Directed by James Madigan – Starring Josh Hartnett and Katie Sackhoff

A disgraced operative boards a flight from Bangkok to San Francisco in search of an elusive international hacker, only to discover the plane is filled with people who have plans of their own.

Thr best kind of action movie doesn’t need to reinvent the genre. It just needs to throw itself into the chaos with enough confidence that you can’t help but come along for the ride.

Fight or Flight absolutely does that.

Nearly the entire movie unfolds aboard a commercial airplane, and it makes terrific use of the setting. The cramped aisles, tiny galleys, and packed cabin become playgrounds for some wonderfully inventive fight scenes. The action is fast, brutal, and often hilarious, striking a balance between genuine tension and over-the-top comedy that never feels forced.

Josh Hartnett is the real surprise. He comes across like he is having an incredible amount of fun playing a washed-up operative who’s equal parts capable, exhausted, and completely unhinged. It may be my favorite performance I’ve seen from him. He understands exactly what kind of movie this is and never plays it with a wink. That commitment is a big reason the comedy works as well as it does.

The movie also knows when to keep its secrets. Half the enjoyment comes from slowly discovering who everyone is, why they’re on the plane, and how all of their stories connect. It’s one of those films that’s best experienced with as little information as possible.

Add in a couple of perfectly chosen needle drops—including a great use of The Clash—and the whole thing develops an infectious energy that’s hard to resist.

This is gloriously excessive. It’s violent, ridiculous, and constantly trying to outdo itself, yet it never loses sight of having fun.

If you miss the days of self-contained action movies that weren’t based on an existing franchise, Fight or Flight is a blast.

Verdict: Excellent