DVD Corner

Flight Risk 4K UHD Review

“Flight Risk” never takes off.

Written by Jared Rosenberg, “Flight Risk” is a thriller that begins with an accountant (Winston) being captured by a U.S. Marshal (Madolyn). Winston was hiding in Alaska, but after being found, he is now planning to cut a deal to testify against crime family head Moretti. Madolyn charters a private plane to Anchorage before heading to New York. The pilot was meant to be Daryl, but it winds up being a crazed killer that works for Moretti. After immobilizing the killer, Madolyn has to figure out a way to pilot the plane and land at their destination, but the trip is perilous. On top of that, she learns that there’s a leak in her department which endangers the entire operation.

Mel Gibson returns to the director’s chair with a contained thriller about trust and isolation that is arguably his weakest effort to date. For a filmmaker who is known for epics and bold historical pieces, “Flight Risk” is a puzzling choice for a project. This 91 minute flick is as disposable as they come. It’s a one-note thriller largely set on a small plane with brain dead dialogue, idiotic character actions, flat jokes, the worst looking CGI moose in history, and a whole lot of violence. Much of the runtime is comprised of phone calls, hysterical freak outs (namely by Winston), and a bald Wahlberg spewing vile lines. Sure, there’s a couple twists and turns as is to be expected, but even those don’t salvage the film. About the only redeeming aspect here is that the volume is incredibly well utilized. It looks and feels like they are airborne even though it’s obviously on a soundstage.

Although there are a few audible performances, this is essentially a 3 actor film with Mark Wahlberg, Topher Grace and Michelle Dockery. Dockery plays a U.S. Marshal with a disgraceful past who is looking to redeem herself. She’s miscast in the role and tries a bit too hard with the American accent. Topher Grace is well, Topher Grace. He’s a wisecracking dork who panics frequently. Mark Wahlberg gives an entirely over-the-top performance. He chews the scenery to put it politely.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? The 4K transfer is quality. The snowy mountains really pop here especially.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the airplane sounds to the dialogue, this Atmos track delivers. 

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* Theatrical trailer
* “Risk Management: Making Flight Risk” contains film clips, interviews, set footage, and story and technical discussions.

March 31, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Flight Risk, Flight Risk 4K UHD Review, Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson, Michelle Dockery, thriller, Topher Grace