Carry-On

Carry On is a deeply disappointing film riddled with flaws that make it unbearable to watch. The acting is abysmally poor, with every actor delivering lines in a stiff, unnatural manner that drains all emotion from the scenes. Emotional moments feel forced, and the performances lack any depth, making it impossible to connect with the characters. The script is equally weak, with a plot that meanders aimlessly and offers no focus or clarity. Scenes feel disconnected, and the pacing drags on unnecessarily. Combined with poor direction and an overall lack of effort, Carry On becomes an absolute waste of time, energy, and patience.

Okay, so it kept me entertained enough to watch it until the end, however, the ending was very predictable and no twist/shock to make it more interesting. Also, there are some moments where you need to suspend belief as otherwise, you'll be rolling your eyes.

Not sure about the casting for the 'bad guy'- having watched Jason Bateman in other roles, it just didn't sit right with me and the sniper, well, preposterous!

The film is a cross between Die Hard and Phone Booth but doesn't quite pull it off, although, if you haven't nothing else to watch, it's not a bad choice to while away a few hours.

What makes movies for me are good lines and acting, of course. In the beginning part of the film, quite good lines and a good rapport between the Main couple Ethan and Nora. Baddie Jason Bateman's character was well played too. It was also quite eye-opening to see the inner workings of LAX terminal and the baggage areas.

The setting is perfect - LAX on Christmas Eve sprinkled with shades of Die Hard and Bruce Willis!

But then some very implausible things happen which means basically a lot of lazy script writing.

NOTE FOR FUTURE: When you have a gun on a mass terrorist, please shoot him the legs at least and not give them control!

What could have been...

As formulaic a film as you will find. That doesn't mean it's bad. It just means that while this is competently made, it doesn't exhibit an original thought at any point. It's sort of a Die Hard with somewhat of a wimp as the hero. I can't say I've been a big fan of Taron Egerton, our hero here, but his career did seem to take a new and startlingly terrific new direction with Rocketman and the fine mini-series Black Bird, but now there is this?! He does okay here, but it's not the best career move I can think of. Our hero's villain is played by the usually well liked Jason Bateman, but he doesn't fit this role to me and Sofia Carson, speaking of AI, does indeed look like something created by a computer. Danielle Deadwyler does what she's supposed to do well enough, but this is just a paycheck role for someone this talented. Theo Rossi is on the villain's team and stuck in a van wasted for most of the pic, but when he is finally let loose, he is gleefully evil and the most enjoyable of all to watch. The film is as far-fetched as Die Hard, just much lesser thrills, humor and excitement. It does contain some suspense and it is quite watchable and also reminiscent of Die Hard, it all takes place at Christmas!

This movie is clearly riding the tail coats of the Die Hard franchise. Unfortunately, it is hampered by very lazy, unimaginative and unrealistic writing. The characters are taking one stupid decision after another to keep the plot going. The main character undergoes a transformation in two hours that is beyond believable, and doesn't make any sense. Jason Bateman as usual is doing a very decent job, but unfortunately that cannot save the movie. Overall, quite the disappointment.

This is becoming quite a common problem with Netflix movies: big budgets, some very decent actors, mediocre CGI, and absolutely terrible writing.