Netflix with its 2024 offering of Carry-On is pretty entertaining. It’s not Die Hard, exactly, but it’s close. It is, essentially, Justin Bateman versus Taron Egerton, sans the “Now I have a machine gun. Ho, Ho, Ho.”
Director Jaume Collet-Serra delivers this one flawlessly. *And why shouldn’t he? His bona fides include Orphan, Jungle Cruise and Black Adam to name but a few of his previous films. Based on a script by T.J. Fixman (Better known, perhaps, in the gaming world: Ratchet and Clank anyone?) this clear contender for the new “Die Hard” as a Christmas film does entertain.
*Side note: Bruce Willis has gone on record stating that Die Hard is NOT a Christmas Movie. Okay, so he starred in the film. But, all I know is this. It is not officially Santa Day until the eggnogg is poured and I hear the “Ho, Ho, Ho,” line read by Alan Rickman. But what do I know.*
The story
It is Christmas Eve at LAX. Ethan Kopek is a under-achieving TSA agent and would be cop. He is about to have the worst shift in his entire three year career. Traveler is a “facilitator” who is about to kill a lot of people. Traveler will use Kopek to reach his goal.
Buckle in.
The Main CArry-On Cast
Taron Egerton is Kopek.
Jason Bateman is Traveler.
Sofia Carson is Nora.
Danielle Deadwyler is Detective Cole.
Theo Rossi is Watcher.
Logan Marshall-Green is Agent Alcott.
The Not So Main Cast
Dean Norris is Sarkowski.
So this is Christmas
Splendid acting chops aside, Carry-On ensures we understand that this is Christmas. Snappy caroles, classic tunes of Christmas past and a lot of decorations everywhere. The fact that Christmas Eve is mentioned repeatedly may mean that this “version” of Die Hard will not face the old “is this a Christmas movie” question.
It works but it still ain’t Die Hard
Carry-On works. Although it has to be said, it made me think more of the old Colin Farrell film Phone Booth. To be fair, the film may feel a little like Die Hard 2 but that is only because it is set in an airport. However, there is no war criminal trying to escape and the protagonist is not an off duty cop. He is, in fact, not a cop at all.
But is there suspense? Action? Pacing that keeps you interested? Yes, yes and yes. Bateman is a brilliant villain. Egerton makes a great action actor, he has prior after all. Kingsman I and II anyone?
*Side note: Kudos to Dean Norris (A personal favourite.) who knocks what amounts to an overstuffed cameo right out of the proverbial park.*
Lorne Balfe gives us a score of candy canes and drama. DP Lyle Vincent manages to make each frame snap, crackle and pop.
Carry-On fires on all cylinders. Before watching it I was dubious about the film’s merits. It did manage to entertain very nicely though. Netflix has managed to exact the same feelings that Willis’ Die Hard evoked back in 1988.
The Verdict
Carry-On is a full 5 star film. Sure it feels a little like other films and it does resemble Die Hard 2 with cell phones and an Apple iWatch, but it all works. Egerton, and his cast members, including his girlfriend Nora are likeable and relatable. The film is available only on Netflix. Head over now and check it out.
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