Flight Risk (2025) Review: A Small-Scale Thriller That Loses Its Edge
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| Flight Risk Review 2025 |
Introduction
Flight Risk is the latest movie directed by Mel Gibson, the filmmaker behind Braveheart, Apocalypto, and Hacksaw Ridge. With a high-stakes premise, an isolated setting, and a cast led by Mark Wahlberg, Topher Grace, and Michelle Dockery, this movie promised a thrilling ride. However, does it deliver, or does it crash and burn? Let's dive in.
Flight Risk Trailer
The Premise: A Promising Setup
The film revolves around three characters aboard a
small plane:
- Topher Grace plays a government
informant being transported.
- Michelle Dockery plays the US
Marshal escorting him.
- Mark Wahlberg plays the pilot—or
so it seems.
Turns out, Wahlberg’s character is actually a hitman
sent to kill Grace’s character. But since he’s the only one who knows how to
fly the plane, they can’t just get rid of him. This setup creates immediate
tension and intrigue, drawing viewers in from the start.
A Strong First Act
The movie kicks off with a gripping first act. Knowing
Wahlberg’s true identity while the other characters remain oblivious adds to
the suspense. As they slowly start suspecting him, the tension is palpable.
This is when the film is at its best. Unfortunately, this peak comes too soon.
Where It Falls Apart
Over-the-Top Villainy
Mark Wahlberg does a solid job playing an unhinged
psychopath, but the script leans too heavily into making him repulsive. Every
line he delivers is filled with unnecessary innuendos and threats. Instead of
building suspense, it becomes predictable and lazy. A truly menacing villain
doesn’t need to constantly remind us how evil he is.
The Satellite Phone Problem
The film takes a downward turn when Dockery’s character
realizes she has a satellite phone. Once she starts communicating with ground
support, the tension in the confined space weakens significantly. At this
point, the movie shifts from a tense, contained thriller to a generic survival
story with unnecessary side plots.
Unnecessary Side Plots
Instead of focusing on the core conflict, the film
introduces a subplot about a mole in the department, which adds little to the
main story. To make matters worse, the phone conversations include bizarre
moments, like a character casually hitting on Dockery’s character while she’s
trying to figure out how to land the plane. These distractions dilute the
intensity of the narrative.
Technical Aspects: Mixed Execution
CGI and Visuals
Some CGI shots look convincing, particularly the ones
involving the plane in flight. However, other effects—like a moose staring at
Topher Grace’s character through a window—look outdated, reminiscent of early
2000s video games.
Questionable Physics
Certain moments in the film stretch believability when
it comes to physics and aviation accuracy. While it’s a movie and some
suspension of disbelief is expected, there are moments where even casual
viewers might find themselves questioning the logic.
Pacing and Runtime
At a brisk 90 minutes, the film doesn’t overstay its
welcome. However, it still feels padded with unnecessary elements that don’t
contribute to the core tension. Stripping down the story and keeping it focused
on the three characters in the plane would have made for a much tighter and
more engaging film.
The Abrupt Ending
The film’s ending feels rushed, almost as if the studio
either cut a darker version or simply wanted to wrap things up quickly. Given
how much of the movie is spent on side plots, the lack of a satisfying
resolution makes it all the more frustrating.
Final Verdict: Stream It, But Don’t Expect Much
Mel Gibson is a talented filmmaker, but Flight Risk
feels like a missed opportunity. It starts strong, but loses momentum once
external elements dilute the tension. If you’re looking for a thrilling,
confined-space movie, there are better options.
Summery
Mel Gibson’s Flight Risk (2025) starts strong with a tense setup but quickly loses momentum. Mark Wahlberg plays a hitman posing as a pilot, transporting a government informant (Topher Grace) and a US Marshal (Michelle Dockery). The confined setting creates initial suspense, but over-the-top villainy, unnecessary subplots, and a weakening sense of urgency derail the tension. CGI is hit-or-miss, and the rushed ending leaves much to be desired. At just 90 minutes, it’s watchable but unremarkable. For better small-scale thrillers, try Red Eye or Phone Booth.
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