Josh Hartnett Praised for 'Deranged' Performance in 'Fight or Flight' Movie

Actor Josh Hartnett's performance in the new movie Fight or Flight is getting rave early reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

One critic, Clint Worthington, even compared him to "Sully Sullenberger with a chainsaw," referring to the heroic airline pilot who landed a plane on the Hudson River, saving lives.

The plot is simple. According to IndieWire, "A Pajama-Clad Josh Hartnett fends off a plane full of assassins." The Trap actor plays a former Secret Service agent in a movie some critics have compared to the John Wick franchise.

Critic John Nugent, writing for Empire Online, lauded Hartnett for delivering an "enjoyably deranged performance."

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film hits theaters on May 9, 2025, and it's already been scored positively by early critics, who have given it a 82% positive rating. The slightly lower rating appears to be because critics like Hartnett's performance better than the movie overall, although it's still a very positive rating.

"This may not be a major blockbuster, but it certainly feels as fun and frenetic as one. Fight or Flight is one of the best action films of 2025, and the start of a potential new franchise," Nicholas Brooks wrote on CBR, calling Hartnett the "must-see action hero of 2025."

The critics seemed pretty much in lockstep when it came to praising Hartnett's performance, and that includes those who consider the movie itself to be standard popcorn fare.

"I thoroughly recommend the film as a brainless romp on the basis of cool fight stuff and Hartnett lovability," wrote critic Noah Berlatsky of Splice Today.

"Fight or Flight is absurdist action violence, making it a top contender for the year’s best action movie. Josh Hartnett’s electric physicality and top-notch comedic timing make every moment he’s on screen a raucous joy," wrote reviewer Kate Sanchez on But Why Tho?.

Those who didn't love it also didn't blame it on Hartnett.

"Fight or Flight has Josh Hartnett and endless splattery fights on an enclosed mode of public transport, but that’s all it has," wrote Chloe Walker on AVClub.

Hartnett has re-emerged on Instagram to promote the movie.

A video post makes fun of his recent absence from social media. "Me promoting my film before ghosting social media for another 10 years," the caption on the video, which shows part of Hartnett's face, says.

Related: Josh Hartnett Shocks Fans With Surprise Post