Everything You Can Do Instead of Watching Mel Gibson’s New Movie

Haven’t we suffered enough? Beyond all the chaos happening right now in the political sphere, there’s a new Mel Gibson movie in cinemas. Yes, the relentlessly hateful Mel Gibson, the once-celebrated Hollywood legend (and two-time Oscar winner), is back to help enshrine 2025 as one of the worst years ever—and it’s just getting started.

It’s clear Gibson is trying to stage a comeback, given that he’s been named a Hollywood ambassador by Donald Trump, a baffling appointment that feels like it might usher in the second coming of the Hayes Code.

The controversial figure is back in cinemas with Flight Risk—about a mission to transfer a government witness that goes awry—though mercifully he’s behind the camera, so you don’t have to see his face. While I do not care for Gibson’s lengthy history of saying disgusting things, I was willing to give the movie a chance—but it’s awful. There’s not a single thing in Flight Risk that justifies Mel Gibson’s presence.

Seriously, it’s bad. Flight Risk, starring Mark Wahlberg and Topher Grace, manages to make its brief runtime feel exhausting as it ambles from one obvious plot twist to the next. Gibson pushes Wahlberg to a performance that feels at odds with everything around it, and it makes unimaginative use of its plane setting. It’s a perfect example of all the highlights being in the trailer—if you’ve seen those two minutes, you’ve got the gist.

Some things in life just aren’t worth it, and helping Mel Gibson rise to power in Hollywood again is definitely one of those things. Let’s go over all sorts of things you can watch (or do) instead of going to see Flight Risk.

Movies About Flights Gone Wrong That Don’t Suck

Perhaps you’ve got a craving for watching wanton chaos ensue on a plane. Thankfully, there are plenty of juicy alternatives to sink your teeth into. You can watch Jodie Foster try to find her daughter who’s gone missing on their flight in the schlocky and thrilling Flightplan. Check out Samuel L. Jackson’s war with reptiles in Snakes on a Plane. The Gerard Butler-led Plane is a superior version of Flight Risk that’s a lot more fun. If you’re looking for a fright, watch Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy face off in the skies in Red Eye. And for a more earnest yet still-thrilling drama, check out Denzel Washington face his demons in Flight.

Better Mark Wahlberg Movies

Sure, the idea of Mark Wahlberg playing a balding baddy might sound enticing, but there are plenty of other—and better—films in which to enjoy Wahlberg. Wahlberg is terrific in both Boogie Nights and The Departed, the latter of which earned him an Academy Award nomination—something he will not be getting for Flight Risk. If you want to see Wahlberg try to avoid a major crisis, Deepwater Horizon will scratch that itch. Enjoy looking at Wahlberg’s muscles? Michael Bay’s underrated Pain & Gain is the perfect antidote. And for something completely different, try the surprisingly sweet family film Instant Family. As a bonus, Wahlberg has a considerably less revolting wig in every single one of these films!

Better Topher Grace Movies

The re-emergence of Topher Grace is an exciting prospect, as he’s taken a considerable step back in the last few years. But there are still plenty of better options if you need your Topher fix! Grace has a small role in Heretic, the religious thriller that offers plenty of intrigue with a chilling atmosphere and a surprising sense of humor—and if you’re lucky, it may still be in a cinema near you. If you’re after Grace’s dark side, you can find it in the terrific Spike Lee drama BlackKkKlansman. If you’re craving some Republican actors, why not charming rom-com In Good Company, co-starring Dennis Quaid (who recently starred as Ronald Reagan)? If you’re looking for something more epic, there’s Christopher Nolan’s dazzling Interstellar, or if you’re after something darker, the great Traffic is for you.

Other Movies in the Cinema Right Now

Look, I get it. The cinema is a great escape, and you want to enjoy some popcorn and an outrageously large soda. Thankfully, there are plenty of great movies in theatres right now. If you’re looking for a pure popcorn flick, try Den of Thieves 2: Pantera—it’s a blast even if you’ve not seen the first one. Documentary Grand Theft Hamlet has plenty of violence as two out-of-work actors attempt to create a full production of Hamlet within Grand Theft Auto Online. For something different, Steven Soderbergh’s Presence is a compelling family thriller from the perspective of a ghost. If you’re after a big spectacle, there’s the terrific Better Man, and if you’re in need of good laughs, One of Them Days is for you.

Literally Anything Else

Maybe you’re just not feeling a movie? In my professional opinion, any of these activities result in a more rewarding experience than making Mel Gibson richer. Clipping your fingernails is basically like giving yourself a free manicure. Why not call your mother? She misses you! The feeling you’ll get from getting a head start on your taxes is infinitely more fulfilling than wasting 91 precious minutes on tripe. If you’re not feeling bad enough about the world, a session of doomscrolling is more interesting than helping Gibson’s comeback. And perhaps the thing we all need the most: Go outside, connect with nature, breathe in some fresh air, and touch grass.