# Netflix’s “Carry-On”: A Christmas Action Film That Falls Flat
Netflix has made a name for its bold endeavors in crafting blockbuster sensations, and its newest festive release, *Carry-On*, follows suit. Promoted as a Christmas action thriller, the film seeks to capture the beloved essence of classics such as *Die Hard*, all while adding a contemporary spin. Yet, in spite of its impressive ensemble cast and instances of suspense, *Carry-On* struggles to meet its lofty goals, leaving audiences with an assortment of entertainment mixed with exasperation.
## The Premise: Tense Situations at the Airport
The narrative of *Carry-On* centers on Ethan Kopek, a TSA officer played by Taron Egerton, who finds himself coerced into letting a perilous package containing the nerve agent Novichok pass through airport screening. The villain, enacted by Jason Bateman, is a threatening yet overly chatty adversary who orchestrates the plot with a combination of charm and menace. The stakes soar, but the execution often feels unrealistic, with discrepancies that challenge the viewer’s ability to remain engaged.
## The Good: Suspenseful Moments and Jason Bateman’s Role
Notwithstanding its shortcomings, *Carry-On* boasts some redeeming aspects. Jason Bateman’s depiction of the antagonist stands out, showcasing his knack for merging menace with charm. Although his character speaks more than one would anticipate from a genuinely intimidating villain, Bateman’s performance injects a sense of intrigue into the film.
The action sequences, especially a gripping confrontation in a vehicle on the freeway, are skillfully executed and offer some of the film’s most exhilarating scenes. These moments illustrate *Carry-On*’s potential to supply the heart-pounding excitement that moviegoers seek from an action flick.
## The Bad: Unrealistic Storyline and Weak Chemistry
Regrettably, *Carry-On* stumbles in several critical aspects. The chemistry between Egerton’s Ethan and his on-screen spouse, played by Sofia Carson, is lackluster, rendering their relationship feeling contrived and unconvincing. The film’s efforts to create emotional stakes through their connection miss the mark, leaving viewers feeling distanced from the characters’ predicaments.
The storyline, though initially captivating, swiftly devolves into a series of far-fetched occurrences. From a cop in Los Angeles miraculously deciphering the villains’ intentions from a garbled recording to Ethan’s abrupt knack for defusing a nerve agent bomb after a single verbal instruction, the narrative often comes across as more of a parody than a legitimate thriller.
## The Verdict: More “Try-Hard” Than “Die Hard”
*Carry-On* is a film that aspires to be many things—a Christmas flick, an action thriller, and a character-driven story—but ultimately fails to deliver a coherent and satisfying journey. While it offers fleeting moments of thrill and commendable performances, especially from Jason Bateman, the film’s numerous weaknesses hinder complete enjoyment.
For viewers in search of a light, action-filled holiday film that doesn’t demand much critical analysis, *Carry-On* may suffice. However, for enthusiasts of *Die Hard* or other iconic Christmas action movies, this Netflix release is likely to come off as more “try-hard” than classic.
