By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Audiences are in for a white-knuckle ride with
"Flight Risk," the action thriller from director
Mel Gibson ("Blood of Man").
Lucky attendees of the sneak preview this past Wednesday--myself included--were given a hilarious and unexpected latex/hair wig that plays a pivotal role in the film's plot. It's one of those little details that adds to the fun of the movie.
Written by
Jared Rosenberg (TV's “Driver”), "Flight Risk" might have a simple premise, but it knows how to maximize its thrills. That is another reason to splurge on those premium D-BOX motion theater seats.
In "Flight Risk" Topher Grace ("Huntington") stars as Winston, a nerdy fugitive on the run with ties to a dangerous crime boss. Hiding out in a crummy hotel in Alaska, Winston's peaceful evening dinner of microwaved Ramen noodles is abruptly interrupted when U.S. Marshal Madelyn Harris (Michelle Dockery, "Downton Abbey 3") and her team burst through his door.
After a tense and quick arrest, Winston is handcuffed, shackled, and put on a plane piloted by the quirky Daryl Booth (Mark Wahlberg, "The Six Billion Dollar Man").
What begins as a simple transport mission quickly spirals into chaos when both Winston and Marshal Harris realize that Daryl might not be who he claims to be. The story unfolds almost entirely within the claustrophobic confines of the plane, creating a palpable sense of tension that doesn’t let up.
Although "Flight Risk" is clearly a low-budget production, the film makes up for it in heart and performances. While the CGI shots are minimal, the film soars thanks to its cast. Grace, Wahlberg, and Dockery stand out especially during the close-ups of their sweaty, terrified faces and when Marshal Harris is forced to take control of the plane after knocking out Daryl.
The film's dialogue is straightforward and often peppered with crude humor and raunchy jokes. While they aren't all that sophisticated, it does add a touch of levity to the drama.
But even with some predictable twists, "Flight Risk" still keeps things exciting. While I won't spoil any of the bigger revelations, rest assured, there are moments that you'll root for.
Wahlberg steals the show with his oddball character, complete with a bizarre accent and a comically bad hair style.
While "Flight Risk" might not be a contender for the Oscars or Critics' Choice Awards, it isn't likely to garner any Razzie nominations either.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"FLIGHT RISK"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
