Film Review: Carry-On (2024) - USA
Rating: 7.5/10
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
In the heart of the bustling holiday season, "Carry-On" takes viewers on a gritty and thrilling ride through the high-stakes world of airport security and espionage. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and featuring a talented ensemble cast including Taron Egerton, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, and Jason Bateman, this action-packed thriller offers a dose of mindless entertainment with a touch of nostalgia reminiscent of 90s Hollywood thrillers.
The film centers around Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), a TSA officer at Los Angeles International Airport, who finds himself entangled in a deadly game of manipulation orchestrated by the menacing Traveler (Jason Bateman). Blackmailed into allowing a lethal nerve agent onboard a flight, Ethan must navigate a web of deceit and danger to protect his loved ones and prevent a catastrophic disaster.
Taron Egerton delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted protagonist, capturing Ethan's descent into a world of moral ambiguity and high-stakes decision-making. Jason Bateman shines as the calculated and menacing Traveler, providing a formidable adversary for Egerton's character to face off against.
The film's premise is undeniably intriguing, blending elements of suspense, action, and political intrigue to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. As the plot unfolds, layers of deception are peeled back to reveal a complex web of motivations and consequences, culminating in a pulse-pounding climax that delivers satisfying thrills and emotional resonance.
While "Carry-On" may require a certain level of suspension of disbelief and a tolerance for narrative twists, its intense acting performances and well-calculated villain elevate it above standard action fare. The film successfully captures the essence of classic Hollywood thrillers, offering a modern twist on a familiar formula.
In conclusion, "Carry-On" is a solid entry in the action thriller genre, blending elements of suspense, drama, and intrigue to deliver an engaging and entertaining cinematic experience. With its strong performances, gripping storyline, and nostalgic undertones, this film is sure to satisfy fans of adrenaline-fueled entertainment. (Neo, 2024)