Fight or Flight Review: Aviation Thriller Relies on the Strong Appeal of Josh Hartnett

      James Madigan’s action film Fight or Flight shines primarily because of Josh Hartnett. The plot is quite straightforward: a malevolent black-ops government agency, led by the formidable Katee Sackhoff, must enlist the help of a once-exiled mercenary (Hartnett) to safeguard an asset named Isha (Charithra Chandran) aboard an airplane. Naturally, their motives are far from noble, and there's an additional twist: most of the passengers are intent on killing the asset for a substantial reward. Isha must place her trust in this unfamiliar killer to survive the journey.

      The action, fitting for Fight's premise, is clean and focused. Madigan honed his skills in the visual-effects department for numerous blockbusters, eventually taking on Second Unit Director roles for high-budget films such as Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and The Meg. The economy of the production is clear (Fight or Flight has a notably modest budget), yet Madigan effectively utilizes his resources. His experience serves as a significant advantage. Hartnett is another crucial element.

      Here we have a middle-aged actor who has truly found his rhythm. After a strong supporting role in the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, he followed up with two delightfully absurd leading performances in this film and last year's Trap. Hartnett has always been a competent, albeit hesitant, action star, making it refreshing to see him embrace the film's absurdity. He leans into the outlandishness more than Brad Pitt does in Bullet Train (a clear blockbuster comparison), making Fight or Flight resonate more effectively. Chandran matches Hartnett’s energy quite well, and the two cultivate a meaningful chemistry that grounds the film as its third act ventures into predictable territory.

      Sackhoff remains an actress who deserves significantly more recognition. She possesses a remarkable ability to convey both cruelty and empathy simultaneously. Viewers can witness her dismantling her inept second-in-command (Julian Kostov) in a satisfying manner. The remainder of the cast is competent, though not particularly outstanding, with physical performances that are undeniably impressive. There is an abundance of violence and constrained stunts throughout. Additional praise goes to production designer Mailara Santana, who opens up the airplane and adds character to various sections of the fuselage.

      The screenplay, crafted by Brooks McLaren and D.J. Cotrona, is deliberately limited, serving both as a blessing and a drawback. On one hand, it’s wise to simplify the action movie by minimizing backstory and creating a MacGuffin that instills enough moral weight to justify the mission. On the other hand, it provides the audience with very little to engage with. This brings us back to Hartnett. The enjoyment of Fight or Flight largely depends on your sentiment toward Hartnett, his character, and the comedic elements.

      Fight or Flight premieres in theaters on Friday, May 9.