Overview

Hot Seat is a high-octane action thriller that puts everyday stakes into a relentless ticking-clock scenario. The plot centers on Ted “Ski” Sykes (Kevin Dillon), a cybersecurity expert whose estranged brother has stolen sensitive government data. To force Ski’s cooperation, a ruthless criminal mastermind (voiced by Mel Gibson) rigs him up with a bomb-equipped chair and demands he hack into a Top Secret vault within a strict deadline—or be killed. With his girlfriend trapped nearby, Ski must race against time, outsmart his enemies, and stay alive.

The film leans into fast pacing, constant tension, and gritty action rather than deep character development.

Highlights

Mel Gibson (voice): Provides a cold, commanding antagonist, giving the villain a chilling presence.

Kevin Dillon: Carries the film as a beleaguered but resourceful protagonist under extreme pressure.

High-Concept Premise: A simple but effective “bomb-in-chair” setup keeps the tension ticking.

Non-Stop Tension: Short runtime and relentless urgency maintain momentum throughout.

Action & Suspense: Quick bursts of violence and hacking challenges make it a brisk thriller ride.

Verdict

Hot Seat is a lean, punchy action thriller that doesn’t overcomplicate its premise. While the story is familiar and the character depth limited, the nonstop tension and tight runtime make it a decent choice for fans of straightforward, high-stakes action films.