A Die Hard Clone That Fails to Impress
Carry On aims to emulate the iconic Die Hard experience but ultimately falls short, offering little that feels fresh or innovative. The standout element is undoubtedly the chilling performance by Jason Bateman, whose portrayal adds a layer of intrigue to the film.
COMPELLING PLOT SYNOPSIS: In a gripping twist, a mysterious traveler blackmails a young TSA agent, compelling him to allow a perilous package to slip through security and board a Christmas Day flight, setting the stage for a heart-pounding narrative.
DETAILED REVIEW OF CARRY ON: I have a profound appreciation for airplane thrillers, which often deliver an exhilarating mix of suspense and action. Classics like Red Eye, Air Force One, and even Die Hard 2 showcase the vibrant energy of airports and airplanes as dynamic backdrops for storytelling. The multitude of characters from diverse backgrounds navigating through busy terminals creates an electrifying atmosphere ripe for tension. Thus, I was eager to see what Carry On would offer in this genre. Sadly, the film takes a considerable amount of time to gain momentum, and the action sequences are insufficient to justify its lengthy runtime.
The narrative centers around Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent grappling with his life choices. When a shadowy figure coerces him into allowing a dangerous package to pass through security, Ethan faces an urgent moral dilemma. This scenario bears a resemblance to the premise of Speed, embodying the classic “shut your brain off” entertainment style. However, the film’s reliance on implausible coincidences—like a stabbing occurring in an airport without any security footage capturing the event—detracts from its credibility. The portrayal of the TSA as a crucial player in airport security is amusing, albeit overly simplistic.
Taron Egerton steps into the role of Ethan Kopek with commendable skill, even if his character ends up being somewhat flat and unremarkable. There’s potential for a more nuanced character arc, but the lack of chemistry with his pregnant girlfriend, Nora (played by Sofia Carson), makes their interactions feel lackluster. Given that Nora serves as Ethan’s primary motivation during the film’s crisis, their strained relationship undermines the urgency of his quest for redemption. In contrast, Jason Bateman emerges as the film’s highlight, delivering a compelling performance as the antagonist. His portrayal of the Traveler is intense and calculated, drawing parallels to Dennis Hopper’s villain in Speed. Bateman’s commanding presence elevates the tension, and his delivery is laced with a menacing edge. Theo Rossi complements him as an intimidating henchman, although his character lacks depth, he manages to leave an impact.
As someone who typically avoids movie trailers to prevent spoilers, I find it interesting to watch them afterward to analyze their representation of the film. In the case of Carry On, the trailer feels misleading. Unlike the marketing suggests, the film lacks the humor that typically alleviates tension and takes a considerable time to build momentum. This film leans more towards being a thriller than an action-packed adventure. While this isn’t inherently detrimental, it feels as though Netflix is misrepresenting the film’s true nature. However, the few action sequences that do appear are skillfully executed, aside from a notably unrealistic CGI car crash.
The portrayal of death in Carry On presents a peculiar aspect, as multiple characters meet their demise with minimal impact on the storyline. These deaths occur in such abrupt and unceremonious ways that audiences are left questioning the finality of each loss, rather than experiencing an emotional response. This lack of focus on the ramifications of death diminishes the significance of the supporting characters. Interestingly, the film begins with a festive atmosphere, featuring upbeat Christmas music and visuals, but this is merely a setup for the frenetic travel day at the airport. Nonetheless, I must commend the film for its use of the legendary Christmas classic, Darlene Love’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” which adds a nostalgic touch.
In summary, Carry On delivers more of a whimper than a bang. Despite moments of effectiveness, numerous elements falter, leaving the audience wanting more. Nonetheless, I have an enduring fondness for films of this nature, and Jason Bateman’s electrifying performance is a significant highlight. If you can overlook the film’s logical inconsistencies, it provides an interesting ride of suspense and intrigue. However, I find it challenging to recommend it, as it fails to present anything genuinely innovative or fresh.
CARRY ON WILL BE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON NETFLIX ON DECEMBER 13TH, 2024.
