Fight or Flight Movie Review: Josh Hartnett Is 2025’s Best Action Hero

Since John Wick captivated audiences with his high-octane action and compelling narrative, films in this style have grown increasingly popular. From Nobody to Bullet Train, it’s always exciting to watch familiar faces engage in gritty combat and dish out some hard-hitting blows and gunfire against the villains. Remarkably, James Madigan’s Fight or Flight may not seem exceptional given the current crop of modern action movies, but surprisingly, Josh Hartnett’s performance stands tall among many predecessors in this genre.

The thrilling tale of Fight or Flight focuses on Lucas Reyes, a former Secret Service agent turned criminal, as he undertakes a mission to capture a top-tier hacker in order to clear his own slate. During a flight from Thailand to the U.S., Reyes embarks on a pursuit to locate his target, only to uncover that the plane is filled with assassins. As the plot unfolds, the tension builds up until the plane descends into complete pandemonium, offering viewers an unexpectedly entertaining and action-packed ride.

Fight or Flight Cast Brings Laughs Among All of the Action

Josh Hartnett and Charithra Chandran Deliver a One-Two Punch

Action movies typically present a taciturn hero who excels at his profession, such as John Wick or Jack Reacher. This archetype remains popular. Nevertheless, Josh Hartnett deviates from this norm in his portrayal of Lucas Reyes. A unique blend of Ash Williams and Jackie Chan, Reyes exhibits an unexpected charm yet maintains his effectiveness. Hartnett’s character is a complex individual who is endearing to watch, longing for home while still being compelled to complete the task assigned by his superiors despite his mistrust towards them.

In the movie “Reyes,” viewers witness a character yearning for respite, weary of constant flight and living confined, longing simply for tranquility. Consequently, the film’s conflicts resonate deeply because he won’t find rest until he’s experienced his shot at contentment. This gives the character an edge of excitement. Keeping this in mind, “Fight or Flight” serves as a demonstration of Hartnett’s capabilities, having already ventured into diverse roles. The film underscores that he is well-equipped to become an action star should he choose to steer his career in that direction.

What makes Reyes’ journey appealing is the character Isha, played by Charithra Chandran, who demonstrates the wisdom and abilities needed to survive among a crew of assassins. Despite not typically taking on physical roles, Chandran proves herself capable in action scenes, creating an engaging character that rivals her co-star Hartnett in intrigue. Interestingly, Isha was not initially intended to be a physically supportive character for Reyes; however, this departure from the original plan made sense and added depth to Isha’s character. If not for Chandran’s strong performance, this development might not have been successful.

As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the richness that Brooks McLaren and D.J. Cotrona have crafted in the world of Fight or Flight. From the very first frame, it feels like a place where people actually live. And let me tell you, the supporting characters are nothing short of magnetic. Actresses like Katee Sackhoff and JuJu Chan breathe life into these characters, making them unforgettable. The writers have ensured that there are compelling character moments to complement the action, setting this movie apart from many in the action genre.

Fight or Flight Takes Movie Action to Exciting New Heights

There’s Style and Logic in Every Fight Sequence

Contemporary action films have been focusing more on creativity and panache, showcasing the craftsmanship behind stunt work and combat sequences. Movies like John Wick and Fight or Flight exemplify this trend, with the former being helmed by Keanu Reeves who started as a stuntman and paved the way for this shift in genre. Fight or Flight truly embodies the spirit of modern action cinema. The film incorporates various martial arts styles skillfully, with characters such as Master Lian and Reyes demonstrating their expertise. However, it also features impromptu fights that inject a dose of comedic timing, making for some amusing physical humor. For instance, the bathroom fight between Reyes and an assassin stands out as both suspenseful and comical, culminating in a climax only this type of scene could achieve.

In terms of action sequences, Hartnett truly shines in the movie. He not only demonstrates his resilience by enduring blows, but also his proficiency in martial arts. John Wick excels in gun-fu and other skills, while Reyes seems to have a knack for close combat, skillfully combining elements of Silat and Wing Chun. Each fight he engages in carries purpose and intrigue, making them stand out. Similarly, Isha’s fighting style is raw yet effective, despite her lack of formal training. Her battles often turn out to be the most intense due to her exceptional survival instincts and improvisational skills.

Absolutely, this implies that the movie, Fight or Flight, contains a reasonable amount of violence and heavily emphasizes bloodshed. The idea of a fight on a plane undeniably sounds challenging, and the film delivers on that promise. Reyes’ frenzied desire for combat leads to some intriguing decisions, as he utilizes an array of items such as wine glasses and sprinklers to engage the antagonists. He isn’t an action hero with a signature weapon; instead, he embodies the weapon itself. Consequently, Fight or Flight stands out as one of the most brutal action movies in recent times, leaving viewers eager for another Reyes-led adventure.

Fight or Flight Deftly Sidesteps Its Bullet Train Comparisons

This Exciting Movie Stays True to Itself With Great Results

It’s impossible to ignore the obvious similarities: “Fight or Flight” can be seen as a flight in an airplane with the added stress of having to fight. While there are clear parallels, Hartnett’s character Reyes isn’t your typical passive hero. He’s more like a wild card, ready to cut through anyone to achieve his objectives. The movie’s plot also offers more emotion than comedy, although it does manage to balance both elements effectively. In essence, “Fight or Flight” doesn’t shy away from comparisons to other movies but rather leverages that familiarity and builds upon it.

The film is equally daring and full of excitement, featuring characters engaged in combat during freefall, among ordinary people, and even inside a bathroom. This picture doesn’t shy away from any setting, and it certainly takes every opportunity to entertain. However, the main drawback is that the key plot twists are rather predictable, and their solutions could be deduced within the first half hour by anyone with some cinematic experience. Yet, the enjoyment derived from the movie manages to outweigh these concerns.

2025 has seen some fantastic action movies, but none have left me as exhilarated as “Fight or Flight.” This film never wavers from its core essence, making it a joy to watch. It’s a testament that the action genre is alive and thriving, with plenty of space for innovative concepts. Director Madigan showcases his action directing prowess, while Hartnett’s portrayal of Lucas Reyes has earned him a legion of new fans. Though it may not be a major blockbuster, “Fight or Flight” delivers the same thrilling, high-octane experience you’d expect from one. In my opinion, “Fight or Flight” is a standout action film of 2025 and could very well mark the beginning of an exciting new franchise.

premieres in theaters May 9, 2025.

2025-05-05 22:22