Mel Gibson, currently busy working for Donald Trump, directed this action thriller that stars Mark Wahlberg as a pilot transporting Madolyn, an Air Marshal (Michelle Dockery) and a fugitive, Winston (Topher Grace), across the Alaskan wilderness. Through a series of events, Madolyn finds herself in control of the plane.
With the cinemas full-on award chasing films, this rather straight forward actioner might get overlooked. That is a shame as it is a thoroughly pleasurable piece of popcorn entertainment. Sure, the mole in the Marshals’ office gives themselves away clumsily, Madolyn makes some very questionable choices and the happy ending portrayed would in reality be anything but, but it is best not to think too deeply and enjoy the ride.
As the trio make their journey, there are a number of hair raising moments and some nicely staged fight scenes, as well as a doozy of an emergency landing.
The three leads give solid performances – though after this and Liam Neeson’s cracking Non-Stop, I would understand if Dockery never got on a plane again! Monib Abhat provides some needed comic relief as Hasan, a pilot who tries to assist Madolyn.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10