“Carry-On,” directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and released on Netflix on December 13, 2024, is an action thriller starring Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a TSA officer coerced into allowing a dangerous package onto a Christmas Eve flight.
Critical Reception:
Positive Reviews:
RogerEbert.com praises the film’s straightforward approach, noting that while it may not reach the heights of classics like “Die Hard,” it offers a “refreshingly no-nonsense” experience.
Forbes describes “Carry-On” as a “fun, tense Christmas popcorn movie” worth watching, even if it doesn’t quite match the iconic status of “Die Hard.”
Mixed to Negative Reviews:
Screen Rant criticizes the film’s pacing, describing the opening as “very slow and boring,” and finds the subsequent action “entirely laughable.”
Reel Good suggests that while the film may not succeed as a Christmas movie, it has potential as an action movie, especially under Collet-Serra’s direction.
Audience Reception:
On IMDb, user reviews are varied, with some viewers appreciating the strong acting and tension, while others criticize the film for lack of realism and pacing issues.
Conclusion:
“Carry-On” offers a holiday-themed action thriller experience with commendable performances, particularly from Taron Egerton. However, it has received mixed reactions regarding its pacing and overall execution. Viewers seeking a new addition to the holiday action genre may find it engaging, though it may not achieve the classic status of its predecessors.
