Mel Gibson is back in the director’s chair, for the first time since his 2016 Oscar-nominated WWII film “Hacksaw Ridge.” We now have a new trailer, and it again features a balding Mark Wahlberg who plays the film’s psychopathic villain.
For obvious reasons, Gibson’s name isn’t mentioned in the trailer, instead we get a “From The Acclaimed Director of BRAVEHEART, HACKSAW RIDGE, APOCALYPTO.” Way to go, Lionsgate. I still believe having Gibson’s name stamped on the screen would have actually helped marketing.
What I do know about “Flight Risk,” and based on a test screening that occurred a few months back, is that it’s violent and VERY entertaining. I wouldn’t expect anything else from “Mad Mel.” Apparently, Wahlberg goes full gonzo with his performance here, and Gibson’s direction is muscular and strong. I’m supposed to watch it next week.
Lionsgate, the studio behind ‘Hacksaw’ is backing “Flight Risk” which has Wahlberg’s mob hitman tricking a federal agent into allowing him to pilot a plane carrying an FBI informant (Topher Grace) out of a remote area. The two passengers soon find themselves trapped in the air with a dangerous pilot, setting up a claustrophobic thriller that unfolds at 30,000 feet.
Mel Gibson, the director, has never been one to shy away from gore: “The Passion of the Christ” “Braveheart,” “Hacksaw Ridge” and, his best work, “Apocalypto,” are four extremely violent movies. Like him or not, Gibson has proven himself to be a very good filmmaker. Hell, let’s not forget that he actually won a Best Director Oscar for 1995’s “Braveheart.”
“Flight Risk,” which is rated R, will hit theaters on January 24, 2025.