Looking for an intense action thriller? Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson are back for another collaboration in Flight Risk. Having previously teamed up in the Daddy?s Home series and the biographical drama Father Stu, Gibson now takes the director’s seat while Wahlberg stars as a pilot with a dark secret. The story revolves around Deputy U.S. Marshal Madelyn Harris, portrayed by Michelle Dockery, who is tasked with safely transporting a crucial witness named Winston, played by Topher Grace, to trial. However, the plot thickens when it is revealed that the pilot, played by Wahlberg, is actually a hitman, forcing Madelyn to find a way to protect Winston from impending danger.

While Flight Risk delivers moments of excitement, it ultimately feels more like a lackluster attempt at a thrilling popcorn flick. It?s interesting to see Gibson return to direct this film, especially considering his previous works like Braveheart and Hacksaw Ridge, which received critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations. Unlike those epic films, Flight Risk seems to prioritize straightforward entertainment over artistic depth, aiming for a fun blockbuster experience. The screenplay, adapted from Jared Rosenberg?s original work, places the action primarily in a single location, which adds a unique twist but also limits the film’s overall impact.

When comparing Flight Risk to other airplane thrillers like Non-Stop, it bears some similarities to the 2020 film 7500 and the underappreciated South Korean film Hijack 1971. However, this film struggles to achieve the same level of tension and engagement as its counterparts. The premise of two characters trapped on a plane with a hitman is undeniably gripping in theory. They are confined within a moving aircraft, with neither character able to pilot it, while the only person capable of flying is a killer intent on ensuring their demise. Despite some thrilling moments, the film presents inconsistencies that detract from its overall effectiveness.

The initial act of Flight Risk sets a decent tone, primarily thanks to Topher Grace, who infuses his character Winston with a sarcastic wit reminiscent of his earlier roles. His interactions with Madelyn are filled with tension and humor, as both characters are initially at odds. As the story progresses, Wahlberg enters the scene, adopting a thick Southern drawl that contrasts sharply with his Boston roots. The mounting tension escalates as Winston uncovers the pilot’s true identity, leading to a frantic race against time to convince Madelyn of the looming danger.

Once the pilot’s true nature is revealed, he is quickly subdued, which introduces a critical flaw in the film?s narrative. The heroes seem to have the upper hand for an extended portion of the story, undermining the tension. Even though Wahlberg is a prominent figure in the marketing, his character spends much of the film restrained and sidelined. An effective comparison could be drawn to the 1994 classic Speed, where the villains maintain a constant threat, keeping the protagonists in a state of peril. In contrast, the antagonist in Flight Risk is often rendered passive, leading to a lack of genuine suspense.

It is refreshing to witness Wahlberg embrace the role of a villain, a departure from his typical heroic characters in films like The Family Plan and Uncharted. In this film, he portrays a delightfully sinister character who relishes his violent tendencies. Although his character lacks depth and remains one-dimensional, Wahlberg’s enthusiasm in the role adds a certain charm. He embraces this villainous persona with gusto, which, despite the character’s simplicity, showcases his commitment to the part.

Returning to the comparison with Speed, that film excels due to the constant obstacles faced by its characters, maintaining an atmosphere of urgency and danger. In contrast, Flight Risk occasionally loses its momentum, leading to moments of diminished tension. Although Madelyn initially struggles with piloting the aircraft, her rapid adaptation undermines the suspenseful setup. The screenplay misses opportunities to capitalize on her inexperience, resulting in a less engaging narrative.

At times, Flight Risk feels like a straightforward action movie attempting to convey deeper themes, yet falters due to questionable writing decisions. For instance, a scene where the hitman threatens the protagonists with a knife is quickly forgotten, leaving viewers frustrated as they anticipate a more strategic response. Additionally, a contrived plot point involving an article of clothing serves to heighten stakes but instead highlights the protagonist’s ineptitude, detracting from her credibility as a skilled law enforcement officer.

Overall, Flight Risk struggles to achieve liftoff. While there is an underlying subplot involving events unfolding on the ground, the film opts to keep these moments off-screen, focusing solely on the confined setting of the airplane. This choice makes it challenging for viewers to connect with the broader narrative and additional characters. The film had the potential for greater success, but it is ultimately hindered by ineffective humor and attempts at crowd-pleasing moments that miss the mark, alongside Wahlberg being sidelined for much of the film.

FINAL RATING: 5/10

According to ComingSoon?s review policy, a score of 5 indicates a ?Mediocre? experience. The film’s positives and negatives cancel each other out, resulting in an overall lackluster impression.

Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Flight Risk review.