In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many audiences, including myself, found Josh Hartnett's unique charm captivating. While my obsession was light-hearted and not without its quirks—like passionately defending less popular projects such as Hollywood Homicide—it’s safe to say that rental shops like Blockbuster stocked his films with regularity. After a few quieter years, it’s refreshing to see Hartnett make a significant comeback in film through notable roles in Oppenheimer (2023) and Trap (2022), culminating in the highly anticipated release of Fight or Flight in 2025.
Fight or Flight, set to release in theaters on May 9, 2025, is generating buzz despite not having received extensive marketing. This action film not only features Hartnett but also stars Katee Sackhoff, a familiar face from Battlestar Galactica, and boasts an impressive 88% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. While many might be unaware of its existence, the film's premise, centered around Lucas Reyes—Hartnett’s character, a mercenary, tasked with safeguarding a wanted criminal on a commercial flight—suggests an ordinary action flick on the surface. Yet, early reviews suggest it has much more to offer.
Upon viewing the trailer, it becomes evident that Fight or Flight breaks free from typical clichés associated with its genre. The film appears to infuse humor alongside intense, action-packed sequences, capturing an essence that is anything but mundane. Hartnett, alongside Charithra Chandran, proves to be a comedic force, opening the door to an intriguing blend of action and levity.
What constitutes success for a film? Is it an engaging narrative, a substantial budget, layers of complex characters, or a mix of various emotional triggers? Although it’s challenging to measure such factors in Fight or Flight yet, feedback from reviewers suggests that the film possesses a key ingredient: fun.
John Nugent from Empire rated the film a modest three out of five stars, remarking on its “joyfully silly” nature. He highlights Hartnett’s entertaining portrayal of a bleach-blonde drunkard, celebrating the unrestrained and wild energy that the film exudes. Nugent notes that while the film may lack refinement, it compensates with humor and an array of creatively amusing sequences.
Meanwhile, Nick Schager of The Daily Beast offered a contrasting yet complimentary perspective, dubbing it “breezy and cheesy.” His split comparison of Fight or Flight with iconic cartoons like Looney Tunes and high-octane action series like John Wick serves as high praise. Schager describes Hartnett’s performance as a mix of energy and creativity, making it a delight for audiences looking for a unique brand of entertainment.
Kate Sánchez from But Why Tho declared the film an “absolute must-see.” She astutely notes that Hartnett's proclivity for absurdity supports the film's status as a darkly humorous action piece. Her description of it as a potential contender for the year’s best action feature indicates confidence in both the film's execution and acceptance within genre boundaries.
Despite my initial oversight of its promotional efforts, the chorus of positive reviews and a robust Rotten Tomatoes rating have rekindled my excitement for Hartnett’s ongoing journey as an action hero. If you share that enthusiasm for fun, action-laden cinema, keep your eyes peeled for Fight or Flight hitting theaters on May 9.
As an experienced content producer at CinemaBlend, I am always on the lookout for films that resonate with my nostalgic inclinations, particularly from the colorful '90s. My background in journalism has allowed me to explore various facets of entertainment and culture, always with an eye for the eclectic and engaging.
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