Random Review: Mark Wahlberg takes the right risk in doing action thriller ‘Flight Risk’
Mel Gibson’s Flight Risk is a no-frills action thriller that keeps its audience strapped in for a turbulent ride. The story follows a U.S. Marshal (Michelle Dockery) tasked with escorting a government witness (Topher Grace) aboard a small plane, only to discover their pilot (Mark Wahlberg) is secretly a hitman sent to eliminate them. What follows is a claustrophobic battle for survival set against the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness.
While the film isn’t perfect—its plot occasionally leans on familiar tropes, and some sequences push believability—it undeniably keeps your attention. The pacing is relentless, and the confined setting amps up the tension, making it easy to forgive the narrative’s less polished moments.
The undeniable highlight of Flight Risk is Mark Wahlberg’s performance. Stepping away from his usual stoic hero roles, Wahlberg fully embraces the unhinged, villainous energy of the sadistic pilot. Bald, profane, and unpredictable, he dominates the screen with a sinister charisma that’s impossible to look away from. His improvisation during taunting scenes brings an unsettling humor to his character, making him both detestable and fascinating. It’s a career standout, showcasing a side of Wahlberg that audiences rarely get to see.
Dockery impresses as the no-nonsense U.S. Marshal, balancing toughness with just enough vulnerability to make her character feel grounded. Grace, meanwhile, offers much-needed comic relief as the jittery, wisecracking witness caught in the crossfire.
Gibson directs with efficiency, keeping the action tight and the suspense dialed up. By focusing on the small, confined stakes of the story, the film avoids the trap of trying to go too big and losing sight of what makes it compelling.
Flight Risk isn’t a groundbreaking thriller, but it’s an entertaining one. With a solid mix of tension, action, and dark humor—anchored by Wahlberg’s unforgettable performance—it’s a film that, flaws and all, will keep you hooked until the final moments.
