Movies

Josh Hartnett’s Bloody Plane Thriller

BBG News

In the action-packed movie “Fight or Flight,” starring Josh Hartnett (known for his rugged and attractive persona), continues to maintain that charm. This latest film combines the raw intensity of the “John Wick” series with the unstoppable energy of Jackie Chan’s films, creating a unique blend. Directed by James Madigan, this movie is as thrilling as it is violent, filled with intense action sequences. It stands out among recent airplane-themed thrillers, comparable to Gerard Butler’s “Plane.” The film is not only entertaining but also quite gory and bloodied.

Conversely, the thriller “Fight or Flight” penned by Brooks McLaren and D.J. Cotrona, remains relatively sane in terms of outrageousness. In this story, Max Hartnett portrays Lucas Reyes, a somber American agent residing in exile. Caught up in the vibrant cityscape of Bangkok, he’s been drinking away his woes for some time. However, an unexpected opportunity arises when a government official he has a rather colorful relationship with—someone he’s labeled as Absolute Fing Ahole on his call display—locates him and coaxes him into accepting a mission to identify a shadowy figure known as “The Ghost.” The crucial asset is aboard a flight from Bangkok to San Francisco. Not long after, Lucas finds himself boarding the same plane.

Instead of waiting, one of the most thrilling movie beginnings in recent times unfolds – an eccentric and brutal sequence that foreshadows the chaos ahead. This opening scene is part of the surprising twist in “Fight or Flight”, where the plane carrying both Lucas and The Ghost is revealed to be transporting global assassins who have been tasked with their deaths. As a result, the two are forced into an unexpected alliance, leading to a brutal struggle for survival.

Flying High With Gritty Turbulence

In M. Night Shyamalan’s 2024 thriller titled “Trap“, Josh Hartnett skillfully plays a sinister character. He’s an ideal choice for a contemporary action hero in “Fight or Flight“, where he showcases impressive fight scenes and death-defying stunts. Once our main character boards a high-end double-deck airplane to track down The Ghost, the movie doesn’t miss a beat in offering some in-flight entertainment – for the viewers, of course. The battle between Lucas and his initial antagonist is spectacular, and the writers sustain that intense momentum throughout the narrative, occasionally allowing moments for both us and the characters to regain our composure.

In the story, Lucas forms an unexpected partnership with a sharp and resourceful flight attendant named Isha (Charithra Chandran). As time passes, Isha joins forces with Lucas, and from the start, she appears well-equipped to handle the chaos of assassins aboard the plane, who suddenly loosen their seatbelts and make a move against either Lucas or The Ghost. Interestingly, this film flips the traditional hero-saves-the-heroine trope as it is Isha who comes to Lucas’s rescue instead.

As a thrilled fan, I can tell you that the outcome is an exhilarating and humorously intense rollercoaster ride, where our main characters and the antagonists engage in a secretive game of cat-and-mouse. It’s crucial to keep their deadly game hidden from the ‘real’ travelers, for obvious reasons. Hartnett and Chandran complement each other exceptionally well on screen, and by the time the credits roll, there’s a strong suggestion that this dynamic duo might reappear in future Fight or Flight films. With a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score at present, there’s certainly talk about the potential for more stories featuring them.

Josh Hartnett, 2025’s Best New Action Hero

In Fight or Flight, the fight choreography is nothing short of spectacular. Hartnett and Chandran shine particularly brightly in these complex fight sequences that draw inspiration from numerous action thrillers. By the end, you won’t be able to help but admire Hartnett as one of the year’s top action antiheroes so far. The skill required to execute these scenes is awe-inspiring, and both actors deliver standout performances. Chandran should also be recognized for roles of similar grittiness.

In a different phrasing: However, the ‘Fight or Flight’ narrative sometimes stumbles due to its excessive quirkiness and even veers towards campiness at times. Government officials such as Katherine (Katee Sackhoff delivers a strong performance), Lucas’s former lover, are included in the storyline. Her insatiable hunger for power had negatively impacted their previous relationship. Julian Kostov portrays Aaron, a character who embodies the typical flattering subordinate seeking validation, yet his presence appears less crucial to the plot’s progression. The characters, particularly Kostov’s performance, are overly exaggerated, especially at the beginning of the story, which makes it challenging to immerse oneself in this action-thriller experience due to these over-the-top portrayals.

I must add my admiration to the cinematography by Matthew Flannery in the Raid films, it’s nothing short of astonishing. Just like his work on The Raid action movies, he delivers breathtaking moments that surpass the ordinary. This elevates Fight or Flight above typical action films. Aside from being the cinematographer, Flannery also operated the A camera for approximately 90% of the film. Although the movie has an indie feel to it, hints suggest a potential series could emerge. We’re definitely on board for more! Despite its over-the-top elements, Fight or Flight is pure popcorn-movie enjoyment—it’s edgy, action-packed, and thrilling. (Oh, did I mention there are scenes involving chainsaws?)

Fight or Flight hits theaters May 9. Watch the trailer below.

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2025-05-06 18:42

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