HOLLYWOOD—When a movie generates buzz that people are talking about it, it always grabs my interest. That is how I first heard about this Netflix thriller “Carry-On.” I mean people were comparing it to the second coming of “Die Hard” and we all know that is a Christmas classic. We can debate about rather it is or not for ages. With that said, I have my thoughts on “Carry-On” and while entertaining it does have its flaws.
For starters, this is a thriller, not an action-flick. It has a very exciting premise that I thought was wild, but captivating at the same time. A TSA agent finds himself being blackmailed by a semi-terrorist regarding a carry-on bag that has something in it that must pass the security check. What that thing is the audience doesn’t know right away, but that is the intrigue of the movie.
Portraying TSA Agent Ethan Kopek is Taron Egerton, and Egerton does a terrific job in the role. He is believable, you root for him as a viewer and it’s a role that really allows the actor to carry the movie. Yes, we’ve seen him do it before in “Rocketman,” but he really has the weight of “Carry-On” on his shoulders because everything revolves around his character.
Personally speaking, Egerton is the most developed character in the entire movie. The others are hit-and-miss and I will get to them, which brings me to Jason Bateman’s character. He portrays the blackmailer that turns a typical Christmas Eve into an actual nightmare for Kopek. I think Bateman was miscast; I’m sorry.
The notion of this villain is fantastic, but no matter what the movie did, I kept telling myself Jason Bateman is not selling me as the big bad. I mean there is a fight scene that just seems laughable to me because I keep telling myself the other character should be able to whoop Bateman’s character’s ass. “Carry-On” presents vibes of “Enemy of the State,” but without that actual scope of government elitism to enact it.
This brings me to my other issue with this movie, which is Danielle Deadwyler’s character, Detective Elena Cole with the Los Angeles Police Department. The movie isn’t sure who the focal point should be: Elena or Ethan. The answer is simple: Ethan. Cole’s character has a bit of overreach that is not believable. I’m sorry you’re a detective. If there is this threat for national security, I don’t think a cop would have as much sway or power as the movie gives this character. I would think perhaps an FBI or CIA agent would be more believable in the role.
With those hiccups on Bateman and Deadwyler’s characters, the tension in this movie is amazing. At times it felt like a horror movie, but without all the blood and violence. There are many tense exchanges with an ear piece, not to mention Ethan running like a maniac through the airport trying to ensure the safety of his colleagues and pregnant girlfriend, Nora (Sofia Carson).
One thing I can tell you is that you will not be bored with “Carry-On.” It has a premise that immediately hooks you and keeps you entertained, but I would not be lying if I didn’t say at times I was hoping, just to get a bit more because I think if the action was amplified you’re talking about a good movie becoming something of a classic.
