Jason Bateman’s Netflix Thriller Movie: A Superior Remake of the 69% Rated Die Hard Sequel

Attention: Significant spoilers for the film Carry-On are included in this text! Netflix’s gripping new thriller Carry-On serves as a modern reimagining of one of the standout sequels in the Die Hard series, offering notable improvements on its predecessor. The phenomenal success of the Die Hard franchise gave birth to a myriad of imitators, creating an entire subgenre with titles like “Die Hard on a Boat” (as seen in Under Siege) and “Die Hard in the White House” (as depicted in Olympus Has Fallen). In Carry-On, TSA agent Ethan finds himself battling against Jason Bateman’s mercenary on a chaotic Christmas Eve within an airport framework, showcasing its clear lineage to the classic Bruce Willis film.

Leading the cast is Taron Egerton, portraying Ethan—a quintessential everyman hero akin to Willis’ portrayal in Die Hard. This film skillfully incorporates established genre tropes including a cunning antagonist and a protagonist who relies on intellect rather than brute strength to navigate perilous circumstances. However, despite these comparisons, Carry-On more closely resembles the narrative structure of Die Hard 2: Die Harder, particularly as both stories unfold in the tumultuous environment of airports during the holiday season. Yet, Netflix’s offering expertly capitalizes on its airport backdrop, enhancing the thrills it presents.

Enhanced Utilization of Airport Setting in Carry-On

Carry-On Earns Its Title as “Die Hard in an Airport”

Bruce Willis on the poster for Die Hard 2

While the inaugural Die Hard was not initially conceived for sequels, its explosive success compelled the studio to develop a follow-up. Set at Dulles International Airport, Die Hard 2 depicts terrorists threatening planes during a snowstorm. Although the environment initially hints at the chaos of holiday travel, much of the airport’s intrigue is lost as John McClane finds himself navigating underground tunnels and alternative locations.

Carry-On, on the other hand, capitalizes on its unique airport dynamics. Ethan’s role as a TSA agent is central to the narrative, and audiences witness the inner workings of airport operations during peak travel times, including passenger screening procedures. Under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra (known for Non-Stop), the film adeptly establishes the airport’s geography and employs various locations—like the baggage sorting area—to craft engaging fight scenes. The action sequences maintain a balance of realism compared to the grandiose spectacle found in Die Hard 2.

In Die Hard, McClane was portrayed as an average guy caught in extraordinary circumstances, while the sequel transformed him into a nearly superhuman cop, orchestrating gunfights and leaping onto moving airplanes. Contrarily, Ethan’s character in Carry-On emphasizes relatability, as he confronts his fears to navigate the crisis—a refreshing evolution in a genre often filled with invincible protagonists.

In a nod to the original franchise, Bateman’s character manages to smuggle a plastic gun past security, echoing the notorious porcelain gun motif that was a hallmark of the original sequel held in contempt by some fans.

Common Issues Plaguing Die Hard 2 as a Sequel

Die Harder Amplified the Action

While Die Hard 2 is an action-packed entertaining film with iconic dialogue and unforgettable scenes, it inevitably falls short when measured against its predecessor. Bruce Willis himself has expressed dissatisfaction with the sequel for its reliance on familiar formulas. Die Harder exemplifies a prevalent issue among 1990s sequels, as it often replicates the scenario of the original film while amplifying the body count and the level of destruction.

It is already a suspension of disbelief to entertain the idea that McClane would encounter yet another terrorist threat at Christmas, compounded by the involvement of figures like his wife, Holly, and reporter Richard Thornburg. Although the film remains exhilarating, one might surmise it carries elements that make it feel more like Die Hard 1.5.

This tendency for studios to produce sequels based on the assumption that audiences desire more of the same ultimately dilutes the novelty of the characters and plots. However, it does introduce some variation; the film’s antagonist Colonel Stuart (William Sadler) presents a genuine physical threat, while the terrorists follow through on their pledge to enact chaos with potential airport disasters. Despite its familiar beats, Die Hard 2 remains an enjoyable action flick with a compelling performance by Willis.

Carry-On Could Have Served as an Intriguing Prequel to the Die Hard Series

A Planned Prequel/Sequel: McClane and Its Cancellation

Bruce Willis as John McClane in Die Hard and Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek in Carry-On. — Custom Image by Simone Ashmoore

While Carry-On is not officially linked to the Die Hard franchise, it possesses qualities that lend it a prequel-like feel. The character of Ethan is portrayed as an underachiever with a witty demeanor while anticipating the arrival of a child with his girlfriend, Nora (Sofia Carson). When confronted with danger, Ethan’s wit and ingenuity allow him to protect both Nora and the airplane passengers, ultimately leading to his dream of becoming a police officer by the film’s conclusion.

Every Die Hard Movie	Rotten Tomatoes Score
Die Hard (1988)	94%
Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990)	69%
Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)	60%
Live Free or Die Hard (2007)	82%
A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)	15%

Originally, plans for a sixth Die Hard installment entitled McClane were in development, designed to delve into a case from McClane’s past. The intention was to have Willis reprise his role in present-day sequences while a younger actor would portray McClane in flashbacks. After protracted development, this prequel/sequel was ultimately shelved in 2019. For those craving a Die Hard-like experience, however, Carry-On stands out as one of the finest entries in the genre that has emerged in recent years.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

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