Summary Points:

  • “Flight Risk” is a new thriller movie starring Mark Wahlberg as a complex character.
  • The movie has Mark playing a villain role after not having been seen in similar for almost 30 years.
  • Mel Gibson directed, making this his first movie directing since the Oscar Nominated "Hacksaw Ridge".
  • Viewers say tone was all over the place between humor and a thriller.
  • Although a mixed reception, this has debuted as number one movie for box office.
  • This film brings attention to older style thrillers as it brings back those style cues.

Flight Risk: A New Thriller Starring Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg stars as a seemingly unassuming pilot who transforms into a menacing threat for both U.S. Marshal Madelyn and fugitive Winston who are passengers aboard his plane in “Flight Risk.” His portrayal of this unpredictable character makes for a complex style. Wahlberg notes that this portrayal was a method acting project by keeping to himself on set.

Wahlberg's Return to a Villain Role

This is not only Wahlberg’s return to the thriller genre, but a villainous character not seen since 1996. He shows different areas of acting including physical changes by taking the part more seriously with intense internal exploration. He has claimed that all new unique ideas came to him on set as to how to play this role.

The Dynamic Duo: Wahlberg and Gibson

The collaboration of Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg is not new to these actors as they've worked on prior productions including Father Stu. But, "Flight Risk," is the first time that Mel is in the director’s chair as Mark will be taking on the leading role under his instruction.

Gibson’s Direction

Gibson was not only open to ideas but was clear on what he wanted from this style of film directing it in a way to have his vision come through on the production. The movie showcases quick scenes and shots at 15-20 pages each day showcasing how different it is in execution from prior projects. Mel was chosen by the team for his knowledge in film making and direction skills.

The Plot: A Deadly Scenario

"Flight Risk" sets up the initial plot line using a small airplane for the setting of all scenes. A U.S. Marshall transports a fugitive as well as enlisting a pilot and each character showcases new issues while discovering hidden facts. These new revelations make them all change into a chaotic scenario where the characters are tested along with unexpected actions.

A High Tension Flight

While being contained in a small space, character motivations and actions all bring tension and suspense into every scene and is designed to have viewers feel confined. This type of scene is not new to film but the added layer of this production make it unique.

The Varied Character Dynamic

Each character had varying personality traits throughout this high pressure thriller environment. The US Marshall Madelyn was shown to be serious and direct while using quick decisions. While the Fugitive played a more nerdy type role adding jokes and off setting comments throughout many intense scenes. However Mark shows the most erratic as the unhinged pilot that many reviewers mentioned was not always the correct tone for certain sequences in the movie.

Contrasting Personalities

Due to those different dynamics viewers and critics have noted some issues in continuity with many different tone choices in both dialoge and visual choices making for a less than ideal mix. The characters all feel as though they may be operating in their own separate genres as each one attempts to navigate through the issues presented. There is even some debate if some of the actions or responses are to be played as funny and quirky or as serious and threatening creating confusion.

Critical and Audience Reception

“Flight Risk” opened to the number one spot. Despite its box office debut it has received largely negative feedback from critics. As a result its reception was rated a “rotten” 25% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However in those mixed to negative responses a few praised aspects such as the story’s delivery with many intense actions that have been the main point of contention for why it falls below expectations. The movie had C cinemascore with a large demographic of viewers falling mostly in older men and women.

Conflicting Views and Humorous Dialogue

Viewers who appreciated the movie highlighted there was at least not boring or slow to view. A few praise certain moments as thrilling. However they did point out the uneven writing with dialogue and an overall story which they also thought fell flat when there should have been some important tense and memorable moments in place. Those points came along with comments claiming characters acting out of their known personalities or inconsistent tones that often took viewers out of the moment instead of allowing them a moment to invest into the characters.

Mel Gibson: Behind the Camera

Although this film had a poor reception “Flight Risk” also provided another opportunity for Mel Gibson to take on directing once more which may allow his future direction to get more noticed. While the movie received poor feedback he showcased elements which he was already well known for.

Gibson's Direction Style and Strengths

The camera work and shots used in this particular movie were mentioned by one reviewer as a good element to showcase, along with action sequences which are key to all types of thrills. Even as his performance on this project was stated to be "passable" his techniques are one of the areas that show promise for his direction skills. He also focused on the inner space of the small aircraft by alternating that with large views of the land outside making for an interesting experience.

Key Takeaways

  • “Flight Risk” is a thriller movie directed by Mel Gibson which had Mark Wahlberg as the leading actor.
  • This marks a unique shift in tone with Wahlberg playing a villain.
  • The film opened at #1 in box office however the mixed reception was a common comment from reviewers and those who went to theaters.
  • The movie has themes of good versus evil with chaos, complex choices and tension.
  • Many reviews state there was a mix of conflicting tones through dialougue, jokes and high stakes thriller moments.