Flight Risk

Flight Risk is the very definition of the term "Straight to DVD movie" from which I know it is a redundant statement in the modern era, but you get the point. The film is a low-budget thriller with a decent premise to kill an evening, and with Mel Gibson directing at the helm, I thought it might be worth checking out. Unfortunately, the film doesn't pay off as anything remarkable. Mark Wahlberg is introduced as a wise-cracking, charismatic pilot who holds the screen well initially, but the character fails to blossom throughout the film to anything interesting. My main confusion is the tone, the movie consistently juggles between a sort of intense thriller and an intentional comedy. However, I didn't find the jokes or light humor funny and considering the situation they are all placed in, it just perplexed me. I feel that if the film focused on being a straight up thriller, it could have been a pretty decent little flick. Not to mention a final shot that I found a rather bizarre choice to end on. Overall, Flight Risk contains strong performances, and is nicely directed, but narratively speaking it could have been a lot better.

It's not a high concept movie by any stretch. But, it is an entertaining flick. And, it's the first time Wahlberg has played an actual bad guy since 1996's Fear. And not to give anything away, but damn, his character gets taken to task to say the least.

Topher Grace is...Topher Grace in this movie. His character really could've been played by any number of actors. The same could be said for the actress who played the FBI agent. But in reality, none of the characters actually required in depth character study or to be standout. It was just a matter of getting actors to sign onto the film who could competently pull off the scenes.

So again, it's a decent film overall. I don't think anyone will walk out feeling disappointed or angry about spending their time or money watching it. And as run of the mill as it is, it's still better than what's being nominated for an Academy award this year.

Mel Gibson must think his target audience for flight risk is five years old. Now I like movies where you just turn your brain off and enjoy the ridiculousness but this was just sad. So many stupid incorrect and just absurd aviation moments. The fact that the agent lady had Wahlberg's character restrained twice and he got away twice. I mean she had all the handcuffs and zip ties she could ever want and still couldn't tie him securely. I liked Topher's character I think he was entertaining. Mark Wahlbergs bald cap makeup job was so poorly done I couldn't even pay attention to the movie when he was on screen. This movie could have been a solid entertaining flick but its like it was made by a 5 year old and nobody corrected their errors. I mean why not spend a few bucks and hire an aviation consultant so at least you won't look so dumb Mel?? If they would have corrected all the absurd aviation things it would have been much better. So I ask the most important question...Was I entertained? No, I was too busy screaming at the screen.

I like the actors so I really thought this would be a good film, but it just wasn't!

It became obvious very quickly that all was not what it seemed and then the generic lines started. It's almost as if you can see the actors waiting for each other to say their lines which is so strange when they are all seasoned pros.

There was some incredibly frustrating action scenes and some parts that were just annoying. Like in a horror movie when then run upstairs, I spent most of the time wondering why they didn't just kill the bad person.

I'm not sure if this was a lockdown film but let's face it most of those were rubbish and if this wasnt then the only reason it's a bad film must be because of the director and script.

I enjoyed everything about this movie and the tension was well maintained, right to the very end.

It may have been confusing in some parts but I later realised that it created frantic scenarios in a tiny plane space which I feel was masterfully done.

I had no expectation and knew nothing about the story line and watched it for what it is - very entertaining, a great thriller with a good pace.

I had no idea it was directed by Mel Gibson - I think he did a great job. We need more stories like this, quick to the point and honest about what it is without unnecessary details that hinder the tension. Every time you start to feel at ease and think things are finally in control something will happen to unsettle you.