Fight or Flight Review: Josh Hartnett Continues Winning Streak in Enjoyably Trashy Action Flick
Josh Hartnett’s Comeback Is Officially on Fire
After years of relative quiet, Hartnett is back—and not quietly. Fight or Flight continues his current hot streak following roles in Oppenheimer and the noir thriller Black Stall. While this new entry isn’t aiming for awards, it delivers pure entertainment with conviction. Hartnett brings intensity, charisma, and a grounded realism to the chaos around him.
His character, a disgraced ex-military contractor named Ethan Voss, gets dragged into a conspiracy after witnessing a terrorist act at a European airport. With explosions, betrayals, and hand-to-hand combat galore, Hartnett is in full form as a man pushed to his breaking point—and fighting back.
Plot Overview: Simple, But Satisfying
The story wastes no time with subtlety. Ethan Voss is the wrong man in the wrong place. When he rescues a diplomat from an airport bombing, he becomes the target of an international manhunt. Framed as a terrorist, Voss must fight his way through mercenaries, rogue agents, and corrupt officials to uncover the truth.
Yes, we’ve seen variations of this plot before. But that’s not the point. The film is self-aware of its formula and embraces it fully. There are double-crosses, shootouts, narrow escapes, and a final act that involves a helicopter chase across the rooftops of Rome. It’s outrageous—and glorious.
Direction and Pacing: Speed Over Substance
Director Alyssa Renner doesn’t slow down for character development. The film is edited with the urgency of a ticking bomb. Quick cuts, booming score, and dizzying camerawork keep things moving at breakneck speed. While some viewers may find it exhausting, action fans will appreciate the relentless energy.
That said, there are occasional moments of surprising emotional weight. A quiet scene between Hartnett and a young refugee girl provides just enough heart to keep the stakes human. Renner finds just enough balance to avoid total emotional emptiness.
Supporting Cast: Functional but Forgettable
The supporting players serve their roles, but few stand out. Marta Velasquez plays Agent Nila Torres, a sharp Interpol agent unsure if Hartnett’s character is a hero or a villain. Her chemistry with Hartnett is underplayed, but adds intrigue. Rounding out the cast are villainous figures and tech-savvy allies, all painted in broad strokes for easy consumption.
Still, it’s Josh Hartnett’s movie. His magnetic presence carries even the weakest scenes. In many ways, this feels like a return to early-2000s action fare—where charisma matters more than dialogue, and the lead actor dominates every frame. Fight or Flight Review
Cinematography and Locations: Glossy and Global
Shot across multiple European cities, Fight or Flight offers a slick international sheen. Locations like Berlin, Rome, and Istanbul provide a visual playground for chases and shootouts. The cinematography leans into deep shadows and lens flares, heightening the drama even when logic goes out the window.
There’s a deliberate 90s-style filter applied to many sequences—evoking memories of The Bourne Identity and Enemy of the State. This nostalgic styling complements the over-the-top action, reminding audiences that sometimes, style is substance.
Action Scenes: Over-the-Top, But Expertly Crafted
The action is where this film truly shines. Choreographed gunfights, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and explosive car chases deliver what fans crave. The stunt work is practical, aggressive, and full of flair. A standout scene set in a flooded metro tunnel is worth the price of admission alone.
Though logic may falter—how many bullets can a man dodge?—the thrill never lets up. For lovers of chaotic, maximalist cinema, this is a feast.
Reception: Critics Split, Fans Enthralled
Early reviews for Fight or Flight are mixed, as expected. Critics note its narrative simplicity and occasional silliness. But audiences? They’re having a blast. Social media reactions highlight Hartnett’s performance and the film’s commitment to high-octane absurdity. For those wanting a fun escape, this delivers in spades.
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Conclusion: A B-Movie With A-List Energy
Fight or Flight won’t win Oscars, but that’s not its goal. It’s designed to entertain—and in that, it succeeds. Josh Hartnett proves once again that he’s still a compelling lead. The movie might be trashy, but it’s also triumphant. For fans of popcorn thrillers, this is a must-watch.
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