Carry-On: Netflix's Holiday Film Receives Mixed Reviews, Sparks Interest
Netflix's latest holiday action film, Carry-On, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, has emerged as both a hit and a subject of critique, drawing attention for its mix of nostalgic action tropes and modern storytelling challenges. Star Taron Egerton portrays Ethan, a TSA agent at Los Angeles International Airport, who finds himself embroiled in peril on Christmas Eve as he faces off against the dangerous villain, known only as the Traveler, played by Jason Bateman.
This high-stakes showdown begins when Ethan’s pregnant girlfriend, Nora, portrayed by Sofia Carson, is held hostage by Bateman's character, who threatens deadly consequences if Ethan doesn't allow dangerous cargo through airport security. While the film aspires to evoke the spirit of ’90s action flicks reminiscent of Die Hard, critics have pointed out several shortcomings, prompting varying reactions from audiences.
One major critique focuses on the film’s inconsistent tone. The narrative juxtaposes thrilling action scenes with abrupt comedic elements, leading to uncomfortable shifts throughout the viewing experience. Critics have described instances, such as comedic exchanges between characters, as detracting from the overall tension, sneaking humor where it feels forced. Although Bateman's performance showcases moments of menace, his frequent banter often undercuts the intensity of key scenes, turning suspenseful moments flat.
Another area of concern is the character development, particularly the emotional responses of supporting cast members during pivotal moments. Instances where characters grapple with significant loss come across as emotionally stunted, failing to evoke the intended responses. This underwhelming emotional portrayal is magnified by the film's reliance on plot conveniences, which have left viewers puzzled at times rather than engaged.
Despite its flaws, Carry-On succeeds at capturing the attention of genre fans. The film has quickly become one of Netflix's most-watched films, attracting over 42 million views within its opening week of release, surpassing other holiday films. This popularity has sparked discussions about the film's placement within the current streaming trend—the increasing push for innovative holiday-themed content. Although some viewers might find the film's pacing and action memorable, others may critique the quality of storytelling.
While the film's setting is intended to be Los Angeles International Airport, production actually took place at the now-decommissioned Louis Armstrong Airport located in New Orleans. This decision was attributed to the production's need for more extensive space, providing the director with the opportunity to explore areas typically obscured from travelers' views, which is particularly exciting for audiences vested in airport dynamics.
Collet-Serra’s vision blends homage to familiar action formats, but myriads of logical inconsistencies cast shadows upon the overall execution. Critics argue these inconsistencies detract from the anticipated thrill, making viewers feel as if they are witnessing something less cohesive than intended. One such oversight involved the use of the protagonist's tools and timing throughout various sequences, leading to moments where believability vacated the narrative.
Despite this, Carry-On does retain its charm with notable delivery systems. Action aficionados and fans of light-hearted adventure films find joy within the outlandishly improbable setup, along with engaging character dynamics, particularly between Egerton and Bateman. Their portrayals reflected the film's heart: the struggles of ordinary characters under extraordinary pressures.
A comparison to the classic holiday setting of Die Hard has sparked debate over whether Carry-On should be classified within the same festive film category. Netflix and Collet-Serra both assert the film functions as a Christmas movie, enhancing its seasonal appeal as it delivers thrills during the holidays.
Overall, Carry-On may not meet all viewers' expectations, but it does offer fun, action-driven sequences punctuated with humor—a cocktail of entertainment bound to draw varied audience reactions during this holiday season. While many viewers indulge eagerly, some may find themselves questioning the film's artistic integrity. Nonetheless, for those searching for light-hearted entertainment during the holidays, it is one to engage with when browsing Netflix’s options.
