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Flight Risk’ Receives Lukewarm Reviews as Mel Gibson’s Modest Thriller Hits Theaters

Critics describe the low-budget aerial thriller, starring Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Dockery, as formulaic and lacking depth, with some redeeming performances.

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Michelle Dockery as Madolyn in "Flight Risk," Mel Gibson's new thriller that features three people trapped in a plane for the entire film.
Mark Wahlberg in Flight Risk

Overview

  • ‘Flight Risk,’ directed by Mel Gibson, is a $25 million low-budget thriller set primarily on a small prop plane and features a simple, predictable plot.
  • The film stars Michelle Dockery as a U.S. Marshal, Topher Grace as a mob accountant, and Mark Wahlberg as a deranged assassin posing as a pilot.
  • Critics noted that the film lacks originality, with its premise and execution drawing comparisons to straight-to-DVD action movies and TV dramas.
  • Michelle Dockery’s performance as a capable and determined protagonist has been praised, while Wahlberg’s portrayal of the villain was seen as over-the-top and unconvincing.
  • Reviewers described the film as serviceable but insubstantial, with little tension or stylistic flair, and noted Gibson’s restrained approach to avoid controversial themes.