Fight or Flight (2025), directed by James Madigan, is a high-octane action comedy that propels Josh Hartnett back into the limelight. Set aboard a commercial flight from Bangkok to San Francisco, the film follows disgraced ex-agent Lucas Reyes (Hartnett), who is tasked with identifying and protecting a mysterious hacker known as "The Ghost." Complicating matters, the plane is filled with assassins intent on eliminating both Lucas and The Ghost.
Plot Summary:
After a failed mission in Bangkok, Lucas Reyes is living in exile. His former superior, Katherine Brunt (Katee Sackhoff), offers him a chance at redemption: board a flight to San Francisco, locate The Ghost, and bring them in alive.
Unbeknownst to Lucas, the plane is teeming with hired killers seeking to eliminate The Ghost for a hefty bounty.
As the flight progresses, Lucas discovers that The Ghost is actually Isha (Charithra Chandran), a former child slave turned cyber-activist. Together, they must navigate a series of escalating threats, culminating in a chaotic battle that tests their survival instincts.
Performance and Direction:
Josh Hartnett delivers a standout performance as Lucas Reyes, infusing the character with a blend of rugged charm and comedic timing. His portrayal adds depth to the film's otherwise chaotic narrative. Charithra Chandran complements Hartnett's energy with a nuanced performance as Isha, bringing emotional weight to the action sequences.
Katee Sackhoff's role as Katherine Brunt adds intrigue, though her character's development feels somewhat underutilized.
Director James Madigan, in his feature film debut, brings a dynamic visual style to the film. His background in visual effects contributes to the film's inventive action sequences, which are both thrilling and stylistically unique. However, some critics note that the film's pacing can be uneven, with certain plot developments feeling rushed or underdeveloped.
Critical Reception:
Fight or Flight has garnered a mix of reviews. Critics have praised Hartnett's performance and the film's inventive action sequences. For instance, The Film Stage commended the film for leaning on Hartnett's charm, stating, "When James Madigan’s action picture Fight or Flight works it’s because of Josh Hartnett." Conversely, some reviews highlight the film's narrative shortcomings.
The AV Club criticized the film for trapping Hartnett in a "terrible movie," despite his solid performance.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 67% critic score, indicating a generally favorable reception.
Fight or Flight is a rollercoaster of action and comedy that showcases Josh Hartnett's return to leading roles. While the film's narrative may not break new ground, its energetic performances and inventive action sequences provide an entertaining experience for fans of the genre. If you're in the mood for a high-flying adventure filled with twists and turns, Fight or Flight is worth the watch.
Where to Watch:
As of now, Fight or Flight is available for digital rental or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV. In the UK, the movie is available for streaming on Prime Video and NOW Cinema. Future streaming availability on major platforms is expected but not yet announced.