The trailer for Flight Risk entices viewers to visit the cinema to experience the latest film directed by Mel Gibson, renowned for his works such as Braveheart, Apocalypto, and Hacksaw Ridge. They don’t know that the true marketing strategy lies in its outrageous tagline, “Ya’ll need a pilot?”. The antagonist sarcastically spews these words, perfectly describing the tonality of the film. Flight Risk is categorized as an action crime thriller, but it truly shines as a unique fusion of all three genres, elevated by Jared Rosenberg’s hysterically over-the-top debut script. Gibson, with an impressive filmography, has now directed his most personal project yet. A reflection of his recent unpredictable behavior while he shoulders the expectations that come with being named a Hollywood Ambassador.
A CGI rendered exterior of a snowy Alaskan motel starts the film. As if stuck in the blizzard, the camera heads inside to find Winston (Topher Grace) patiently waiting for his instant noodles to finish microwaving. Impatience expresses itself on Winston’s face, but not for his food, he’s hiding from something, or someone. In comes U.S. Marshal Madolyn (Michelle Dockery) barging through the door with two other agents. Winston’s instant noodles will have to wait.
Winston is a former accountant for the Moretti crime family turned informant. He finds his hideout in Alaska disrupted when Madolyn contracts a private plane to Anchorage. Her plan is to get Winston to New York City, where he will testify against his former employer. With Winston shackled and Madolyn in the co-pilot seat, Pilot Daryl Booth (Mark Wahlberg) prepares for takeoff. However, while in the air, a series of carefully framed shots hint at something amiss: a wound on Daryl’s neck, blood staining his shirt, and an unmatched photo ID suggest that Daryl might not be who he claims to be.
Madolyn starts to question Daryl’s true motives, leading to the start of Flight Risk’s intentions of a confined action thriller. Throughout much of the film, Gibson keeps the focus on the cockpit, while the background remains subtly engaging. Daryl’s revelation aimed at keeping Winston silenced leads to a series of intense confrontations—ranging from fistfights to tasers, and gun threats—ending with him restrained in the rear of the plane. This predicament forces Madolyn to frantically figure out how to pilot the aircraft, despite her lack of experience. Although Daryl is tied to the Moretti crime family, he solely possesses the skills to navigate the plane.
Flight Risk hits some turbulence with its constant twists and turns. The three main characters dominate the screen as the primary focus; however, Madolyn’s satellite phone provides additional insights into off-screen characters, suggesting the presence of a potential mole within her agency. A web of lies attached to Daryl and her superiors. She doesn’t know who to trust.
The standout moments in Flight Risk come not from its efforts to craft a tense, claustrophobic thrill ride, but rather from the way Rosenberg’s script infuses humor into every element of the story.
Winston is constantly delivering anxiety induced witty one-liners, while Daryl throws out crude and out of pocket remarks. Meanwhile, Hasan (Maaz Ali), a charming pilot, steps in to assist Madolyn via satellite phone. He offers her guidance on how to fly and eventually land the plane. The dialogue provides a sort of imbalance. Displaying elements of a raunchy comedy and a straight to video Steven Seagal picture. Gibson’s experience in directing effectively manages this contrast. Despite its unconventional approach, Flight Risk succeeds in ways one might not expect.
I previously mentioned the intended genres for this film; however, viewers will best appreciate this viewing as a campy, high-octane experience. Mark Wahlberg dominates the screen with his most unhinged performance to date. The moment his baldheaded identity (which he never truly reveals) exposes his motives, I found myself laughing uncontrollably every time he appeared on screen. Despite Wahlberg’s possibly intentional comedic cues, he adopts a more passive role in the film’s second half. The audience’s attention stays active through his relentless efforts to escape his bindings.
Daryl’s balding looked so fake it inevitably brought to mind the Chonmage hairstyle. A trend often featured in Japanese films set in the 16th Century. Seven Samurai comes to mind. To my surprise, Mark Wahlberg actually chose to shave his head each day of filming. Which further verifies the wild antics of his character.
Final Thoughts
There’s no surprise that Mel Gibson’s nine-year hiatus from directing has led to a film that is distinctly different from the other works in his filmography. On a surface level, Flight Risk has many negative aspects to consider. The film’s exterior elements are overly reliant on unnecessary CGI. There’s an array of improbable situations that you can’t help but just eyeroll at. The dialogue so cringeworthy it doesn’t correspond with the film’s intended mood. On a deeper note, this movie fully recognizes its own campy nature. Flight Risk playfully deceives the audience into thinking they’re enjoying a Delta experience when they’re actually on a Spirit flight. If viewers understood the type of film they were diving into, I’m sure they would enjoy the ride a lot more.
3/5
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