Directed by Mel Gibson (Braveheart, Hacksaw Ridge) from a screenplay written by first time scribe Jared Rosenberg, Gibson does a capable job with Flight Risk, a largely paint-by-the-numbers actioner. Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery stars as Madolyn Harris, an Air Marshal with a troubled past recently reassigned to the field. Mark Wahlberg stars as Daryl Booth, a pilot tasked with flying Madolyn and fugitive accountant Winston (Topher Grace) from Alaska to Seattle, so Winston can testify against his mobbed up boss in New York. Predictably, not all is as it seems.
As the flight begins, things are relaxed. Booth is a little too talkative for Madolyn’s taste, but she begins to relax, engaging the pilot in banter, listening to music, secure knowing that Winston is shackled in the back. When the signal randomly goes dead, things are quiet. In the back seat, Winston sees a paper under the pilot’s seat. Daryl isn’t the man he says he is. Unable to get Harris’ attention, Winston begins to panic.
Up front, as Daryl and Harris continue to talk, Daryl’s southern accent begins to slip, replaced by a clear east coast one. Soon, it becomes clear that Daryl is a hitman hired by the mob to kill both Winston and Harris. With a surge of adrenaline, Harris attacks Daryl, Chaos is now the order of the day. Every move becomes a life-or-death proposition. While the claustrophobia of the situation creates some tension the ending is obvious, despite Harris’s boss being exposed as a baddie. Yes, this is a spoiler, but it’s an obvious one.
Ever action star, Mark Wahlberg delivers a convincing performance as villain. Both resourceful and angry, Wahlberg chews the scenery with glee, sneering every word. This isn’t Shakespeare, but Mark is clearly having fun with the material, limited as it is. As Madolyn, Dockery is clearly having fun too. She’s even able to give some surprisingly emotional depth to her character. Rooting for her and later, Winston becomes very easy. Topher Grace isn’t given a lot to work with here, but I hope we get to see more of him in films. Whenever I see him, I think he should be a movie star. Nothing about Flight Risk has dissuaded me from that notion.
All in all, Flight Risk is little more than a standard action film, but the solid performances from the three main cast members make it worth recommending.
Presented in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the Lionsgate 4K disc includes Dolby Vision. The overall look is flawless. With wide shots of Alaska, detail is plentiful. The interiors of the tiny plane are clear, be it the weathered gears or the dancing figurine on the dash. Tight shots of the actors reveal every pore. Black levels are inky with no crush in evidence. Colors are vibrant throughout. There are no scratches or other print anomalies.
Flight Risk offers an equally pleasing Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The sounds of the small craft are immersive, highlighting every creak and motor noise. Music envelops and gunfire feels like it’s in the room with you. Dialogue is clean, clear and concise throughout. Surround sound is put to good use, putting the viewer directly into the action.
English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles are available.
The extras are minimal:
- Risk Management: Making Flight Risk (8 Min.)
- Theatrical Trailer
