Movie Review: Flight Risk

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One-liner: A solid cast drive in this fun, tight-knit, twisty and claustrophobic airborne thriller.

Mel Gibson’s *Flight Risk* is a suspenseful thriller focusing on the dangerous flight to deliver a crucial witness – an accountant who used to work for a powerful mob boss – to a major court case. The story quickly moves into the air, following a pilot, a US Marshal, and the witness as they fly from a remote part of Alaska to New York. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace, the film creates tension by trapping its characters inside a small plane.

Despite featuring well-known actors, the film is a focused story, primarily exploring the complex dynamic between three characters as the tension rises and they try to outmaneuver each other. At first, the story centers on the strained relationship between the lawman and the witness he’s protecting during a difficult trek across Alaska. But as things unfold, it becomes clear the pilot has a hidden agenda, threatening the entire operation to keep the witness safe.

As a movie fan, I was really impressed with how this film, which could have easily felt static, turned into a genuinely suspenseful thriller. It’s built around a clever premise – almost like a classic puzzle – and the tension just keeps ratcheting up. The director clearly knows talent, because the cast is fantastic. We spend almost the entire movie with just three characters, and watching their dynamic – the way they try to outmaneuver each other – is what really drives the story. They’re constantly revealing new things about themselves, often through these tense phone calls back to base when things go wrong with the flight plan. It keeps you on the edge of your seat!

As the story unfolds, viewers learn about the characters’ pasts, making it clear who can be trusted and who can’t. Keeping most of the action inside the airplane cabin creates a feeling of intense confinement. Cleverly, phone calls from other characters broaden the scope of the story beyond the plane itself. The fact that the pilot is in control while his secrets are revealed adds even more suspense, especially since everyone is stuck in the air.

“Mayday, mayday… it’s mayday right?”

Mark Wahlberg surprises audiences by playing a villain, a character very different from his usual heroic roles. He clearly enjoys the chance to step outside the box, and it’s refreshing to see him play someone so unpredictable. While entertaining, the success of this performance might depend on how much you like the movie overall, and it’s worth noting he shares the spotlight with other actors.

The film *Flight Risk*, starring Mel Gibson, cleverly mixes humor and suspense. Topher Grace feels perfectly cast as the link between Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Dockery, bringing a welcome balance to the film’s tone. Dockery, known for her role in *Downton Abbey*, gives a strong and realistic performance, shedding her usual elegance to play a determined and resourceful U.S. Marshal committed to upholding justice.

Mel Gibson, known for films like *The Passion of the Christ* and *Apocalypto*, proves he can handle large-scale projects but also keeps this smaller, suspenseful film surprisingly effective. Instead of relying on big special effects, the movie focuses on strong performances from its three main actors and a cleverly written script. While not without its flaws, the film is consistently engaging thanks to its talented cast and unpredictable plot, offering enough entertainment to keep audiences hooked.

Although *Flight Risk* isn’t groundbreaking, it’s a solid thriller with a good cast, plenty of suspense, and some unexpected turns that keep you engaged. It’s a worthwhile addition to Gibson’s work, proving he can still deliver compelling stories on a smaller scale. Ultimately, a good movie hinges on strong characters, a well-developed plot, and a fresh idea – and this film delivers on those fronts, especially with its talented cast. Despite a few minor stumbles, *Flight Risk* recovers nicely and finishes strong.

The bottom line: Entertaining

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2025-10-12 10:43