Carry-On

In 'Carry-On,' Taron Egerton finds himself in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse at an airport on Christmas Eve. While it has some thrilling moments, the execution leaves much to be desired.

A Christmas Eve Race

'Carry-On' follows Ethan Kopek, an airport security officer played by Taron Egerton, who faces a critical challenge when a mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman) blackmails him into letting a dangerous item slip onto a Christmas Eve flight. As Kopek races against time to outsmart this enigmatic character and protect the passengers, the film unfolds against the bustling backdrop of Los Angeles International Airport. The stakes are high, but the narrative sometimes clings too tightly to predictable thriller tropes, resulting in a tension that feels manufactured rather than organic, despite the air of urgency that should permeate a holiday thriller.

Performance Peaks and Valleys

Taron Egerton delivers a solid performance as the beleaguered security officer, portraying a mix of vulnerability and determination. Jason Bateman, meanwhile, is underutilized as the sinister traveler; his character's motivations often feel vague, robbing his presence of real menace. Sofia Carson as Nora Parisi brings some warmth to the film, but the supporting cast, including Danielle Deadwyler and Dean Norris, could have had more robust character arcs. The overall lack of development for these characters leads to a disconnect, making it harder to invest emotionally in their fates as the story unfolds.

Direction and Visual Choices

Jaume Collet-Serra's direction is competent but lacks flair, making the film's pacing uneven. There are moments where the tension builds nicely, especially during the initial setup, but these are often punctuated by dragging sequences that could have benefitted from tighter editing. The visuals reflect a standard airport aesthetic, with a reliance on familiar shots rather than innovative cinematography. While some scenes effectively capture the chaos of the holidays, they do little to elevate the narrative beyond a standard thriller template, leaving the visuals feeling somewhat flat.

A Mix of Excitement and Boredom

Watching 'Carry-On' can be a mixed experience. While there are sporadic bursts of excitement, particularly during the initial confrontation between Kopek and the traveler, the film often trails into moments of tedium and predictable plot turns. The stakes are present, yet the emotional weight is uneven; at points, it’s hard to care about the characters’ fates due to the flimsy script and lack of depth. This results in a viewing experience that can feel drawn-out, leading to frustration rather than engagement as the climax unfolds.