Flight Risk (2025) - A Review

The Scene Snobs score 2 out of 5

Given Mel Gibson’s track record as a director, I went into Flight Risk with cautious optimism. Say what you will about his off-screen persona, but his films tend to be bold, engaging, and sometimes even visionary. Unfortunately, whatever potential this project had was completely squandered by a lackluster story, sluggish pacing, and an uninspired Mark Wahlberg performance that borders on bizarre.

The premise of Flight Risk—a tense, mid-air thriller—should have been ripe for suspense and gripping storytelling. Instead, the film meanders, failing to build tension or even provide a compelling reason to stay invested. Rather than a tightly constructed cat-and-mouse game, what we get is a sluggish, uninspired plot that never fully takes off. Any moments that could have heightened the excitement feel diluted by uneven pacing and an absence of real stakes.

Mark Wahlberg’s portrayal in this film is baffling. While he has delivered solid performances in the past, here he feels out of place—oscillating between wooden and overly exaggerated. His character is neither charismatic nor compelling, making it difficult to root for or against him. Instead of adding depth, his performance feels like an inside joke between him and Gibson, as if they were more focused on their off-screen camaraderie than delivering something engaging for the audience.

The film suffers from what I can only call "buddy blindness"—Gibson and Wahlberg clearly enjoy working together, but this time, that mutual admiration may have resulted in a film where no one dared to question the weaker aspects of the story, dialogue, or direction. The result is a film that feels like an uninspired passion project rather than a thrilling action-drama.

One of the biggest letdowns is the complete absence of real suspense. A movie centered on a high-stakes, in-flight scenario should be filled with claustrophobic tension, unexpected turns, and high-pressure confrontations. Instead, Flight Risk drifts aimlessly, never capitalizing on its potential for thrills. Even the cinematography, which could have created a more immersive experience, feels flat and uninspired.

Ultimately, Flight Risk is a forgettable entry in both Wahlberg and Gibson’s filmographies. It lacks the grit and intensity that Gibson has previously brought to his directorial efforts, and Wahlberg’s odd performance only adds to the film’s overall disjointedness. If you’re a fan of either actor, you may find some fleeting moments of entertainment, but otherwise, this is a film best left grounded.

Thank you for reading,

Mick Manhattan

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