Sun Jan 26 22:00:00 IST 2025: ## Mel Gibson’s “Flight Risk” Takes Off at Box Office Despite Scathing Reviews

**Los Angeles, CA** – Mel Gibson’s return to the director’s chair with the action thriller “Flight Risk” has generated a surprising box office win, debuting at number one with $12 million from 3,161 theaters. This marks the second consecutive number-one opening for Lionsgate this January, capitalizing on a typically slow period for movie releases. However, the film’s success is bittersweet, as it’s been met with overwhelmingly negative reviews, scoring a dismal 21% on Rotten Tomatoes and a “C” CinemaScore.

Starring Mark Wahlberg as a troubled pilot, “Flight Risk” cost $25 million to produce, meaning its continued box office performance will be crucial to profitability. While audiences are turning out, expert David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research notes a significant disconnect: “Moviegoers are showing up, but they’re not impressed with the movie.”

The box office landscape was otherwise dominated by holdovers. Disney’s “Mufasa,” a “Lion King” prequel, secured second place with an additional $8.7 million, bringing its North American total to $221 million and global gross to $626.7 million. Keke Palmer and SZA’s buddy comedy “One of Them Days” held strong in third place, earning $8 million and benefiting from positive word-of-mouth.

Other new releases fared less well. Steven Soderbergh’s ghost thriller “Presence,” while critically acclaimed (87% on Rotten Tomatoes), debuted in a disappointing sixth place with $3.4 million. The inspirational drama “Brave the Dark” failed to crack the top 10, opening at number 11 with $2.4 million, despite receiving an “A” CinemaScore.

The weekend also saw significant drops for several previous releases. “Wolf Man” plummeted 72% in its second week, while “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” continues its successful run, now the highest-grossing film in the franchise. Disney’s “Moana 2” rounded out the top five, exceeding $1 billion globally. The contrasting fates of these films highlight the unpredictable nature of the box office, where critical reception and audience enthusiasm don’t always align.

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