Title: Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg's "Flight Risk" Fails to Take Off on Rotten Tomatoes
Since the initial trailer for Flight Risk left me a little on the fence, I've been eager to form an opinion based on the movie itself. While the idea of a claustrophobic thriller with only three characters sounds intriguing, the trailer seemed to reveal too much. I suggest watching it with caution, as spoilers are plentiful.
The plot unfolds as a U.S. Marshal (Michelle Dockery, known for her stellar work in Downton Abbey) escorts a government witness (Topher Grace, who may not be immediately recognizable in his spectacles) to testify against a notorious mob boss. Their journey takes an unexpected turn, as they discover the pilot (played by Mark Wahlberg in his first major villain role since Fear in 1996) is actually the assassin.
The premise of the movie is further complicated by the fact that it's directed by Mel Gibson, whose career and opinions have earned him significant controversies and criticism. Despite these challenges, Gibson has delivered some standout films, such as Braveheart, Apocalypto, and Hacksaw Ridge. However, for someone known for impressive historical epics, it's surprising that he'd choose to direct a film like Flight Risk, which currently holds an abysmal 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Those reviewing the film were largely unimpressed, with Variety's Todd Gilchrist calling it a "crude, unimaginative, suspenseless adventure" and The Globe and Mail's Barry Hertz describing it as a "dumbed-down" C-grade thriller. The script's shortcomings are frequently highlighted, with Zachary Barnes from The Wall Street Journal stating that it "has several stretches that no director could make exciting."

Some reviewers, however, were slightly more optimistic, citing the film's absurdity and the B-movie quality of its performances. Frank Scheck from The Hollywood Reporter, for instance, went as far as to describe the film as "pretty good, even if you'll be shaking your head at the sheer ludicrousness of it all."
In conclusion, Flight Risk is drawing unfavorable reviews from critics, with particular focus on its weak script, uninspired direction, and underwhelming performances. It remains to be seen whether these criticisms will impact the film's appeal to audiences. As for Mark Wahlberg's hair, it's a subject better left unexplored.
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