Mel Gibson is one of those action stars who still has it in him. Back in the 1980s and the 1990s he was well known for Mad Max and Lethal Weapon. His charm won over audiences on the big screen and his love for filmmaking soon got the better of him as he started bringing films to life off screen too. Apocalypto, Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ are all films that solidified his credibility as a respectable filmmaker. His love for action films still was inside him and over the years his need to update the genre and bring that 80s and 90s flair to modern audiences compelled him to bring Flight Risk to life.
Flight Risk is an action thriller that feels like one of those films from a different era. The writing, acting and concept is high octane and reminds you of those Nicolas Cage and Keanu Reeves thrillers back in the day. Liam Neeson is another actor who is familiar with these sort of films, but stepping in front of the camera for this film is Mark Wahlberg. Wahlberg and Gibson did play son and father in the film Daddy’s Home 2 and the two of them shared tremendous chemistry with a combination of hilarity and sincerity. To see them together again, albeit with Gibson behind a camera, helps to elevate the films concept and gives it a much needed edge.
The concept in question is simple. A US Marshall, played by Michelle Dockery, is transporting a witness across America from Alaska to testify against a very bad criminal. Topher Grace, who was last seen in last year’s Heretic, is chaotic and annoying as the witness and provides a lot of light hearted moments in the film. Michelle Dockery plays a very stern character as the US Marshall and quite frankly she steals the film. She holds herself together as her past comes to the forefront as she comes face to face with the pilot, Daryl Booth, who isn’t who he says he is. Wahlberg does relish a bit too much as the villain of the film, and his bald spot even attempts to make his character look different that other characters he’s played but it doesn’t exactly work, it is a little distracting.
Flight Risk doesn’t exactly set a high bar for other action films and is easily comparable to other films similar in nature like Con Air, Speed and Non-Stop but doesn’t exactly meet the same heights as those films. The sense of danger could have been amplified, the visual effects are good in places but a little noticeable in others. It is a shame to see Gibson play it safe with the film but he does understand the genre well enough to keep the tension going as best as he can. Everyone brings their best to the point where it doesn’t become overly cheesy, but it does border that line a few times. The result though is a very fun action flick that will keep your attention on the screen.
★★★☆☆
3/5
Final Verdict:
Flight Risk is a mildly entertaining movie which feels like a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. Having the film contained inside a rickety old plane is a smart concept. The tension builds up with twists and turns keeping audiences adrenaline going without a second to breathe. Michelle Dockery steals the film even with Mark Wahlberg doing his best at playing a psychopathic villain. You will feel nostalgic for those classic action thrillers from yesteryear. Even though the films it competes with are superior, Flight Risk still has the energy to keep you glued to your seat.
Thanks for reading today’s blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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