of the movie unfolds within the confined space of a plane, where Daryl is bound and struggles to escape, Madelyn (who’s not a pilot) grapples with learning how to fly, and Winston alternates between being irritating yet providing humor. The dynamic among them often veers between moments of high tension and periods of uneventful boredom. Regrettably, the movie’s conclusion is disappointing – it leaves us puzzled, as if a crucial part of the narrative was omitted, resulting in an unsatisfying, open-ended finale.

From a script perspective, “Flight Risk” appears to be a movie tailored for audiences seeking entertainment. However, upon viewing, its numerous flaws become apparent and seem nearly impossible to overcome. The film is hindered by unoriginal ideas, conflicting acting performances, incomplete story arcs, and an overall lack of thrill. Despite Gibson’s established reputation as a skilled director, it’s challenging to view “Flight Risk” as anything other than a failed attempt.

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2025-01-24 18:57