Review by Jon Donnis
(Some spoilers ahead)
Flight Risk is a fast-paced, high-stakes action thriller that makes the most of its confined setting and keeps the tension high from start to finish. Directed by Mel Gibson, the film stars Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace in a story that takes place almost entirely aboard a small plane flying over the Alaskan wilderness. With its simple but effective premise, the film delivers plenty of suspense, action, and a fair amount of absurdity, making it a fun ride for fans of the genre.
Mark Wahlberg plays the hitman disguised as a pilot, and his performance is exactly what you would expect. He exudes menace while keeping a calm and calculated presence, making his character all the more dangerous. The choice to make him bald for no narrative reason is a strangely brilliant decision that somehow makes him seem even more unhinged. His transformation from an unassuming pilot to a ruthless killer is well executed, and his physicality adds weight to every scene he is in. Michelle Dockery, as Madolyn Harris, the U.S. Marshal in charge of protecting Winston, delivers a strong performance. She brings the right mix of authority and vulnerability to her role, making her a believable protagonist. Her backstory, which reveals past mistakes that cost a witness their life, adds an extra layer to her character and gives her a personal reason to make sure Winston survives. Topher Grace plays Winston, the nervous but surprisingly resourceful informant, and he manages to balance both the comedic and dramatic moments well. His character is not just a helpless victim but someone who uses his intelligence to try and stay alive, which makes him more engaging than the typical informant-in-distress.
The film wastes no time getting into the action. After a brief setup introducing the main players, it quickly traps them in the air, where the real tension begins. The moment Winston notices that the real pilot's license does not match the man flying the plane, the film kicks into high gear. The reveal that Wahlberg's character is actually a hitman is handled well, with small but noticeable details like his accent slipping and his suspicious behaviour building up to the moment where he finally drops the act. From then on, Flight Risk turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse at 20,000 feet.
One of the film's biggest strengths is its pacing. At under 90 minutes, it never drags or wastes time on unnecessary subplots. Every moment is used to either increase the tension or push the characters closer to their goal. The action sequences are intense and well shot, making the most of the confined space inside the plane. The fight scenes feel brutal, especially when the Pilot finally breaks free from his restraints and attacks Madolyn and Winston. The use of practical effects and close-quarters combat makes these scenes feel realistic, even when the plot itself stretches believability.
While the film does a great job keeping viewers engaged, it is far from perfect. The story is filled with plot holes and questionable decisions by the characters. There are moments where Madolyn, despite being a trained U.S. Marshal, makes mistakes that seem too obvious, and Winston's ability to survive multiple stabbings without immediately collapsing pushes the limits of realism. The biggest issue, however, is that the villains outside the plane, particularly Director Coleridge, feel underdeveloped. His betrayal is predictable, and his presence is mostly limited to phone conversations, making him feel less threatening compared to the Pilot. However, these flaws do not take away from the overall entertainment value. In fact, they add to the film's charm in a way, making it one of those action thrillers where the audience enjoys feeling smarter than the characters.
The film's climax is as over-the-top as you would expect. The final confrontation between Madolyn and the Pilot is intense, with the fight pushing both characters to their limits.
Visually, Flight Risk makes great use of its setting. The aerial shots of the Alaskan wilderness add a sense of isolation, emphasizing the fact that there is nowhere to run. The interior of the plane is used creatively, with every part of the cabin becoming a potential weapon or obstacle during the fights. The sound design is also effective, with the constant hum of the engines adding to the claustrophobic atmosphere.
Flight Risk is not a film that takes itself too seriously, and that is what makes it work. It knows exactly what kind of movie it is and leans into the fun of the genre. The action is intense, the characters are engaging enough to keep you invested, and the runtime is perfect for a film like this. It is the kind of thriller that critics might dismiss, but for audiences looking for a straightforward, entertaining action movie, it delivers. If you go in expecting a deep and complex story, you might be disappointed, but if you just want a fun, high-energy thriller with plenty of action and suspense, Flight Risk is well worth the watch. I give it a solid 8 out of 10.
