Imagine sitting down for what you thought would be a thrilling ride at the movies, only to find yourself on a flight full of turbulence. Mel Gibson, once lauded for epic films like “Braveheart,” has returned to the director's chair with “Flight Risk,” but the journey has been met with a storm of negative reviews. Is this a case of expectations soaring too high, or has Gibson truly lost his touch?
Background and Release: “Flight Risk” marks Gibson's first directorial project since the critically acclaimed “Hacksaw Ridge” in 2016. This action-thriller, starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace, was released with a budget of $10 million. Despite the modest investment, Lionsgate delayed the review embargo until the last minute, perhaps anticipating the critical reception.
Critical Reception: With a dismal 26% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 36 on Metacritic, “Flight Risk” has not fared well with critics. Reviews describe it as “unimaginative” and “suspenseless,” with Variety's Todd Gilchrist calling it a “crude, unimaginative adventure.” However, not all feedback is negative; some critics like myself find there's a certain charm in its absurdity, a knowing wink to its own ridiculousness that's hard to ignore.
Plot and Performance: The film follows a U.S. Marshal (Dockery) escorting a mob informant (Grace) across the Alaskan wilderness, only to discover their pilot (Wahlberg) is a hitman. Wahlberg's performance, marked by an oddly memorable balding haircut, oscillates between menacing and comedic, providing a sort of B-movie charm. Gibson's direction, while not at the level of “Apocalypto” or “Braveheart,” shows he can still handle the dynamics of confined spaces, keeping the film's 91-minute runtime surprisingly engaging.
Gibson's Career Trajectory: Gibson's return to directing has been rocky. After “Hacksaw Ridge,” which snagged six Oscar nominations, his career took a detour into B-movies and personal controversies. “Flight Risk” could have been a redemption arc, but instead, it highlights the challenges Gibson faces in an industry that has often looked the other way. Despite this, Gibson's next project, the sequel to “The Passion of the Christ,” remains on the horizon, showing his resilience and commitment to his craft.
Cultural and Philosophical Insights: Cinema, at its core, is about storytelling, and Gibson's films have always been a testament to the power of narrative. “Flight Risk,” though critically panned, still prompts a discussion on what we seek in cinema. Is it the spectacle, the story, or perhaps the reflection of our own human condition through flawed characters in bizarre situations?
Conclusion: “Flight Risk” might not be the cinematic triumph we hoped for from Gibson, but it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of art. It's a film that invites laughter at its own expense, and in doing so, perhaps offers a different kind of entertainment, one that isn't about being great but about being remembered.
Personal Impressions: “Flight Risk” isn't Gibson's finest work, but it's not the disaster it's painted to be. There's an undeniable fun in watching Wahlberg chew scenery in the confined space of an airplane, and Gibson's direction, while not groundbreaking, maintains a certain pulse. The film is a testament to Gibson's ability to entertain, even if it's not in the way we expected.
Do you think Mel Gibson can reclaim his status as a beloved director, or has the industry moved on from his brand of storytelling? Share your thoughts below.
