Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Fight Or Flight" Episode Summary

Release Date: May 9, 2025
Hosts: Linda Holmes, Aisha Roscoe, Ronald Young Jr.
Guest: Ronald Young Jr., Host of Leaving the Theater

Introduction to "Fight or Flight"

The episode opens with Linda Holmes introducing the featured film of the day, Fight or Flight. This action-packed thriller stars Josh Hartnett as Lucas Reyes, a disgruntled former Secret Service agent drawn back into the fray when tasked with escorting a notorious criminal known as the Ghost. The movie's premise sets the stage for a high-stakes journey aboard a plane riddled with assassins aiming to eliminate both the Ghost and Lucas.

Notable Quote:

• Linda Holmes [00:35]: "If you like fighting and you like flying, have I got a movie for you."

Deep Dive into the Movie's Plot and Characters

Aisha Roscoe provides a comprehensive overview of the film's plot, highlighting the convoluted mission Lucas undertakes and the chaotic environment aboard the plane. The discussion emphasizes the abundance of weaponry allowed on board and the myriad of assassins with bounties on their heads, creating a relentless battleground in a confined space.

Notable Quote:

• Aisha Roscoe [03:00]: "They have him fight, especially the first fight that he participates in. He's in these clothes and he's in like a pink shirt on him."

Performance Analysis: Josh Hartnett's Renaissance

Ronald Young Jr. lauds Josh Hartnett's performance, describing it as magnetic and a refreshing presence in the action genre. He appreciates Hartnett's ability to carry the film despite its B-movie aesthetic, noting that Hartnett's charisma makes the character of Lucas Reyes compelling and relatable.

Notable Quote:

• Ronald Young Jr. [05:23]: "I'm here for the Josh Hartnett renaissance... He's magnetic. You really want to watch him."

Comparisons to Other Action Films

The hosts draw parallels between Fight or Flight and other action franchises such as John Wick and Sharknado, highlighting the film's blend of intense fight choreography and tongue-in-cheek humor. This juxtaposition creates a unique viewing experience that oscillates between high-octane action and comedic relief.

Notable Quotes:

• Aisha Roscoe [07:27]: "This is like if John Wick and Sharknado had a baby."
• Ronald Young Jr. [07:37]: "It's like four snakes on a plane."

Pacing and Structural Critique

Aisha and Ronald discuss the film's pacing, noting that excessive exposition and ground-level scenes detract from the otherwise engaging on-plane action. They express a preference for the film's confined setting, suggesting that more of the narrative could have remained on the plane to maintain momentum and excitement.

Notable Quote:

• Aisha Roscoe [14:36]: "I think all you really need from her is her giving him the instructions that he needs to take this on."

Theatrical Release vs. Streaming

The conversation shifts to the film's release strategy. Both hosts contemplate whether Fight or Flight would perform better as a streaming release rather than a theatrical one. They suggest that the movie's niche appeal and high-energy fight scenes might resonate more effectively with streaming audiences looking for dynamic and entertaining content.

Notable Quote:

• Ronald Young Jr. [11:08]: "I liked it and enjoyed it. But in this day and age, does it get you to the movie theater?"

"What's Making Us Happy" Segment

Ronald Young Jr.: Gerald Levert's "In My Song"

Ronald shares his appreciation for Gerald Levert, an R&B singer whose music has deeply resonated with him. He highlights the track "In My Song" from the album In My Songs, praising its heartfelt lyrics and emotional depth.

Notable Quote:

• Ronald Young Jr. [19:01]: "I do nothing but listen to his songs. And one song in particular... 'In My Song.'"

Guest Speaker: Netflix's "Untold" Series - "Shooting Guards"

The guest enthusiastically recommends Netflix's documentary series Untold, specifically the episode "Shooting Guards," which delves into the scandal involving Gilbert Arenas and Jarvis Crittenton of the Washington Wizards. The documentary not only unpacks the NBA scandal but also explores the divergent paths of the individuals involved, offering a nuanced perspective on the aftermath.

Notable Quote:

• Guest Speaker [21:06]: "It does a very good job of not only showing where their past diverged, but when they split and then what happens to him beyond this incident."

Aisha Roscoe: Classic Thriller Appreciation

Aisha expresses her fondness for thrillers, citing the original The Taking of Pelham One Two Three as a personal favorite. She contrasts it with its remake, praising the 1974 version for its intense direction and compelling performances, particularly the chemistry between Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw.

Notable Quote:

• Aisha Roscoe [20:23]: "The original The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is highly directed violence where every time something happens it's very devastating."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating their appreciation for Fight or Flight despite its flaws. They encourage listeners to engage with the film on streaming platforms post-theatrical release and express gratitude for their guests' insights and recommendations.

Notable Quote:

• Ronald Young Jr. [25:16]: "This was fantastic. Thanks for having me."

Key Takeaways

• Fight or Flight is a high-energy action thriller that excels in fight choreography and Josh Hartnett's charismatic performance but suffers from pacing and excessive exposition.
• The film blends intense action with self-aware humor, drawing comparisons to both John Wick and Sharknado.
• The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of film releases, questioning the suitability of certain genres for theatrical vs. streaming platforms.
• The "What's Making Us Happy" segment provides diverse cultural recommendations, ranging from R&B classics to engaging sports documentaries and timeless thrillers.

Further Engagement

Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on Fight or Flight and the recommendations discussed by reaching out on Facebook (@PCHH) and Letterboxd (@letterboxd.com NPRpopculture). For more in-depth discussions and updates, subscribing to the Pop Culture Happy Hour newsletter via npr.org/popculturenewsletter is recommended.