News

Quick LinksWhat Is Daisy Ridley's Cleaner About?Cleaner Has Direct Die Hard Parallels

The following contains spoilers for Cleaner, now playing in theaters.

The Die Hard movies are arguably the gold standard for action films. Even if they aren't someone's favorite, it's hard to deny they elevated the genre. To this day, fans adore Bruce Willis' John McClane and how many terrorists he fought in this franchise, creating some of the entertainment industry's most rollicking rides.

It molded the iconic Gruber brothers, who are some of cinema's most fearsome criminals. Another big reason why it's so beloved is how it nailed the concept of hostages being taken, whether in skyscrapers or airports. One 2025 British thriller has that same energy, and it features one of Hollywood's biggest names: Daisy Ridley in Martin Campbell's Cleaner.

What Is Daisy Ridley's Cleaner About? Ridley's Joey Has to Defeat Terrorists In a...

Few filmmakers love war more than Steven Spielberg. The Hollywood legend has tapped into the genre a whopping nine times (including TV shows), collecting many accolades. His war movies — covering all the major global conflicts before the 21st century — are also some of the highest-grossing Hollywood productions of all time. His love for the genre is hardly surprising, considering his father was a veteran who fought Japanese soldiers in Burma during World War II. The friends of Spielberg’s dad were veterans too, so all everyone could talk about during his childhood was war.

Your Ratingclose10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 stars5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 starRate Now0/10

Your comment has not been saved

Where Eagles DarePGWarActionAdventure4/5Release DateMarch 12, 1969Runtime155 MinutesDirectorBrian G. HuttonCastSee All

Richard Burton Maj. Smith

Clint Eastwood Lt. Morris Schaffer

Where to watchCloseWHERE To WATCHStreaming

Writers Alistair MacLean Powered by

ExpandCollapse

Like other skilled filmmakers, Spielberg is a fan,...

Martin Campbell is an underrated action director, well-known for the James Bond movies GoldenEye and Casino Royale, as well as films like The Protege and The Foreigner. Not all of his projects have been critically acclaimed hits -- there was the ill-fated Green Lantern adaptation -- but Campbell certainly understands what makes for good action. This raises expectations for his 2025 thriller Cleaner, starring Daisy Ridley as a terrorist-thwarting everywoman.

Frustratingly, Cleaner winds up being a mixed bag: just good enough to watch, but never reaching the highs of Campbell's other action films. It has an emotional component to its story, and when Star Wars alum Ridley is finally able to show off her action chops during a fight, it is legitimately fun. But the movie takes far too long to let her join in, while other characters scheme, threaten, and negotiate around her situation. This is very much a mid-budget action film,...

Ask any actor to name a performance that made them want to become an actor, and you'll get people citing the monumental likes of Marlon Brando in "A Streetcar Named Desire," Meryl Streep in "Sophie's Choice" or Denzel Washington in "Malcolm X" -- big, deep-tissue dives that require thespians to use just about every part of their instrument. They want to leave audiences weeping and cheering as they capture the full range of the human experience. They do not want to play, say, a monotone android whose sole function in the plot is to provide the occasional information dump. This would leave them with nothing of interest to do, and, most likely, little to add to their reel.

So, when Gene Roddenberry began casting the pilot for "Star Trek" in 1964, he probably didn't have actors knocking down his door to play the Vulcan First Officer Spock, whose adherence to logic...

When Bruce Willis became a television star 40 years ago via the hit ABC comedy "Moonlighting," no one in the entertainment industry thought he was primed to become the next great action movie hero. As wisecracking private detective David Addison, he seemed poised to be a romantic comedy lead in the old-fashioned vein of Cary Grant or, at the very least, a rakish successor to Paul Newman. He did not, however, give off the gun-toting beefcake vibes of guys like Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger. So when he snared a then-unthinkable $5 million payday to star in "Die Hard" after just about every star in Hollywood passed on the role of John McClane, a folly appeared to be in the offing.

All Willis did with "Die Hard" is completely readjust the industry's expectations for action films. Instead of a musclebound killing machine, he was an everyman cop who uses his wits as...

Christmas 2024 saw Netflix deliver the latest in a seemingly infinite line of kinda cool action movies ultimately doomed to become the digital equivalent of fossils buried on the servers of the streaming giant. "Carry On" is an action thriller set in Lax, in which Taron Egerton's Tsa officer must thwart a plot to unleash a deadly nerve agent onboard a plane. In other words, it was a Christmas action movie set entirely in an airport, and was therefore inescapably indebted to "Die Hard 2."

That particular action sequel has a bit of a strange legacy, which extends beyond influencing middling Netflix movies. While the 1988 original sits atop pretty much every ranking of the "Die Hard" movies, 1990's "Die Hard 2" is surely a contender for second best. The legacy sequels discounted themselves from the conversation by turning Bruce Willis' John McClane into another generic superhero action archetype, which...

By the end of the 80s, the action genre was primed for parody. The decade gave rise to the muscle-bound action hero, who by the early 90s had already become something of an archetype in wider culture. So, you'd think something like "National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1" would be a comedic hit when it debuted in 1993. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way.

The film stars Emilio Estevez as Sgt. Jack Colt, a parody of Mel Gibson's Martin Riggs from the "Lethal Weapon" films. Samuel L. Jackson plays his reluctant partner, Sgt. Wes Luger, himself a parody of Danny Glover's Roger Murtaugh. Together the LAPD duo embark on a mission to solve the murder of their fellow officer Sgt. Billy York (Whoopi Goldberg), which is essentially just an excuse for the film to, er, lampoon the action genre as a whole.

Throughout the movie, the writers take...

Bruce Willis found worldwide fame and critical acclaim after starring in one of the best Christmas movies of all time: Die Hard. After the 1988 film, Willis continued to star in action movies with explosions and iconic scenes.

Bruce Willis as John McClane in Die Hard | Credits: 20th Century Studios

It was his 2nd best action franchise when he revealed that he had gotten tired of one particular thing in these films. The actor was disinterested in even talking about the film and that is why, the Red franchise will never get a third part.

Bruce Willis does not enjoy explosions anymore

It was the year 2010 when a film titled Red was released starring Bruce Willis. The film was an adaptation of the comic book mini-series of the same name which was owned by DC Comics.

Karl Urban and Bruce Willis in Red | Credits: Di Bonaventura Pictures

With a plot of...

From Arnold to Bruce, Hulu has a lot to like when it comes to classic action movies.

Action movies are always in style. While most recently it’s been all about the superhero action star, there was a time in the 80s and 90s when the hero of the story was an “every person” – just like you and me. No superpowers, no high-tech gear – just a man (and sometimes a woman – usually Sigourney Weaver), their wits, and their gun. If you’re looking for that kind of classic action movie, I’m here to give you my take on the best streamer for your buck. While there are a few contenders, in my mind, there’s one that just manages to beat everyone else in hand-to-hand combat: Hulu. Here’s why I think Hulu is the best streamer for classic action movies.

Everything you need to know about the best...

When Carry-On streamed over the Christmas period, it might have received mixed reviews but clearly sets up a sequel, which may be on the cards. The cast of Carry-On includes Kingsman star Taron Egerton in the lead role, and Jason Bateman and Sons of Anarchy's Theo Rossi as its nameless main villains. Carry-On's reviews have been varied, with the movie getting a high critical rating but low audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. That said, this has not had an impact on viewing figures, with Carry-On set to break streaming records by becoming one of Netflix's most-watched movies of all time.

The story of Carry-On has been compared to Die Hard, as both are action thrillers about a cop finding himself at the center of a deadly plot. In Carry-On, the newly-promoted Ethan is tasked with getting a terrifying real-life weapon onto a plane, through instructions from a...

Quick Links Carry-On Can Bring the Traveler's Team Back For Revenge Carry-On Can Diversify the Franchise With Big, Iconic Rivalries

The following contains spoilers for Carry-On, now streaming on Netflix.

When the trailers came out, no one could have predicted Carry-On would become Netflix's top title. It's an intense journey, focusing on a Tsa agent being forced to aid terrorists at the Lax airport during Christmas. It's packed with puzzles, intrigue and mystery.

Interestingly, the Carry-On ending has angles set up to become the next big action franchise. It's very much in the same vein of what Bruce Willis' John McClane endured in the Die Hard movies. But what can the future hold for Carry-On, and why it can become a high-octane holiday extravaganza?

Carry-On Can Bring the Traveler's Team Back For Revenge Carry-On 2 Can Bring in Private Contractors Who Want Ethan Dead

Related 2 Years Later, Netflix Finally Gave...

“Get off my plane…again!” Harrison Ford starred in Air Force One as President James Marshall, who must retake the titular plane when a group of terrorists hijack it and take everyone hostage, including his wife and daughter. The film was a major success upon its release in 1997, grossing over $315 million worldwide. Although there’s been talk of an Air Force One sequel, nothing has come together. However, scooper Daniel Richtman says Sony Pictures is developing a follow-up, which may include the return of its leading man.

We’ll take this rumour with a big ol’ helping of salt at this point, but Richtman has heard that the studio is developing an Air Force One sequel (which could also be a reboot) and that Harrison Ford might be starring in it. This is just me spitballing, but it’s easy to imagine Marshall attending the inauguration of the new president (his daughter?...

Taron Egerton’s Carry-On has certainly had audiences hooked since its release. The film is an excellent watch for those interested in watching a film that does not take itself too seriously but has some very high stakes, leading to the buzz it has been making.

A still from Taron Egerton’s Carry-On | Credit: Netflix

On top of an exceptional cast and an innovative premise, the film has also been doing well with the critics, having an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With all odds being in its favor, one cannot help but wonder if the film will end up continuing its story.

During an interview, Egerton revealed exactly this, and his thoughts are quite interesting.

Will Taron Egerton’s new film carry on?

Recently, Taron Egerton made an appearance on the Today Show, where he talked about his recently released film, Carry-On. Among many things for the promotion of the project,...

The only thing more predictable than Santa Claus effigies during Christmastime are debates about whether Die Hard counts as a Christmas movie or not. The debate mostly stems from the fact that, outside the Nakatomi Plaza staff's Christmas party and occasional mentions of the Yuletide Season, the movie looks nothing like a typical holiday movie. That being said, these discussions ignore the most important part of this movie's legacy. Specifically, the fact that Die Hard is one of the most important action movies ever made.

Even though it came out almost 40 years ago, Die Hard continues to be referenced, homaged and refuted even to this very day by other action movies. It's impossible to deny the impact that Die Hard and John McClane (Bruce Willis) had on action movies and blockbusters as whole. To its admirers, Die Hard is simultaneously the ultimate action movie and a great Christmas movie. These sentiments are irrefutable,...

Bruce Willis’ John McClane in Die Hard was a role that proved to be crucial to the industry. Before his role as one of the best action heroes in Hollywood, Willis had only starred in the fan-favorite TV series Moonlighting. However, his salary at the time for 1988’s Die Hard was revolutionary for a first-time movie star in the industry.

Bruce Willis in a still from Die Hard 2 | Credits: 20th Century Studios

Willis shared that he did not get the deserved appreciation. He was probably referring to the media questioning his exorbitantly high salary at the time. However, The Sixth Sense actor was only scratching the surface of his career achievements in the industry when he received his first Die Hard salary.

Bruce Willis did not get the deserved appreciation for changing the Hollywood pay structure Bruce Willis as John McClane in Die Hard | Credits: 20th Century Studios

Bruce Willis was a TV star,...

Quick Links What Was Reindeer Games About? Reindeer Games' Ending, Explained

When it comes to action movies, Christmas-themed ones have been a fad for decades. Netflix has Taron Egerton's Carry-On, hoping to capitalize on fans who enjoy seeing the holiday setting in something other than comedy.

Of course, the star atop this creatively subversive tree is none other than Bruce Willis' Die Hard -- one of cinema's most intense shoot-'em-up films. Interestingly, there was one other film in the 2000s that tried to reinterpret the adventures of John McClane: Reindeer Games, starring Ben Affleck. However, it just couldn't replace or recapture the magic that Die Hard had.

What Was Reindeer Games About? Reindeer Games Involved A Safe Heist Similar to Die Hard

Related 2 Years Later, Netflix Finally Gave Ozark Fans What They Were Missing

Netflix's Carry-On gives Jason Bateman a very powerful role that fans would have loved...

It’s that time of year again. The chestnuts are roasting, the eggnog is nogging, and some of us are getting ready for a house full of people that will turn this holiday season into a stressful one. So what do you do when you want to get into that merry spirit but also feel a slight bit of homicidal rage at your mother-in-law who just won’t shut up?

10. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

Yes, a James Bond movie took place at Christmas, and it’s a doozy. Arguably the greatest James Bond film, this one stars George Lazenby in his sole outing as 007. Now, I know what you’re thinking. How is George Lazenby the star of the greatest Bond movie ever? The fact is, even if his performance is so-so, the film itself is fantastic. And it’s the movie where James Bond gets married. So,...

It's the question that has divided moviegoers for 36 years: Is Die Hard a Christmas film? Fans of the acclaimed Bruce Willis action flick return to Nakatomi Plaza every year, as John McClane (Willis) fights his way through Hans Gruber's (Alan Rickman) terrorist group to save his wife on Christmas Day. To some, the film's Christmas setting is enough for Die Hard to qualify. But, naysayers and all-round humbugs cry that the guns, explosions, and Bruce Willis looking badass in a vest aren't what Christmas is actually about — they've never been to Christmas with my family. Thankfully, the debate has been settled once and for all, as Bruce Willis himself has finally weighed in on the matter.

During the Roast of Bruce Willis (via @RealEmirHan on X) back in 2018, Bruce Willis closed the roast with a public service announcement about Die Hard. "Now please, listen very carefully," Willis began. The other guests,...

Last Updated on December 26, 2024

Action fans have plenty of choices when it comes to Christmas viewing. You can watch John McClane take down bad guys at Nakatomi Plaza and Dulles International Airport in Die Hard and Die Hard 2; root for Rambo as he destroys a small town in First Blood; thrill at the sight of Marion “Cobra” Cobretti taking on the Night Slasher; see James Bond deal with love, loss, and Blofeld in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service; have a Shane Black marathon, starting with the Martin Riggs / Roger Murtaugh pairing Lethal Weapon; watch Houston police officer Jack Caine battle an extraterrestrial drug dealer in I Come in Peace (a.k.a. Dark Angel); take in a viewing of Batman Returns… the list goes on and on. But one movie that doesn’t get enough credit for being a sci-fi action Christmas classic is director Charles Band’s 1984 film Trancers…...

This week on the Film Stories Podcast Network, our array of film and TV chats are Christmas themed appropriately talking a brace of John McClane, festive Muppets and more. Here’s what we’ve been up to…

At the Movies in the 90s

Welcome to the (Christmas) party, pal! A. J. Black and new guest Mark McManus get into all things Die Hard 2 for this festive episode, which comes with an important announcement to boot…

Britcom Goes to the Movies

In the festive finale of the podcast’s third season, hosts Rob Heath and Guy Walker, with guest comedian Rob Gilroy, tackle 2014’s Christmas family comedy Get Santa…

CineMortuary

Wherever you find podcasts, it feels like Christmas! To bedlam with the premise of the show, instead Rob Yeomans, Dave Walker and Chris Wilson throw off the ghostly shackles of horror and enjoy the best Christmas film of all time...

It's the holiday season, and with it comes all of its attendant traditions. Keeping tradition is a useful and important part of life, as it reminds all of us who we are and how far we've come while reorienting us for the future. It allows for reflection, too, letting us re-examine and take stock of our institutions and traditions themselves, seeing how much value they retain while adjusting them if necessary. For many, 1988's "Die Hard" has become a staple holiday season viewing. Yet watching the film is a tradition that has begat a new tradition of its own: debating on social media whether "Die Hard" actually is a Christmas movie or not. For those of us eager to enjoy our annual viewing of director John McTiernan's action classic unadorned, this debate is a tradition we'd rather do away with, but it's sadly one that keeps returning every year.

In season 4 of The Office, boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell) goes on a bit of a rant about Die Hard 4, but what was meant to be an off-the-cuff joke has become reality now in movies. Michael wasn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, often completely oblivious to the feelings of others and with a pathological need for attention. This was tempered by a natural sweetness and desire to make others happy that saved Michael in The Office from his more offensive moments and allowed his coworkers and the audience to view him as not harmful, just an oblivious idiot.

Still, there were a few times – albeit very few – when Michael's natural charisma and ability to connect with others shone through. Less frequently, but still there, Michael occasionally had moments of smart observation or astute analysis that revealed there was a working brain buried under his chronic immaturity and clueless nature.

In 1989, a film with a bonkers premise was released in theaters and became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Look Who's Talking, by writer/director Amy Heckerling, helped launch John Travolta back to Hollywood stardom, but it was a project that almost didn't happen. Look Who's Talking is a romantic comedy with a basic plot: Mollie Jensen gets pregnant after she has an affair with one of her clients. On the day of Mikey's birth, Mollie jumps into a taxicab, and the driver, James, is mistaken for the baby's father. After a while, he becomes Mikey's father figure, babysitter, and Mollie's lover.

Sounds like a regular comedy, right? Well, it isn't. From the conception of the fetus, viewers listen to the precocious thoughts of the baby. No one else can hear the baby but the audience, who are treated to none other than Bruce Willis' voice as the baby.

Art Evans, the actor who appeared in Die Hard 2, A Soldier’s Story and so many more movies and TV shows beginning in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 82. The cause of death was diabetes.

Art Evans had well over 100 credits to his name, normally playing smaller roles. One of these key ones was in Die Hard 2, in which he played an air traffic controller who aids in John McClane’s latest fight against terrorists. Another came in 1984 with A Soldier’s Story, co-starring alongside Howard E. Rollins Jr. and Adolph Caesar as an army private. While Caesar would end up receiving the bulk of the attention (receiving Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations), Evans was also making his own mark.

Art Evans got his career started the previous decade — after time studying theater and on the stage — earning his first credit on sitcom Chico and the Man.

At 82, Art Evans, a talented character actor known for his vast work in film and television, passed away. His diabetes, which he had been fighting for years, caused problems that led to his death on December 21. Babe Evans, his wife, confirmed the news and paid heartfelt tribute to his life and career.

“Art was not only an incredible actor but a devoted husband, friend, and source of light to everyone who knew him,” she said. “We will miss his laugh, passion, and love of life very much.” Even though our hearts are heavy, we are proud of the joy and influence he leaves behind.

Evans began his acting career at Frank Silvera’s Theater of Being. He was born in Los Angeles on March 27, 1942. He made it to Broadway and played the lead role in “The Amen Corner” in 1965. In the middle of the 1970s, he moved on to TV,...

Art Evans, the actor best known for his role as Leslie Barnes in Die Hard 2, has died. He was 82.

Evans died “peacefully in his sleep” surrounded by family on Dec. 21, a rep told The Hollywood Reporter.

“We are heartbroken to share that Art has passed away,” said his wife, Babe Evans. “Please respect our privacy at this time. A memorial will be held for friends and family to attend at a later date. Thank you.”

Evans’ Leslie Barnes is an air traffic control tower employee who helps Bruce Willis’ John McClane stop terrorists. In addition to the Die Hard installment, the actor also appeared alongside Denzel Washington and Adolph Ceasar in 1984’s A Soldier’s Story as Private James Wilkie.

During his career, Evans amassed more than 120 credits. On the big screen, Evans als appeared in films such as Christine, Big Time, Youngblood, National Lampoon’s Class Reunion, Fright Night, School Daze,...

Art Evans, who was best known for roles in Die Hard 2, Fright Night, and A Soldier’s Story, has died at the age of 82. It was announced that the actor passed away on December 21 after a career spanning five decades, and a legacy of over 120 appearances. Evans was said to have “passed away peacefully,” although a cause of death was not disclosed.

In a statement published by Variety, Evans’ wife, Babe, said:

“We are heartbroken to share that Art has passed away. Please respect our privacy at this time. A memorial will be held for friends and family to attend at a later date. Thank you.”

Evans was born in 1941, in Berkeley, California, and began his long career working on stage. He transitioned to films and TV in the early 1970s, taking on a number of smaller supporting roles. He soon became a constant presence in Hollywood. One of his...

Art Evans, a film and television actor known for his roles in “Die Hard 2” and “Fright Night,” died Dec. 21. He was 82.

Evans’ death was confirmed to Variety by publicist Erica Huntzinger. The cause of death was not disclosed, although the obituary noted he “passed away peacefully” while “surrounded by family.”

In a statement, Evans’ wife Babe Evans said: “We are heartbroken to share that Art has passed away. Please respect our privacy at this time. A memorial will be held for friends and family to attend at a later date. Thank you.”

Evans amassed over 120 credits in film and television over the past 50 years. Starting at Frank Silvera’s Theater of Being in Los Angeles, he took a starring role in “The Amen Corner” which eventually transferred to Broadway in 1965. One of his early credited film roles was the first victim in the John Carpenter 1983 film “Christine.”

Evans went...

While Die Hard is a movie filled with exciting action scenes, it’s the characters and their connections to one another that make the film exceptional. Die Hard is one of the rare examples of an action movie where people know the character’s names. It’s not Bruce Willis fighting Alan Rickman; it’s John McClane outmaneuvering Hans Gruber.

Need something to stream during the holiday break? The subscription-free streaming service Tubi always has a surprisingly robust lineup of great films.

Yes, there’s a massive catalogue of obscure titles and forgotten gems — that’s half of the appeal! — but Tubi also has a lot of great movies and certified classics in the mix, too. It can just be a bit difficult to spot the must-watch new movies streaming amongst the enormous library.

Not to worry, here’s a hand-picked selection of the best new movies on Tubi this month to save you some time.

20th Century Fox Film Corp. ‘Die Hard’ (1988)

Hopefully, at this point, we can all let the “Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie?” discourse rest — and if you’re someone who’s gotta watch “Die Hard” for the holidays, Tubi has you covered this year. Bruce Willis stars as future action icon John McClane, but in the original film,...

"Four sets of guests, Jeremy? Four? That's insane!" Yes, folks, the last Empire Film Podcast of 2024 is an absolute barnstormer, a two-and-a-half-hour blast of film-related fun just in time for the festive season. And we have more guests than you could possibly fit under the Christmas tree. There's Mufasa: The Lion King star and former Mid-Sized Sedan Aaron Pierre [22:54 — 41:53 approx]! Nick Park & Merlin Crossingham, directors of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl [2:17:40 — 2:33:35 approx]! Ben Schwartz and Jeff Fowler, star and director respectively of Sonic The Hedgehog 3 [1:55:50 — 2:16:00 approx]! And Michael Gracey, director of Robbie Williams biopic Better Man, who joins us alongside his movie's inspiration and subject, Actual Bloody Robbie Williams [1:11:00 — 1:25:21 approx]. Take That!

Yes, folks, it's a belter, and we haven't even mentioned the bits in between. Yes, back in the podbooth Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer answer your Christmas movie questions on movies that deserve the Holiday Special treatment, the...

This article is part of ScreenRant's Exclusive 2025 Movie Preview. Keep an eye out for the full feature next week!

ScreenRant can exclusively reveal a new image for Cleaner. This action-thriller is arriving in just two months, with a theatrical release set for February 21. The plot focuses on what happens when a group of criminal activists hijack a massive gala and take in 300 hostages. As one of the criminals threatens to kill these people, the gala building's window cleaner must work to rescue the hostages. Cleaner features Star Wars' Daisy Ridley in the lead role, with a supporting cast that includes Clive Owen, Taz Skylar, Flavia Watson, Ray Fearon, Rufus Jones, and Lee Boardman.

Now, ScreenRant exclusively reveals a new image for Cleaner. The image is a behind-the-scenes look from the action movie's set, as elements such as the boom microphone are seen. Ridley's character has her toes pressed...

If there's anything better than Christmas itself, it's Christmas movies. Who doesn't enjoy cuddling under a warm blanket and watching Home Alone, or even taking in the action of John McClane (Bruce Willis) killing bad guys in Die Hard? Everyone has their favorite Christmas movie, but perhaps the most popular of all is Bob Clark's A Christmas Story. This wasn't Clark's only Christmas movie though, and arguably not his most influential. Before Bob Clark made this holiday staple, he was a horror director, and his scariest offering was 1974's Black Christmas. Released 50 years ago, it's one of the most important horror movies ever made. The slasher craze, which is mostly credited to the success of Halloween, wouldn't exist without it.

Quick Links Carry-On's Plot Holes, Explained Carry-On Falls Into Generic Territory

The following contains spoilers for Carry-On, now streaming on Netflix.

Over the 2020s, Netflix has been releasing successful action movies. There are movies like Chris Hemsworth's Extraction and Ryan Gosling's The Gray Man. These create fresh, original content the streamer can entice viewers with in terms of subscriptions.

Kingsman's Taron Egerton joins the fray with Carry-On. It's a Die Hard-like movie set at Christmas that has Egerton's Tsa agent, Ethan, jumping through hoops at Lax. He's being manipulated to get a chemical weapon onto a plane by shadowy villains. However, if this property wants to be like the John McClane movies that Bruce Willis starred in, there are plot holes that need to be addressed with better writing.

Carry-On's Plot Holes, Explained Carry-On Lacks Security and Logic In the Lax Airport

Related...

Warning: Major spoilers for Carry-On below!The streaming success of Carry-On makes a sequel a genuine possibility - but it needs to dodge a mistake that derailed the Die Hard franchise. Carry-On cast Taron Egerton as a Tsa agent forced to rise to the occasion when Jason Bateman's mercenary tries to sneak something very dangerous past airport security. Carry-On leans into its Die Hard comparisons instead of avoiding them; both feature everyman heroes trying to protect a loved one inside of a contained setting, while an intellectual villain constantly tries to outsmart them.

Carry-On stands at 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and has been a streaming success hit for Netflix. Egerton sounds like he would be up for Carry-On 2 (via Today) - but cautioned it would need a great hook to get him interested "It's kind of like an extraordinary set of circumstances, so I think it would need a really innovative,...

J.J. Abrams has named Young Woman and the Sea, the recent biopic starring his former Star Wars: The Force Awakens lead Daisy Ridley, as his pick for best film of the year.

Director and prolific producer Abrams recently shared his pick for best film of the year with Variety, praising Ridley's performance and the film's director, Joachim Rønning. Abrams' pick, Young Woman and the Sea, tells the inspiring true story of Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel, overcoming incredible odds. Initially planned for release on Disney's streaming service Disney+, the film received a limited theatrical run in the United States on May 31, 2024, following positive test screenings.

Related Daisy Ridley Channels John McClane in Action-Filled Cleaner Trailer

The upcoming action film with Die Hard vibes comes from a popular James Bond director.

What Abrams Said About Ridley's Performance

Abrams, who collaborated with Ridley multiple times...

Last year, when Renny Harlin was promoting his film, The Bricklayer, JoBlo asked him about the making of Die Hard 2: Die Harder, and he had high praise for star Bruce Willis, who he compared, favourably, to the new generation of action stars, who seem reluctant to ever allow themselves to get beaten up on-screen, Willis never had this issue, said Harlin: “I really wanted Bruce Willis to get really screwed up. His face is a bloody mess by the end of the movie, and like you said, it really does make the character more heroic. They are really taking punishment and keep going.”

However, as we reported a little while back, there was one line Willis didn’t love in Die Hard 2: Just the fax, ma’am…

It’s a line that made audiences laugh, but, in his book “The Last Action Heroes,” writer Nick de Semlyan interviews Harlin,...

It’s finally Yuletide season, and what better way to spend the few days leading up to the holiday than a rewatch of Bruce Willis’ Die Hard? Yes, it’s a Christmas movie and it’s not even up for debate – the franchise has a lot of important thematic niches found in typical Christmas films.

Credits: Bruce Willis in Die Hard / 20th Century Studios

Now that we’ve settled that, it’s time we discover a surprising fact about the 1988 movie, as revealed by its writer Steven E. de Souza. The audience had always seen John McClane as the hero of the story, but this has been a lie all along.

Famed writer Steven E. de Souza reveals the real protagonist in Die Hard

One of the most unique movie antagonists in Hollywood was Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber. The late actor’s portrayal of the famed character had been lauded by fans,...

Though he might be best known for action, Bruce Willis was an incredibly versatile actor. Health struggles unfortunately sent the actor into retirement, but Willis' career before that point was prolific. His John McClane role in Die Hard was perhaps his most iconic, as it positioned the actor as a franchise lead. He carried franchises through the years, while also contributing his talents to other major action movies such as Detective Knight and The Expendables.

Outside of Willis' action franchise, however, the actor could be extremely funny. His perfect casting as Butch Coolidge in the Pulp Fiction ensemble helped prove this, as the actor plays a man of few words but a lot of personality. He is also great in his role in Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom, once again showing off his range. Perhaps his most notable comedy role was in the romantic comedy series Moonlighting, for which he...

Tim Burton and Henry Selcik's 1993 stop-motion animated classic is a perennial favorite for end-of-year festive viewing, but an intense debate rages: Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? The beloved film centers around Jack Skellington, the wistful Pumpkin King of Halloween Town who stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes determined to make the holiday his own. Also a musical, The Nightmare Before Christmas has a bevy of catchy songs that diehard fans know by heart.

One of the most popular of these songs is "This Is Halloween", which isn't just a catchy tune but a rallying cry for Nightmare Before Christmas fans who decree the film a definitively spooky season movie. However, the definition of what can be considered a Christmas film grows increasingly broader with every year, with the once popular "Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?" debate now considered passe, with many accepting...

As Christmas draws near, certain traditions are inescapable: the twinkling of lights, festive carols, and the annual resurgence of Die Hard as one of the greatest Christmas traditions of modern family festivities. This week, the 1988 action classic starring Bruce Willis finally started its ascent up the Tubi Top 10 streaming chart. Regardless of where you stand in the debate, there is no way to get through the season without dropping in on John McClane yippee ki-yaying his way up (and down) the Nakatomi Plaza.

Directed by John McTiernan, Die Hard sees Willis’ McClane visiting his estranged wife Holly during her office Christmas Party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. While this seems like the set-up of a Hallmark Christmas movie, things get more interesting when the suave and calculating Hans Gruber (the impeccable Alan Rickman in his movie debut) and a group of terrorists attempt to carry out an elaborate heist in the building.

When you purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Carry-On is an action thriller film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra from a screenplay by T.J. Fixman. The must-watch Netflix film follows Ethan Kopek, a young Tsa agent who a mysterious passenger blackmails into letting an unchecked package slip onto a flight on Christmas Eve. If he doesn’t follow his orders, his blackmailer will kill his pregnant girlfriend. Carry-On stars Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Logan Marshall-Green, and Theo Rossi. So, if you love the thrilling story, nail-biting drama, and compelling characters in Carry-On, here are some similar movies you should check out next.

Die Hard 2 Credit – 20th Century Studios

Die Hard 2 is an action thriller film directed by Renny Harlin from a screenplay co-written by Steven E. de Souza and Doug Richardson. Based on the 1987 novel 58 Minutes by author Walter Wager,...

Not every holiday season feels like gingerbread and joy. Sometimes, you need a break from the twinkling lights and nonstop carols.

Whether it’s a chaotic family gathering or just the stress of decking the halls, these Christmas movies offer a much-needed escape from the saccharine side of the season.

From dark comedies to twisted tales, these films remind us that not all holiday stories need a happy ending — or even a cheerful tone.

(ner Bros. Pictures/Screenshot)

These are the movies that make Santa’s naughty list look tame.

So grab some eggnog (or something stronger) and settle in for a lineup of films that bring holiday spirit with a side of mischief, mayhem, and maybe a little murder.

Are you ready?!

Krampus (2015) (Universal Pictures/Screenshot)

For those who think the holidays need a little edge, Krampus brings the perfect blend of festive cheer and dark folklore.

This twisted...

It’s been fun watching more and more General Hospital characters move into the Quartermain mansion lately. Many of Port Charles’ children had been staying there over the summer as the parents were involved in dramatic storylines that necessitated it. First, Brook Lynn and Chase moved in, then after Sam died, Dante, Rocco, Scout, and Danny moved in, followed by Jason who wanted to be close to his son. With all these characters snuggled up in the giant home, it’s only a matter of time before evil forces encroach upon it and the heroes must rise to the occasion to defend it.

The Ultimate Battle

With villains like Cyrus (Jeff Kober) and Sidwell (Carlo Rota) still roaming free, no one in Port Charles is safe. With some of Port Charles’ best heroes now living in the Quartermaine mansion, villains could perceive them as sitting ducks. Cyrus once had a...

One of the biggest cinematic disputes is over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not; well, be prepared to add another film to that argument, as Netflix released a similar one in December 2024. John McTiernan's 1988 action movie follows Bruce Willis' John McClane, a detective who gets trapped inside a skyscraper on Christmas Eve when terrorists take over. Since its release, many have insisted that Die Hard is a Christmas film based on its setting and timeline. Meanwhile, others have rebutted that sentiment.

Die Hard's success in the late 1980s led to a franchise revolving around Bruce Willis' John McClane. In addition to the first movie, the series includes Die Hard 2 (1990), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Live Free or Die Hard (2007), and A Good Day to Die Hard (2013).

While many prefer traditional Christmas films (e.g. It's a Wonderful Life) or cheesy rom-coms (e.g. Hot...

As anyone who's watched any of the Star Wars sequel trilogy will already know, Daisy Ridley is no stranger to a spot of badass action. Fighting Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base in The Force Awakens, taking down the Praetorian Guards in The Last Jedi, *that* flip over the Tie Silencer in The Rise Of Skywalker — all in a day's work for our Daisy. But all of that pales in comparison to what the Magpie star has in store with her latest movie, Sky Original action joint Cleaner. Directed by none other than Goldeneye and Casino Royale helmsman Martin Campbell, this one is set to see Ridley get her John McClane on as an ex-soldier-turned-window-cleaner tasked with saving hundreds of people from a Clive Owen led cell of criminal activists — all while suspended at great height from a London skyscraper. Check out the vertiginous first trailer below:

Sporting a fresh trim...

As the endless debate over whether Die Hard classifies as a Christmas movie wages on, ever so tiresomely, director Jaume Collet-Serra declares his stance with Carry-On, a new Netflix holiday thriller that bears a lot in common with the sequel Die Hard 2. Taron Egerton channels John McClane as a Tsa Agent forced to go rogue when unexpectedly pulled into a terrorist plot at a crowded airport on Christmas Eve. While much simpler and more intimate in scale than Die Hard 2, Collet-Serra’s talents for taut suspense, tight plotting, and propulsive pacing ensure Carry-On delivers on big holiday thrills and energetic fun.

Egerton’s Ethan Kopek is a bit more law-abiding than his ’80s action-hero counterpart. Ethan is in good spirits when rushing to clock into his Christmas Eve shift at Lax, even as his newly pregnant girlfriend, Nora (Sofia Carson), points out his wasted potential in not pursuing...

When you purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s time to see brilliant classic movies, but if you are not in the mood to see Home Alone or Jingle All the Way for a millionth and want to see some adult movies. We at CinemaBlind have prepared a list of 11 best R-rated Christmas movies you can check out.

Violent Night (Starz & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Universal Pictures

Violent Night is a Christmas action comedy film directed by Tommy Wirkola from a screenplay co-written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller. The 2022 film follows Santa Claus as he comes across a wealthy family’s compound, where an elite team of mercenaries has kidnapped the family on Christmas Eve. Violent Night stars David Harbour, John Leguizamo, Alex Hassell, Alexis Louder, and Beverly D’Angelo.

Die Hard Credit – 20th Century Fox

Die Hard...

"If you touch him, I will end you." Daisy Ridley is the new John McClane? Quiver has revealed the official trailer for Cleaner, an action thriller for Martin Campbell. This has such an extremely dumb, propaganda-based concept pegging environmental activists as bad guys. It's obviously influenced by the UK's hate for the "Just Stop Oil" people, which I have always found strange, with a script that makes them look even worse. Ugh. Even the action doesn't look unique or exciting, which is a pity. In Cleaner, activists hijack an energy company's gala, taking 300 hostages. One extremist plans mass murder as a message to the world. An ex-soldier turned window cleaner now works to rescue the hostages. Starring Daisy Ridley, Taz Skylar, and Clive Owen. So this is pretty much just a redo of Die Hard, but instead of Hans Gruber they have these "rogue" activists vs a window cleaner? I...

Throughout Friends’ iconic run, the NBC series has not only earned popularity through its plotline and stellar cast featuring the six friends but also got hailed for their surprising and iconic cameo. From Brad Pitt to Julia Roberts, a number of A-listers appeared in the show through cameos.

Joey, Ross, and Chandler in Friends | image: NBC

But among all, the one that stood out as the best seemed to be from the legendary star Bruce Willis. Appearing as Ross’ girlfriend’s father and Rachel’s love interest, the actor stole hearts with his guest appearance. But despite his iconic cameo, Willis’ appearance made a plot hole so severe, that it made rewatching Friends difficult for fans.

Joey, Chandler, and Ross’ love for Die Hard in Friends

Rewatching Friends over and over again must be the best feeling in the world. But in doing so you might end up learning the...