Carry-On: High-Flying Action with Riveting Tension Between Egerton and Jason Bateman

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MOVIE INFO:

A young TSA agent fights to outsmart a mysterious traveler who blackmails him into letting a dangerous package slip onto a Christmas Eve flight.

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REVIEW:

“Carry-On,” streaming now on Netflix, is a thrilling homage to the iconic “Die Hard” series, infused with fresh character dynamics and modern twists. The film deftly balances high-octane action with deep, character-driven conflict, making it a worthy successor in the action genre.

“Carry-On” nods to the “Die Hard” legacy with its claustrophobic setting, intense shootouts, and a lone hero up against a formidable villain. Taron Egerton steps into the role of the resourceful protagonist, reminiscent of Bruce Willis‘s John McClane, while Jason Bateman delivers a chilling performance as the cunning antagonist. The film’s spirit captures the relentless tension and cat-and-mouse dynamics that fans of “Die Hard” love.

The heart of “Carry-On” lies in the electrifying conflict between Egerton’s hero and Bateman’s villain. Everton portrays a determined, everyman hero, whose ingenuity and grit keep viewers rooting for him. Bateman’s villain is complex and menacing, providing a perfect foil to Egerton’s character. Their interactions are charged with psychological tension, adding depth and tension to the action-packed narrative.

Jaume Collet-Serra’s ability to build suspense and choreograph action sequences is on full display. The pacing keeps the audience engaged, and the film’s visual style enhances the intensity of the story.

Some moments feel overly familiar, as Collet-Serra leans heavily on established action tropes. While these choices honor the “Die Hard” homage, they sometimes detract from the film’s originality. Compared to his other works like “The Commuter” and “Non-Stop,” “Carry-On” maintains his signature tension but could benefit from more innovative narrative elements.

“Carry-On” succeeds in delivering a thrilling experience with strong performances and dynamic character conflicts. While it doesn’t break new ground in the action genre, it pays respectable tribute to its “Die Hard” roots and keeps viewers entertained from start to finish.

“Carry-On” earns a solid B+ (3.5/5) for its gripping action, compelling performances, and effective homage to a classic series. Whether you’re a die-hard “Die Hard” fan or just looking for an exciting watch, “Carry-On” is worth streaming on Netflix.

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CREDITS:

Directed by

Jaume Collet-Serra

Written by

T.J. Fixman

Produced by

Dylan Clark

Starring

• Taron Egerton
• Sofia Carson
• Danielle Deadwyler
• Jason Bateman

Cinematography

Lyle Vincent

Edited by

• Fred Raskin
• Elliot Greenberg
• Krisztian Majdik

Music by

Lorne Balfe

Production

companies

• Dylan Clark Productions
• DreamWorks Pictures

Distributed by

Netflix

Release date

• December 13, 2024

Running time

119 minutes

Country

United States

Language

English

Budget

$47 million

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