Los Angeles, California — The realm of action cinema has recently been overtaken by a vibrant new mythology filled with hired assassins, lushly portrayed in franchise hits like “John Wick” and “Bullet Train.” The trend reaches new heights with “Fight or Flight,” a gonzo action-comedy that marks James Madigan’s directorial debut. Starring Josh Hartnett, this film is a prime example of what some are dubbing a “Hartnettaissance,” showcasing the actor’s impressive return to the cinematic landscape.
In “Fight or Flight,” Hartnett stars as Lucas Reyes, a former government operative grappling with the fallout from a botched mission. Now submerged in a life of excess while hiding out in Thailand, Reyes is coaxed back into action by his former boss and lover, Katherine Brunt, played by Katee Sackhoff. Brunt, embracing the absurdity of her role, enlists Reyes to capture a notorious cyber-terrorist known only as The Ghost, who is believed to be onboard an upcoming flight from Bangkok to San Francisco.
Though initially out of shape and reluctant, Reyes finds himself seated on a packed jumbo jet, accompanied by an overeager performer who performs dance moves in the aisle. As the story unfolds, Reyes discovers that the flight is crawling with hired assassins, all with their sights set on eliminating The Ghost—and him as well. With the stakes high and danger lurking around every corner, Reyes teams up with a resourceful flight attendant, Isha, portrayed by Charithra Chandran, who transitions smoothly from her role in “Bridgerton” to join the chaos.
Madigan, who previously served as a second-unit director on blockbuster films, utilizes confined spaces masterfully to execute a series of impressively choreographed fight scenes. The film’s screenplay, penned by Brooks McLaren and D.J. Cotrona, combines humor with action, creating an atmosphere filled with unexpected twists and comedic moments. An example of this humor surfaces when Reyes, amid a brutal fight, quips about his resilience despite having been drugged, illustrating the film’s balance of absurdity and intensity.
Amid the frenetic energy, the film raises eyebrow-raising questions regarding security protocols, given the arsenal of weapons potential assailants manage to board the aircraft with. The ultimate highlight features an outlandish sequence involving a chainsaw, heightened by an energetic soundtrack that underscores the film’s playful yet violent atmosphere.
As the action escalates, viewers are treated to Hartnett’s dynamic performance, oscillating between elements of a disheveled action hero and a slapstick comic figure. His ability to fully embrace the chaos not only amplifies the film’s entertainment value but also demonstrates his commitment to re-establishing his presence in Hollywood.
While “Fight or Flight” revels in its over-the-top scenarios and graphic violence, it offers a thrilling experience for audiences ready to put aside realism for the duration of the ride. The blend of sharp choreography, comedic wit, and Hartnett’s infectious enthusiasm reminds viewers of the pure enjoyment that action-comedy can deliver, making it a worthy addition to the genre.