During the initial moments of Carry-On, I found my attention drifting from the unfolding narrative. This distraction particularly stood out as I was attentively watching for a review. It’s always noteworthy when a film struggles to maintain viewer engagement, and in this case, my mind wasn’t wandering due to mundane thoughts about my day or upcoming tasks. Instead, I was preoccupied with the meta-aspects of the film itself rather than its storyline.
My curiosity leaned towards the structural choices of the film rather than the plot twists. I found myself contemplating why a tale like this was presented in such a manner and with such casting choices. For much of its runtime, Carry-On attempts a serious tone, which felt more like an audition for Taron Egerton’s versatility, regarding the type of character he can portray. On some levels, I found this intriguing, as it set the stage for what eventually devolves into a rather chaotic enjoyment, even though the film often reveals more about the limitations of Egerton’s character than his strengths.
Carry-On: A Wasted Thriller Premise
Solid Plotting but Lacks Character Depth
Ethan Kopek, played by Egerton, is a TSA officer feeling stuck in his life. On Christmas Eve, he receives life-changing news about impending fatherhood from his partner, Nora (Sofia Carson), who works at LAX. Encouraged by Nora to reignite his passion, Ethan decides this is the day to recommit to his career. However, this choice quickly proves to be a mistake.
Complications arise when a criminal-for-hire, portrayed by Jason Bateman, plans to smuggle a package through airport security. Ethan inadvertently becomes entangled in this perilous scheme after he finds himself situated perfectly to be targeted. Equipped with an earpiece, Ethan is thrust into a high-stakes scenario, where the enigmatic traveler ominously instructs him: allow one bag through, and Nora’s life hangs in the balance.
While the plot contains potential for intrigue, I found the execution lacking. My disconnection stemmed not from the narrative’s twists and complexities but rather from a fundamental absence of genuine investment in the characters. I felt detached from their emotional journeys, failing to grasp their true essence as anything beyond mere plot devices.
We gather some information about the Traveler early on; in the prologue, he acquires the suitcase contents from formidable Russian gangsters, only to eliminate them shortly after. His team entails at least one other operative, referred to as the Mysterious Watcher (Theo Rossi), who facilitates the operational aspects from the shadows. With a well-structured plan and the ability to adapt quickly, they promise a tension-filled confrontation.
The ensuing cat-and-mouse dynamics intended to drive the tension ultimately feel flat. Despite a structured plot, Carry-On lacks substance regarding its characters and their larger journeys. This unfortunate oversight is glaring when compared to other contemporary thrillers, like Juror No. 2, which adeptly tackles ethical dilemmas, showcasing the moral ramifications of seemingly simple choices, like the contents of the mysterious bag.
A Star-Driven Film That Misunderstands Its Star
Egerton’s Undeveloped Potential Until Halfway Through
In the absence of a robust plot, the film relies heavily on its casting to elicit emotional responses from the audience. While watching, I found myself pondering why Egerton’s performance didn’t resonate with me as expected. It seems that this role may not align with his strengths, underscored by a lighthearted Christmas-themed joke that only highlighted his British roots.
Interestingly, as the film morphs into absurdity, my enjoyment grew; when the pacing picked up, so did my amusement.
Moreover, parallels with iconic roles like Bruce Willis’ in Die Hard appear strong, yet Egerton doesn’t quite fit the mold, lacking the everyman appeal combined with a compelling backstory that such roles demand. Carry-On attempts to position him similarly to Matt Damon, but the outcome doesn’t quite manifest as intended. Throughout much of the film, Ethan seems to be on the back foot, beleaguered by circumstances.
Things take a turn when Ethan finally steps out of his chair — at this juncture, the film finds its rhythm. The plot thickens as various narratives collide hilariously, particularly with the introduction of Danielle Deadwyler’s detective tracking the links to the deceased gangsters. The focus shifts from character development to exploring just how far the plot can stretch plausibility, leading to increasingly entertaining moments. My enjoyment surged in tandem with the film’s absurdity.
This point marks the emergence of Egerton’s potential, reminiscent of Tom Cruise’s dynamic action persona, particularly as Ethan utilizes his athletic background to navigate high-stakes situations. The frenetic energy of an action hero who races against time enhances the viewing experience. Egerton embodies an appealing blend of giftedness and relatability, hinting at an exciting future in action roles. Sadly, Carry-On lacks consistency in tapping into this potential, which leaves viewers with a mixed impression.
Though I left with an appreciation for Egerton’s capabilities, especially after noticing how captivating Deadwyler is, it remains disappointing that this was not the film to showcase his talent adequately.
Carry-On began streaming on Netflix on December 13. This thriller runs for 119 minutes and carries a PG-13 rating for strong violence, some bloody imagery, and suggestive language.
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