CARRY-ON -- A Holiday Thriller That Takes Flight, Even If It Doesn’t Soar

Review by Jonathan Berk

It never fails that come December, movie nerds will debate whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie. Well, director Jaume Collet-Serra's Carry-On feels like a spiritual sequel to Die Hard and Die Hard 2, aiming to be the next holiday action-thriller that frequents screens during the season. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of its inspirations, Carry-On still delivers enough entertainment to be worth checking out.

Taron Egerton stars as Ethan, a TSA agent working on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles. At a crossroads in his life, Ethan decides it’s time to get serious about his career — but those plans are derailed when a mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman) coerces him into letting a dangerous package through security.

Bateman as a villain works surprisingly well. His trademark dry sarcasm and smart-ass charm translate seamlessly into the role of a mastermind antagonist. Bateman’s character exudes calm control, and his portrayal as the smartest man in the room feels utterly convincing.

Egerton, meanwhile, demonstrates once again that he has all the makings of a compelling lead, despite somehow seeming to always be just out of the limelight. Known for his standout roles in Kingsman: The Secret Service, Rocketman, and Eddie the Eagle, Egerton brings innate charisma to Ethan. His American accent is solid, and he sells the cat-and-mouse dynamic with Bateman, making their verbal and mental sparring a highlight of the film.  ​

A robust ensemble cast supports them. Danielle Deadwyler plays an LAPD officer who catches wind of the chaos unfolding at the airport. Her storyline intersects with Ethan’s early on and provides a much-needed reprieve from the airport setting. Deadwyler, who has dazzled in dramatic roles like Till and The Piano Lesson, shines in this more action-driven part, showcasing her versatility.
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Sofia Carson plays Ethan’s girlfriend, a fellow airport worker whose encouragement sparks his desire to get his life on track. While her role is initially minor, Carson gets more screen time in the third act, and her chemistry with Egerton makes the relationship and journey between these lovebirds compelling.

The supporting cast also features Dean Norris, Sinqua Walls, Logan Marshall-Green, Tonatiuh Elizarraraz, and Theo Rossi, all of whom contribute to the film’s tension-filled airport setting. The chaotic holiday travel atmosphere, mixed with Bateman’s high-stakes machinations, gives this movie its Die Hard 2 vibes, leaning into the airport as both battleground and nightmare fuel.

While the performances and story are the film’s biggest draws, its visuals leave something to be desired. At times, the lighting and cinematography feel more akin to a straight-to-TV movie than a cinematic spectacle. The action sequences, while effective, often rely on digital effects that lack polish. The car “chase” scene in particular feels either overly reliant on CGI or distorted by lens choices, creating a focus-breaking distraction rather than an immersive experience.

Despite these shortcomings, Carry-On offers enough thrills and holiday spirit to make it a worthwhile watch. Collet-Serra has had his share of hits (Orphan, The Shallows) and misses (Black Adam, Jungle Cruise), and while Carry-On may not be a masterpiece, it feels like a step back in the right direction. Fans of holiday action-thrillers or Taron Egerton’s work will likely enjoy the ride, even if the film doesn’t soar as high as its predecessors.  While some may not feel that a Netflix holiday action-thriller doesn’t qualify, it worked for me. 

Carry-On arrives on Netflix on December 13.

Rating: 3/5