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
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.
It's not a high concept movie by any stretch. But, it is an entertaining flick. And, it's the first time Wahlberg has played an actual bad guy since 1996's Fear. And not to give anything away, but damn, his character gets taken to task to say the least.
Topher Grace is...Topher Grace in this movie. His character really could've been played by any number of actors. The same could be said for the actress who played the FBI agent. But in reality, none of the characters actually required in depth character study or to be standout. It was just a matter of getting actors to sign onto the film who could competently pull off the scenes.
So again, it's a decent film overall. I don't think anyone will walk out feeling disappointed or angry about spending their time or money watching it. And as run of the mill as it is, it's still better than what's being nominated for an Academy award this year.
Topher Grace is...Topher Grace in this movie. His character really could've been played by any number of actors. The same could be said for the actress who played the FBI agent. But in reality, none of the characters actually required in depth character study or to be standout. It was just a matter of getting actors to sign onto the film who could competently pull off the scenes.
So again, it's a decent film overall. I don't think anyone will walk out feeling disappointed or angry about spending their time or money watching it. And as run of the mill as it is, it's still better than what's being nominated for an Academy award this year.
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.
Flight Risk is the very definition of the term "Straight to DVD movie" from which I know it is a redundant statement in the modern era, but you get the point. The film is a low-budget thriller with a decent premise to kill an evening, and with Mel Gibson directing at the helm, I thought it might be worth checking out. Unfortunately, the film doesn't pay off as anything remarkable. Mark Wahlberg is introduced as a wise-cracking, charismatic pilot who holds the screen well initially, but the character fails to blossom throughout the film to anything interesting. My main confusion is the tone, the movie consistently juggles between a sort of intense thriller and an intentional comedy. However, I didn't find the jokes or light humor funny and considering the situation they are all placed in, it just perplexed me. I feel that if the film focused on being a straight up thriller, it could have been a pretty decent little flick. Not to mention a final shot that I found a rather bizarre choice to end on. Overall, Flight Risk contains strong performances, and is nicely directed, but narratively speaking it could have been a lot better.
"Flight Risk" offers a refreshing spin on the "protect the witness" genre by shifting focus away from the typical criminal chase to character dynamics and situational tension. Mark Wahlberg and Topher Grace did well as leads, while Michelle Dockery shines in her role. The snowy, foggy Alaska setting and confined plane interiors create a stress-inducing atmosphere that elevates the suspense. Dialogue-driven and not heavy on action, the movie thrives on its characters' chemistry and moments of tension, like a near mountain crash and a shocking stabbing. Though it won't leave a lasting legacy, it's an entertaining, well-paced thriller that's worth a rewatch for its solid performances and engaging story.
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.
- GoofsDuring the plane flight, they have to communicate via the headsets as they can't hear each other over the noise of the engines. After the first fight, they stop using headsets and can hear each other talking perfectly fine.
The headsets are necessary to communicate with the ground via radio, and they cancel out outside noise. However, they're not necessary to communicate inside the airplane.
- 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
- $44,648,506
- Runtime1 hour 31 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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