Josh Hartnett Stars in Action Flick ‘Fight or Flight’ with Mixed Results

LOS ANGELES, CA — Josh Hartnett returns to the action genre in ‘Fight or Flight,’ a film that attempts to capture the over-the-top style of late 2000s action movies. Directed by James Madigan, the film opens with corporate agent Aaron Hunter, played by Julian Kostov, and his boss Katherine Brunt, portrayed by Katee Sackhoff, in a panic as a tech-savvy fugitive known as the Ghost steals a powerful digital device and prepares to board a flight from Bangkok to San Francisco.

Brunt, desperate and short on operatives, calls on disgraced former agent Lucas Reyes, Hartnett’s character, to handle the situation. Reyes’s main mission is to board the plane, identify the Ghost, and capture him alive upon landing. However, Lucas soon discovers he is not the only one looking for the Ghost, as several assailants, mercenaries, and assassins target them during the flight.

Hartnett’s performance shines amidst the chaos. He performs many of his own stunts, showcasing a more physical style compared to his past roles. The film’s action sequences, particularly a 15-minute stretch filled with absurdity and chaos, highlight the humor and thrill that can be found in such genre films. However, the overall structure of ‘Fight or Flight’ suffers from inconsistent pacing and tedious control-room scenes.

Despite its moments of excitement, the film ultimately fails to deliver a coherent narrative. The stakes of the passengers’ safety appear to be treated lightly, which dampens the intended intensity. Unlike other films that balance comedy and serious themes, ‘Fight or Flight’ struggles to find a meaningful connection between its characters and the chaotic events unfolding in the air.

As the film progresses, it becomes evident that it does not offer much depth or substance beyond its short bursts of inventive action. While Hartnett’s presence adds value, the film itself remains a puzzling mix of mediocrity and sporadic thrills. As audiences have come to expect more from action films, ‘Fight or Flight’ may leave viewers wanting as they look for more engaging storytelling and character development. The film is set for release on May 9, 2025, and is not yet available for streaming.