CinemaBlind’s Review: 80%
In my opinion most of Netflix original film are a hit and a miss and I am so happy to say that this Taron Egerton film fits into the category of a hit. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra from a screenplay by T.J. Fixman, Carry-On is the perfect example of how action-thrillers should be made.
Carry-On follows Ethan Kopek, a young TSA officer who is blackmailed by a mysterious traveler to let a dangerous package slip through security and onto a Christmas Day flight. While Ethan tries to run the blackmailer’s plan but he soon finds out how dangerous he is after the blackmailer threatens to kill Ethan’s pregnant girlfriend.
Carry-On has a certain charm to it, that you can only find in old action thriller films such as the first few Die Hard films. This charm is nothing but a combination of great storytelling, fun action set-pieces, and interesting characters that keep you hooked even in the dull moments.
When it comes to performances, I think every actor in the film from its lead Egerton to the love interest played by Sofia Carson play their part to perfection, but Jason Bateman stole the show as a psychopathic blackmailer who will stop at nothing to complete his mission. In part, Bateman is perfect for the role because of how different his character is from anything he has played in the past.
Sure, there are a few flaws in the second half of the film but those are easily forgiven because of all the entertainment the film provides as a whole. I expected a much bigger climax then I got but what I got also wasn’t bad and mostly made sense for the character and the story we follow from the beginning.
In conclusion, Carry-On is a must watch in my opinion and it might as well be on your Netflix watch-list this Christmas season. There are going to be a lot of Die Hard 2 comparisons but I think the film has distinguished itself from the Bruce Willis classic, but will enjoy the same kind of success.