Mel Gibson directing Mark Wahlberg in an action thriller? That sounds like a recipe for some high-octane cinema right? Well buckle up movie fans because 'Flight Risk' is here and it is definitely a ride. Gibson behind the camera Wahlberg in the pilot seat and a whole lot of suspense in between. But is it a smooth flight or does it hit some turbulence? Let's find out.
What's the 'Flight Risk' Fuzz About? Plot and Players in This Airborne Thriller
'Flight Risk' throws us right into the action. Mark Wahlberg plays Daryl a pilot who seems friendly enough at first. He is hired for what appears to be a routine flight. Michelle Dockery stars as Madolyn a U.S. Air Marshal tasked with transporting a key witness played by Topher Grace. The witness Winston is supposed to testify against some bad guys. Simple enough right? Wrong!
Things quickly go sideways once they are airborne. Turns out Daryl is not just your average pilot and this flight is anything but routine. Think betrayal danger in the sky and a fight for survival at 14000 feet. The entire movie pretty much unfolds inside a small nine-seat Cessna. Claustrophobic? You betcha. Intense? Absolutely.
Wahlberg Goes Villain Gibson Directs and a 90s B-Movie Vibe?
Mark Wahlberg playing a villain? That's not something we see every day. Known for his heroic roles Wahlberg steps into darker territory as Daryl the pilot with a hidden agenda. It is only the second time in his career he has played the bad guy. This movie marks a collaboration with Mel Gibson who directs. Gibson known for directing hits like 'Braveheart' and 'Hacksaw Ridge' brings his directorial eye to this smaller scale thriller.
Some critics are calling 'Flight Risk' a B-movie throwback with a 90s action movie feel. It's lean mean and gets straight to the point clocking in at a tight 90 minutes. Gibson seems to embrace the pulpier elements focusing on suspense and action over deep complex storylines. Think of it as a palate cleanser maybe a warm-up for Gibson's bigger projects like the upcoming 'Passion of the Christ' sequel.
Box Office Turbulence and Critical Cloud Cover: How's 'Flight Risk' Landing?
Box office wise 'Flight Risk' faced some headwinds. While it did briefly hit number one it unfortunately broke Mark Wahlberg's 26-year streak of action movies grossing over $50 million. Ouch. But it is worth noting the movie had a budget of just $25 million. So it is not a massive bomb by any means.
Critics were not exactly singing its praises either. Reviews are mixed to negative with some calling it silly and cringeworthy. Some reviews mention laughing at the movie instead of feeling suspense. However some viewers might find its unpretentious B-movie charm appealing. It is not trying to be a prestige picture. It is aiming for thrills and entertainment value.
High-Flying Virtual Production and Realism in a Cessna: Behind the Scenes of 'Flight Risk'
One interesting aspect of 'Flight Risk' is its use of virtual production. Almost the entire movie was filmed using LED screens creating the backgrounds. This allowed filmmakers to keep the action contained within the small plane set and create the illusion of flight. They even used a motion-base gimbal to move the plane around.
Cinematographer Johnny Derango wanted to ground the movie in reality making it feel authentic not fake. They shot background plates of Alaskan landscapes from a helicopter to project onto the LED screens. This approach allowed for tight close-ups and camera angles that would be difficult to achieve practically in a real plane in flight. It was a bespoke stage built in Las Vegas specifically for this production showcasing impressive technical filmmaking.
Reasons to Give 'Flight Risk' a Chance (and Maybe a Few Reasons to Hesitate)
Thinking of checking out 'Flight Risk'? Here's a quick rundown to help you decide:
- Reasons to Watch:
- Mel Gibson Directing: If you are a fan of Gibson's action-oriented directorial style it's worth seeing his take on a contained thriller.
- Mark Wahlberg as Villain: See Wahlberg play against type in a rare bad guy role.
- High-Tension Thrills: For 90 minutes of suspenseful airborne action it delivers some solid thrills.
- Virtual Production Showcase: Appreciate the technical filmmaking and use of LED volume for realistic flight scenes.
- Saturday Night Movie Vibe: Perfect for a no-brainer action flick night in.
- Reasons to Hesitate:
- B-Movie Tropes: Embraces some sillier B-movie elements that might not appeal to everyone.
- Weak Plot Depth: Story is fairly straightforward and does not delve deep into complex themes.
- Mixed Reviews: Critics are not raving so set expectations accordingly.
- Silly Dialogues: Some dialogue is cheesy and may induce unintentional laughter.
- Not Prestige Gibson: Do not expect 'Braveheart' or 'Hacksaw Ridge' level filmmaking.
The Final Verdict: Is 'Flight Risk' Cleared for Landing in Your Watchlist?
'Flight Risk' might not be soaring to box office heights or earning critical acclaim but it could still find its audience. If you are in the mood for a quick pulpy action thriller with Mark Wahlberg playing against type and Mel Gibson at the helm it might just be the ticket. Think of it as a solid Saturday night B-movie a fun and efficient genre romp that delivers exactly what it promises: suspense in the sky. Just do not expect a prestige picture and you might be pleasantly surprised. Give 'Flight Risk' a chance maybe it will defy expectations and provide some in-flight entertainment after all.