A pilot transports an Air Marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.A pilot transports an Air Marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.A pilot transports an Air Marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.
Eilise Patton
- Janine
- (as Eilise Guilfoyle)
Mark Schotz
- Rescue Worker #2
- (as Mark 'Cowboy' Schotz)
Georgi S. Georgiev
- Jeff (State Trooper #2)
- (uncredited)
Atanas Srebrev
- State Trooper #1
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Summary
Reviewers say 'Flight Risk' offers mixed reactions, highlighting strong performances by Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace. The confined plane setting is intriguing yet criticized for predictability and lack of depth. Common complaints include weak dialogue, unrealistic plot points, and clichés. Some appreciate the humor and tension, while others find it fails as a thriller. Mel Gibson's direction receives mixed reviews, seen as a decline from his earlier works. Overall, 'Flight Risk' is entertaining but flawed, not fully leveraging its potential.
Featured reviews
I enjoyed everything about this movie and the tension was well maintained, right to the very end.
It may have been confusing in some parts but I later realised that it created frantic scenarios in a tiny plane space which I feel was masterfully done.
I had no expectation and knew nothing about the story line and watched it for what it is - very entertaining, a great thriller with a good pace.
I had no idea it was directed by Mel Gibson - I think he did a great job. We need more stories like this, quick to the point and honest about what it is without unnecessary details that hinder the tension. Every time you start to feel at ease and think things are finally in control something will happen to unsettle you.
It may have been confusing in some parts but I later realised that it created frantic scenarios in a tiny plane space which I feel was masterfully done.
I had no expectation and knew nothing about the story line and watched it for what it is - very entertaining, a great thriller with a good pace.
I had no idea it was directed by Mel Gibson - I think he did a great job. We need more stories like this, quick to the point and honest about what it is without unnecessary details that hinder the tension. Every time you start to feel at ease and think things are finally in control something will happen to unsettle you.
I wasn't even going to go see this film after seeing the preview. It just looked so standard in the ad, and I felt it gave away too much of the story. Then I noticed it was directed by Mel. So, I thought why not, I've seen everything else he's directed. So I used my points to go see it, and I must say. I think it definitely is a little better than how it comes across in the ad. The filmmaking is definitely solid. The film creates some fairly tense moments, even though it's one of those films where you sort of have an idea as to how it will likely end. It is a fairly straightforward and simple film for sure. However it is well made, and the script is definitely not as unintelligently written as most Hollywood films these days. The dialogue is perhaps a little harsh for some, but that actually also helps this film build the decent amount of tension that it needs to work reasonably well. I definitely don't regret going to see it on the big screen. For many people, this will be worth a watch for sure.
I think Mel may have taken this project in order to help fund his own passion projects, and why not? They definitely made a decent little film out of this in my view. In fact, I'd say it's a fairly good date movie if you all can handle some creepy dialogue and a little bit of gore.
What is also refreshing about this script, is that even though a female has a major role in the film. The script doesn't enter into any of these overly naive and ridiculous political narratives that so many other Hollywood films these days do. If I see another one of those films, I'm going to be sick right in the theatre. So look out people.
6.5/10.
I think Mel may have taken this project in order to help fund his own passion projects, and why not? They definitely made a decent little film out of this in my view. In fact, I'd say it's a fairly good date movie if you all can handle some creepy dialogue and a little bit of gore.
What is also refreshing about this script, is that even though a female has a major role in the film. The script doesn't enter into any of these overly naive and ridiculous political narratives that so many other Hollywood films these days do. If I see another one of those films, I'm going to be sick right in the theatre. So look out people.
6.5/10.
I left the theaters about 25-30 mins ago and wrote this review
The movie isn't as bad as many critics say. I think Wahlberg does a fine job, as smooth and natural on-screen as he always is; and I like the lead actress who plays Agent Harris. The movie essentially takes place in one location (the plane), which might sound dull; but the pacing is well-done. I got reminded of movies like Panic Room and Phone Booth. In between the dueling with Wahlberg's character, the lead actress talks via satellite phone / radio with the US Marshall's office as well as a pilot who guides her: those parts are actually entertaining too. The radio-pilot (named Hasaan) has some charming lines, and the plot thread with the US Marshal's office adds another layer of suspense
That said -- it's still a very flawed movie. The premise requires large suspension of belief, and the plot follows a safe and predictable route that we've seen hundreds of times. All of the twists in this movie are poor; we can see those twists coming from a mile away. And while I like Walhberg and Dockery in their roles, I think that Topher Grace (the informant character) is not good. He displays some very poor acting at times. His character also inserts far too many comedic lines and moments, which broke up the tone. The movie involves two people trapped in a decrepit plane, surrounded by the desolate and harsh Alaskan mountains, with no pilot to steer the plane; yet somehow, the film atmospherically fails to convey the sense of dread and horror that you'd expect
And lastly - Wahlberg sports a balding hairstyle to make his character look creepier, I guess. But I thought this detail was poorly done. As soon as his character's toupee falls off, we actually can see that Wahlberg has a perfect hairline; he merely shaved the top of his head. The filmakers should have used some cosmetics to cover his hairline and make his look more realistic
5.5/10.
The movie isn't as bad as many critics say. I think Wahlberg does a fine job, as smooth and natural on-screen as he always is; and I like the lead actress who plays Agent Harris. The movie essentially takes place in one location (the plane), which might sound dull; but the pacing is well-done. I got reminded of movies like Panic Room and Phone Booth. In between the dueling with Wahlberg's character, the lead actress talks via satellite phone / radio with the US Marshall's office as well as a pilot who guides her: those parts are actually entertaining too. The radio-pilot (named Hasaan) has some charming lines, and the plot thread with the US Marshal's office adds another layer of suspense
That said -- it's still a very flawed movie. The premise requires large suspension of belief, and the plot follows a safe and predictable route that we've seen hundreds of times. All of the twists in this movie are poor; we can see those twists coming from a mile away. And while I like Walhberg and Dockery in their roles, I think that Topher Grace (the informant character) is not good. He displays some very poor acting at times. His character also inserts far too many comedic lines and moments, which broke up the tone. The movie involves two people trapped in a decrepit plane, surrounded by the desolate and harsh Alaskan mountains, with no pilot to steer the plane; yet somehow, the film atmospherically fails to convey the sense of dread and horror that you'd expect
And lastly - Wahlberg sports a balding hairstyle to make his character look creepier, I guess. But I thought this detail was poorly done. As soon as his character's toupee falls off, we actually can see that Wahlberg has a perfect hairline; he merely shaved the top of his head. The filmakers should have used some cosmetics to cover his hairline and make his look more realistic
5.5/10.
Mel Gibson must think his target audience for flight risk is five years old. Now I like movies where you just turn your brain off and enjoy the ridiculousness but this was just sad. So many stupid incorrect and just absurd aviation moments. The fact that the agent lady had Wahlberg's character restrained twice and he got away twice. I mean she had all the handcuffs and zip ties she could ever want and still couldn't tie him securely. I liked Topher's character I think he was entertaining. Mark Wahlbergs bald cap makeup job was so poorly done I couldn't even pay attention to the movie when he was on screen. This movie could have been a solid entertaining flick but its like it was made by a 5 year old and nobody corrected their errors. I mean why not spend a few bucks and hire an aviation consultant so at least you won't look so dumb Mel?? If they would have corrected all the absurd aviation things it would have been much better. So I ask the most important question...Was I entertained? No, I was too busy screaming at the screen.
I'm glad I didn't see this at the movies... paid $6 on Prime and even still I feel a little cheated. This film had the potential of being a great move, but it just didn't meet par with suspense, dialogue, or entertainment. These are good actors, seasoned and good at their craft but I think the writers were lacking. They left them hanging and struggling to take what was written and make the movie believable.
Something is no longer good in Hollywood, the talent has fallen to an all-time low. I've noticed the "F" word is now mainstay with writers indicating they have little expertise in narrative.
I won't watch it again... maybe on a rainy day with no where to go and its the only thing available, then maybe.
Something is no longer good in Hollywood, the talent has fallen to an all-time low. I've noticed the "F" word is now mainstay with writers indicating they have little expertise in narrative.
I won't watch it again... maybe on a rainy day with no where to go and its the only thing available, then maybe.
Did you know
- TriviaThe production was shot in 22 days and Mel Gibson himself expressed he was surprised when the final running time clocked in at merely 91 minutes, making this his shortest-directed film.
- GoofsMadalyn and Winston while arguing with Daryl, are suddenly alerted to the presence of mountain tops, then while trying to pull up, smash through a snow bank between two peaks. There is absolutely no way that plane would have survived that impact without a scratch.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Film Junk Podcast: Episode 981: Flight Risk (2025)
- SoundtracksWho Was That
Performed by Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Written by Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Courtesy of KWS Music Inc. and Rushup Productions Inc.
- How long is Flight Risk?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $25,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $29,783,527
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $11,583,488
- Jan 26, 2025
- Gross worldwide
- $48,701,987
- Runtime1 hour 31 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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