Understanding Carry-On’s Divided Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: Fresh for Critics, Rotten for Audience Reactions

Since its debut, Netflix’s Carry-On has sparked a surprising division among viewers and critics alike. While critics have generally praised the film, audience reactions have been notably mixed and more critical. The plot follows Ethan, played by Taron Egerton, who aspires to be promoted to a supervisory role at a baggage scanning lane but becomes involuntarily entangled in a terrorist plot when he is coerced by a villainous character played by Jason Bateman. Bateman’s character blackmails Ethan into allowing a suspicious bag to bypass security checks, heightening the movie’s tension and drama.

Following the film’s release, excitement around a potential sequel began circulating. Edgerton expressed his enthusiasm for a second installment, provided it features a “really innovative, creative idea,”according to an interview with TODAY.

As the narrative unfolds, Ethan pieces together Bateman’s sinister plans while striving to emerge as a hero. With its premise of a lone individual confronting a terrorist threat on Christmas Eve, viewers have drawn parallels to the iconic Die Hard, often hailed as one of the greatest action films ever made. However, it is noteworthy that the 2024 Netflix feature has incited significantly more debate regarding its overall quality compared to Die Hard.

What Critics Appreciate About Carry-On

Netflix’s Action Thriller Holds an 85% Rating on Rotten Tomatoes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS0XacjMmOc

Carry-On | Official Trailer | Netflix (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS0XacjMmOc)

Carry-On currently enjoys a “Fresh”label on Rotten Tomatoes, boasting an impressive 85 percent score based on 52 reviews from critics. The consensus highlights:

“Taron Egerton and an against-type Jason Bateman make for great adversaries in Carry-On, a throwback thriller that clears all checkpoints of plot logic with its confident execution.”

David Ehrlich from indieWire noted, “Carry-On doesn’t aspire to be too much more than good, trashy, yuletide fun, but it consistently over-delivers on that front.”Additionally, John Anderson from the Wall Street Journal praised Edgerton and Bateman for their compelling performances, stating, “with Taron Egerton as its hero and Jason Bateman as its villain, it offers a perfectly serviceable two hours of action and angst.”

Cast	Role
Taron Egerton	Ethan Dog
Jason Bateman	The Mysterious Traveler
Logan Marshall-Green	Agent Alcott
Sofia Carson	Nora Parisi
Danielle Deadwyler	Elena Cole
Theo Rossi	The Mysterious Watcher
Dean Norris	Phil Sarkowski
Sinqua Walls	Jason Noble
Josh Brener	Herschel
Curtiss Cook	Lionel Williams

Critics have noted that Carry-On effectively recognized its identity as a straightforward action film, embracing its genre while delivering an entertaining narrative. It intentionally aims for fun rather than Oscars, offering audiences a thrilling ride filled with suspenseful sequences.

Why Carry-On Has a 59% Rating Among Audiences on Rotten Tomatoes

Viewer Discontent Over Plot Holes

Although Carry-On quickly ascended the streaming charts after its release, its popularity does not reflect universal approval. The film holds a modest 59 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, narrowly missing the “Fresh”designation. This indicates a disconnect between critic and viewer responses.

Viewer feedback has emphasized frustrations regarding the film’s plot holes and unrealistic narrative developments. For many, the illogical story structure detracted from their viewing enjoyment. Critics have noted similar concerns, pointing out various elements of perceived implausibility, while some viewers still found entertainment value despite these flaws.

Common Ground Between Critics and Audiences on Carry-On

Carry-On Remains Entertaining Despite its Flaws

While viewers correctly point out several plot holes and inconsistencies in Carry-On, this does not inherently diminish its value as a cinematic experience. As critics have highlighted, the film possesses a self-awareness that allows it to embrace its absurdities. Rather than getting bogged down by technical inaccuracies, it focuses on character interactions and decision-making, leading to an ultimately enjoyable viewing experience. Many agree that despite its shortcomings, the film succeeds in being an entertaining escapade, crafted to delight audiences rather than win critical acclaim.

Sources: TODAY, Rotten Tomatoes, indieWire, Wall Street Journal

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