Flight Risk is an adequately entertaining action film directed by Mel Gibson. The script came from the computer of Jared Rosenberg. Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery and Topher Grace are the main stars of this film.
Michelle Dockery plays a US Marshal taking an important witness to New York from Anchorage on a small plane. Wahlberg plays the pilot who turns out to be on a crime family’s payroll and is hired to make sure that Topher Grace’s Winston doesn’t spill the tea in court. Most of the story takes place on the plane where Wahlberg gets to unleash his inner psycho.
The story is a bit implausible, but the performances are just strong enough to make that somewhat forgivable. Wahlberg actually does a decent job of behaving with terrifying and convincing savagery at times. Grace actually does well as the nervous, sometimes witty, accountant to a mob family who has decided to switch sides. Dockery’s performance as Deputy Madolyn Harris is fine as well.
Really, the writing is a bit of a letdown in this one. The cast members do the best they can, but the film ends not being one of Gibson’s best directorial efforts. There is still some evidence that Gibson retains some of his skills because the movie could have been a lot worse.
It’s a pretty forgettable popcorn flick, but at least it’s not going to be remembered for belonging on a cinematic trash heap.
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