Movies

Error during authentication for model o1: Rate limited by Puter.js API. Try again after 60 seconds.

BBG News

This past Friday, the action-packed and gory movie Fight or Flight premiered in cinemas, leaving viewers thoroughly entertained for various reasons. The primary reason, it could be argued, is the captivating performance of Josh Hartnett as the main character in the film. Directed by James Madigan, Fight or Flight isn’t the first action movie set on a plane – Flight Risk, which was released earlier this year, is another example – but it offers a unique narrative and delightful charm to make it more appealing. Interestingly, this film stirs memories of a recent underrated action movie that should have been an immediate classic.

Under the direction of the exceptionally skilled David Leitch, “Bullet Train” was a pulse-pounding action movie released in 2022, featuring Brad Pitt and other prominent figures in the acting industry. The plot, reminiscent of “Fight or Flight“, follows Pitt’s character, Ladybug, who is a gun-for-hire, finding himself aboard a high-speed train with numerous hitmen and assassins, each working to achieve their own objectives. The film has sparked debate among viewers, with some expressing disappointment in “Bullet Train”, criticizing it for its supposed lack of narrative depth and substance. However, these negative opinions do not represent the general sentiment, and it’s important to note this as audiences start drawing comparisons between “Bullet Train” and “Fight or Flight“.

Bullet Train Is an Underrated Action Masterpiece

Audiences Love the Exciting Action and Surprisingly Powerful Story of Bullet Train

David Leitch isn’t just a skilled action director, having been the force behind popular movies like “Deadpool 2” and “Atomic Blonde”. He also excels as a producer. Under his production company, 87North Productions, which specializes in making action films that resonate with audiences of all kinds, he and co-head Kelly McCormick craft narratives filled with both action and emotion. One of his standout works, where he served both as director and producer, is “Bullet Train”.

In the storyline, Ladybug is portrayed as both charming yet tension-filled by Pitt, making her an engaging character in action sequences. However, she possesses a relaxed demeanor that harmonizes with the vibrant spectacle. Ladybug’s mission involves tracking down a distinct briefcase on a train, which twin assassins Tangerine and Lemon are determined to safeguard along with a renowned mob boss’s son, portrayed by Logan Lerman. The twins, played by Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, have been praised as the standout elements of the movie.

Simultaneously, Andrew Koji portrays a character taking on the role of a father who’s under duress from a malevolent young woman known as the Prince, played by Joey King, forcing him into a lethal task. To complicate matters further, various assassins and killers roam the train, creating chaos in every corner. Despite the intricate narrative, the film’s swift pace and coherent storytelling successfully guide viewers through an enigmatic and thrilling journey filled with suspense and excitement. Fans have enjoyed the action-packed sequences, which are both entertaining and brutal, connecting deeply with the movie overall.

In contrast to what many viewers anticipated – a typical action movie pattern from recent years, largely influenced by the high-quality action popularized in groundbreaking films – Bullet Train offered a more profound experience instead. The film showcases a considerable amount of emotional depth, especially between the characters of Lemon and Tangerine. Moreover, unlike what one might expect, the narrative proves to be remarkably tight and intricate. Michael Shannon delivers an outstanding performance as the menacing White Death, the mob boss connected to everyone’s past. In a climactic, unforgettable action sequence towards the end, our remaining heroes valiantly resist the incoming gang, leading to a finale that continues to spark conversations among audiences even today.

Despite how engaging people found the movie “Bullet Train,” it didn’t resonate with everyone who watched it. Some viewers expressed online that the plot wasn’t compelling enough, and they received the action-packed film they anticipated. Additionally, others felt there wasn’t enough action to sustain the movie. This unexpectedly negative feedback has led to the film scoring a disappointing 53% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it’s worth noting that the audience rating was a more favorable 76%.

These reviews are significant for the movie solely because they provide a description of it. They don’t diminish the passion, creativity, hard work, and more that were poured into this film by numerous individuals. Bullet Train, an underestimated gem among recent action films, sparked anticipation among audiences as they eagerly awaited Josh Hartnett’s latest cinematic venture.

Fight or Flight Is an Indie Action Flick

Josh Hartnett Stars as a Ruthless Fighter in This New Action Movie

In this new action-packed film, directed by debutante James Madigan, we follow Hartnett as Lucas Reyes, a former secret service agent who has been on the run for the past two years, pursued by his own government. However, a call from his ex-partner, now leading an illicit data corporation, changes everything. She recognizes that he might be their only hope in averting disaster.

With limited data available and longing for a return to his routine existence, Lucas finds himself obligated to embark on a flight in search of the enigmatic mercenary Ghost. Upon entering the aircraft, Lucas swiftly comprehends that he’s confined at a high altitude amidst a cabin filled with deadly individuals.

In a way that echoes the vibe of “Bullet Train,” my take on this new story might resonate. Yet, I must clarify that it’s not an entirely novel concept. The common threads audiences are picking up between these two films revolve around their vibrant action sequences and transportation-centric narratives. Unlike a high-speed rail in “Bullet Train,” “Fight or Flight” whisks viewers from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the skies above San Diego on a colossal jumbo jet. The action remains thrilling as characters adapt their surroundings and their improvised combat skills to navigate through adversity in challenging circumstances.

Both movies share a complex plot that unfolds gradually, revealing more layers as the story progresses. However, this is where the similarities start to fade, and viewers can begin to appreciate the stark contrasts between these two films.

For example, the narrative progression in the film “Bullet Train” is reminiscent of a mystery. As the tale unfolds, pieces and characters are gradually disclosed, keeping viewers on their toes with intriguing details, culminating in a grand, intricate plot by the end. It’s almost as if the skillfully crafted storyline presented in “Bullet Train” was unexpected, given that some anticipated it to be a typical action-packed blockbuster.

In the film “Fight or Flight”, the narrative strategy chosen is to keep the audience informed as the story unfolds, ensuring both characters and viewers are on the same wavelength throughout. Unlike some stories that may contain unexpected twists, “Fight or Flight” primarily relies on familiarity, which isn’t a flaw but rather a distinctive trait compared to others.

Action Films Are Better Than Ever

Fight or Flight and Bullet Train Are Two of Many Exciting, Original Action Flicks

Glancing at them superficially, “Bullet Train” and “Fight or Flight” appear quite alike in style, tone, action, and even star-studded cast. Both movies boast a stellar lineup of Hollywood stars, with “Bullet Train” boasting the edge in terms of plotline, featuring Sandra Bullock, Karen Fukuhara, Zazie Beetz, Bad Bunny, and more, keeping viewers guessing throughout the film. In terms of action, both movies deliver a thrilling, violent spectacle, with many fight scenes executed masterfully. However, despite these similarities, each movie manages to establish its unique, distinct identity.

Bullet Train is meticulously crafted, filled with emotional depth, intriguing characters, and snappy dialogue that propels the story forward, ensuring there’s never a moment of boredom in the film. On the other hand, Fight or Flight maintains the familiar elements audiences have come to expect from modern action movies. Josh Hartnett delivers an outstanding performance as the protagonist, navigating the intricate and gory plotline, making the movie a delightful watch for viewers. In summary, both Bullet Train and Fight or Flight are ideal choices for those who appreciate gripping tales with compelling narratives.

Fight or Flight is now in theaters nationwide. Bullet Train is streaming on Hulu.

Read More

2025-05-21 16:12

Previous post Mark Wahlberg’s Family Film Hits #1 on Netflix
Next post 19 years later, Oblivion Remastered has renewed my interest in walking into people’s houses uninvited