Genre director Jaume Collet-Serra brings his talents for his eleventh film in Netflix's "Carry-On." TJ Fixman is the screenwriter for the film, which centers on a young TSA agent who must devise a strategy to outsmart a mysterious traveler. This traveler engages in blackmail, compelling the agent to permit a hazardous package to be transported on a flight scheduled for Christmas Eve.
Taron Egerton portrays Ethan Kopek, a travel agent engaged in a committed relationship with his pregnant girlfriend, Nora Parisi (Sofia Carson). Both individuals are employed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where Nora has recently received a promotion. Ethan feels that he is merely a source of income, despite his colleagues, Jason (Sinqua Walls) and Lionel (Curtiss Cook), recognizing that he can realize his aspiration of becoming a police officer.
To increase his savings, Ethan approaches his supervisor, Phil (Dean Norris), requesting a one-day trial to assess his qualifications for a supervisory role. However, this ambition inadvertently draws the attention of a mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman) and his associate, the Watcher (Theo Rossi). Concurrently, a keen observer, Elena Cole (Danielle Deadwyler), becomes aware that unusual circumstances are unfolding on this particular travel day.
Hitting play on "Carry-On," I had some expectations as a fan of the cast and the director. Sadly, the film was a letdown for me. The main problem with "Carry-On" lies in its excellent premise, which ultimately fails to coalesce. While Jason Bateman and Theo Rossi form an intriguing villainous duo, Taron Egerton, our protagonist, appears disengaged for much of the film despite his potential for a more compelling performance. The decisions made by his character are predictable enough to frustrate even the least experienced viewers.
The supporting cast is only here for a check, and their performances come across as B-movie caricatures; additionally, as someone who appreciates Curtiss Cook's work, I was disappointed by his underutilized character; he deserved a more significant presence in the story. The only standout performer here is Danielle Deadwyler, who continues enhancing her already impressive portfolio.
Some fans will enjoy "Carry-On," but the film should have been much better with the cast and director involved.
Final Grade: C
"CARRY-ON" premieres globally on Netflix on December 13, 2024