FIGHT OR FLIGHT
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Katee Sackhoff, Julian Kostov, Charithra Chandran, Danny Ashok, and Hughie O'Donnell
Director: James Madigan
AMARÚ
“Are you telling me that plane is full of killers?” By the time Fight or Flight gets to this line, you’re already invested in how much this movie understands what it is. You’re even more invested in how deeply Josh Hartnett and Katee Sackhoff understand that understanding. So when that line hits, I perked up even more, anticipating the ensuing chaos. What actually ensues is a combination of action, tension, ridiculousness, and comedy that knows exactly how seriously to take itself. Kudos to Sackhoff, Hartnett, the cast (especially standout Charithra Chandran), and director James Madigan for delivering on more than a bloody good time.
NICK
Although I can’t say Fight or Flight does anything particularly new in the genre (it's very similar to Bullet Train, and to a lesser extent, Crank), it is nonetheless a fun 90-minute thrill ride. Josh Hartnett proves he's here to stay and is more than adept in the role of action hero, while debuting director James Madigan clearly understood the assignment he was given. Fight or Flight is never in jeopardy of taking itself too seriously, which keeps things light and bouncy. When paired with the unhinged and cartoony violence, it’s just the recipe for a good time.
QUENTIN
Calling back to fun, gleefully violent, and almost cartoon-ish assassin action movies like Smokin’ Aces and Bullet Train, Fight or Flight is a total blast. Josh Hartnett is clearly having the time of his life as he progresses through this ludicrous video-game scenario, and director James Madigan does an excellent job of using the confined airplane cabin to enhance the fight choreography. There is one major reveal that is a little random, but overall, this is a bloody, hilarious, and action-packed thrill ride that has me hoping it’s the next out-of-nowhere action franchise à la John Wick and Nobody. I’d watch a dozen sequels.
