Review of the film “Flight Risk”: Mark Wahlberg rides the highs

Both the title and the plot evoke a movie from the 1990s. Flight Risk is an effective little campy thriller that largely lives up to its 91-minute runtime. There are times, despite the brief running time, when one’s focus wanes, but one can quickly return to the film and nobody will notice.

Winston, the quintessential accountant sporting spectacles, finds himself in a shady Alaska motel. As he awaits his cup noodles to whirl in the microwave, he gives it a firm slap to kickstart the spinning. If you don’t think it’s the Alaskan tundra, you’ll be convinced by a somber moose peeking through the curtains with enormous antlers. Two burly officers with a US Marshall, Madelyn (Michelle Dockery), enter as the door smashes open. Winston promptly surrenders, ready to flip the script. He offers to testify against the mob boss pulling his strings, but only for a golden ticket—complete protection and immunity. In a world where shadows loom, he seeks a glimmer of safety, daring to take down the very empire that holds him captive.

Flight Risk

Prepare for the next thrilling act! Madelyn steps into the pilot’s seat, chartering a plane to whisk Winston away. Their journey takes them from Anchorage to New York, then to Seattle. Each destination holds the promise of justice as Winston gears up to expose the wicked mob boss. Get ready; an unforgettable journey awaits! The little Cessna embodies a stark contrast to Winston’s high-flying dreams of a Lear Jet. With Daryl Booth, the gum-chewing, brash pilot (played by Mark Wahlberg), at the helm, things take a wild turn. As we soar through the skies on a 90-minute flight to Anchorage, truths twist and fly like wayward arrows. Deceit lurks in every cloud, and double-crosses dance in the cockpit, as secrets swirl among passengers who are far from what they claim to be. Madelyn has a dark secret and the events on the plane suggest a mole in the department.

Flight Risk (English)

Director: Mel Gibson

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, Topher Grace

Runtime: 91 minutes

Flight Risk

Storyline: A killer, an informant and a US Marshall are on a flight to Anchorage when all hell breaks loose

While many films take flight in vast aircraft, *Flight Risk* soars in a tiny plane. This compact setting cranks up the tension to dizzying heights. Expect heart-stopping near misses, menacing mountain peaks, and terrifying moments of radio silence. Add in stabbings, gunplay, and a smattering of colorful language for good measure. A chorus of screams, rants, and disembodied ATC voices keeps you on the edge. Buckle up for a thrill ride like no other!

Wahlberg relishes every moment as the scheming pilot. Meanwhile, Dockery sheds her refined Lady Mary accent, delivering a commendable American twang. Grace captures the essence of anxious, worry-worn perfectly.

Maaz Ali, our charming Hasan at the ATC, guides Madelyn through takeoff and landing. It looks effortless, almost like a stroll in the park. When we finally meet him, we’re met with a familiar warmth, like reuniting with an old friend. True to form, a dash of gore lingers, just as you’d expect from a Mel Gibson film. Shadows of darker events flutter in the background, leaving us to ponder the unseen horrors that unfold off-camera.

Flight Risk

*Light Risk* knows when to make its grand exit. Just as anxiety starts to bubble and thoughts of calling Johnny from *Airplane!* dart through your mind, the landing lights come on. One final adrenaline-fueled twist launches you from your seat. Tray tables are stowed, seatbelts loosened, and mobile phones spring back to life. Now, it’s time to glide towards the food court for a deliciously decadent feast. Indulge in those guilty pleasures!

Visual Effects

However, I was not impressed with the visual effects. The CGI is overdone and lacks the quality I expected. In the end, Flight Risk is not the big return for Mel Gibson as a director that many hoped for. But it does show he can take himself less seriously. Plus, we finally get to see an evil Mark Wahlberg, which is worth the ticket price.

Final Thoughts

Despite its flaws, I hope Wahlberg continues to explore darker roles. We definitely need more of that in the world. I give Flight Risk a score of 5 out of 10. It’s not a perfect film, but it has its moments.

FAQs

Q. What is the release date of Flight Risk?

A. Flight Risk hits theaters on January 24, 2025.

Q. Who stars in Flight Risk?

A. The film stars Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace.

Q. What genre is Flight Risk?

A. Flight Risk is a thriller film.

Q. Who directed Flight Risk?

A. Mel Gibson directed the film.

Q. Is Flight Risk worth watching?

A. If you enjoy thrillers and want to see Mark Wahlberg as a villain, it may be worth a watch.

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