‘Fight or Flight’ Review: Josh Hartnett Soars in Chaotic Action Comedy
High-Flying Chaos: A Review of ‘Fight or flight’
Sometimes, a movie just needs to entertain. ‘Fight or Flight’ largely succeeds on that front,delivering a dose of “pure,unadulterated chaos.” While not exactly highbrow, the film knows exactly what it is, and that self-awareness is its strength. Comparisons to 2022’s ‘Bullet Train’ are inevitable, given thier shared action-comedy DNA and transportation-based settings. However,this mid-budget effort “holds its own” by fully embracing the mayhem.
Balancing Silliness and Spectacle
The film walks a tightrope between being a “blast to watch” and being “incredibly silly and ridiculous.” The key, as with any film of this type, is finding the right balance. In ‘Fight or Flight,’ the action, banter, and laughs outweigh the silliness, making it easy to forgive its more absurd moments. The well-choreographed chaos is a major draw, and the film’s energy is palpable.
Plot: Bangkok to San Francisco… With Assassins
The premise is straightforward: Katherine brunt (Katee Sackhoff), head of a clandestine agency, enlists her ex-lover, Lucas Reyes (Josh Hartnett), a washed-up mercenary exiled to Bangkok, to retrieve a notorious cyber criminal known as ‘The Ghost’ on a flight from Bangkok to San Francisco. Their strained dynamic, stemming from a heated breakup and trust issues, adds another layer to the already complex mission. Lucas is tasked with identifying and protecting ‘The ghost’ while navigating a plane filled with potential threats.
Underdog Dynamics and Escalating Stakes
Lucas encounters Isha (Neha Sargaam Chandran),a flight attendant who is “more than she seemed,” and quickly deduces her true identity. the dynamic between Lucas and Isha provides a compelling contrast as they grow and evolve amidst the chaos. The plane is teeming with assassins, adding to the excitement and unpredictability. The film further escalates the stakes in its final act, venturing into even more “ridiculous territory,” but manages to make it work, hinting at a potential sequel.
Technical Prowess and Energetic Camerawork
Despite its budget, ‘Fight or Flight’ delivers a “palpable chaotic energy” that keeps viewers engaged. The camerawork enhances the pace,”slowing down,speeding up,and everything in between,” maintaining the film’s frenetic energy. The action is fast-paced and brutal, featuring well-shot fight scenes involving hand-to-hand combat, shootouts, and improvised weapons.
Hartnett’s Charisma Takes Flight
Josh Hartnett’s performance is a standout. He embodies Lucas with “effortless charm and energy,” fully committing to the role and clearly enjoying himself. He is “an absolute blast to watch and easy to root for,” essentially carrying the film. Neha Sargaam Chandran “holds her own as Isha,having strong chemistry with Hartnett’s Lucas.” While Katee Sackhoff and the rest of the supporting cast are adequate, they are ultimately “means to an end.”
Final Verdict: An Enjoyable Ride
Ultimately, ‘Fight or Flight’ is “an entertaining action comedy that thrives within its well-choreographed chaos thanks to a stellar Josh Hartnett.”
