Directed by: [Director Name]
Distributed by: [Distributor]
Written by Nick McCann
69/100
It’s refreshing to see mid-budget action films making their way back to theaters. While the results aren’t always guaranteed, the genre’s persistence proves that audiences still crave straightforward, fist-fighting escapism – no amount of superheroes or shaky cam can change that. And as we’ve learned time and again, confining that mayhem to a tight space only amplifies the fun.
Following in the footsteps of 2022’s “Bullet Train,” this time we’ve got assassins trading blows on a luxury jumbo jet instead of a speeding locomotive. “Fight or Flight” maintains solid pacing with dark humor that channels Jackie Chan’s blend of quips and sight gags. That said, certain stretches could use tightening to match the punchy energy the film aims for. Each new plot reveal feels less compelling than the last, with exposition dumps creating jarring tonal shifts that pull the narrative away from the wild action.
When the fights kick off, though, it’s worth the wait. The action walks that fine line between ultraviolence and zaniness, delivering D.I.Y. barbarism with creative flair. Cinematography wisely favors wide shots despite the cramped quarters, while the editing knows exactly when to punctuate those bone-crunching finishers. Apart from some obvious CGI blood, there’s solid practical makeup work showcasing the abundance of injuries and kills.
Josh Hartnett leads the charge, still riding his career resurgence. As a mercenary caught in a deadly chess match, he brings gruff charm and devil-may-care swagger to the role. He’s no slouch in the fight scenes either – same goes for the other action-capable cast members. Marko Zaror delivers genuine laughs in his limited screen time, while Charitha Chandran effectively plays the innocent among killers. Unfortunately, anyone not throwing punches or stuck on the ground lacks compelling characterization. That includes Katee Sackhoff, who delivers a solid performance despite having little to work with.
“Fight or Flight” delivers exactly what’s on the tin – a bloody kill fest with gonzo humor. The ground-level scenes can’t match the intensity of the airplane action, and the plot aims higher than it needs to. But watching merciless killers go at each other with climbing axes and champagne bottles? That’s entertainment that doesn’t require much thinking.
“Fight or Flight” Trailer
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