Carry-On
★★★
If there’s been a cinematic theme to 2024, it’s the triumphant return of the ’90s throwback action thriller—and Carry-On wears that badge proudly. Joining the likes of The Fall Guy and Rebel Ridge, this Netflix original is gleefully ridiculous in all the right ways.
Picture this: a low-level TSA agent (played with bug-eyed urgency by Taron Egerton) is roped into smuggling a dangerous package through airport security on Christmas Eve. Why? Because Jason Bateman—yes, that Jason Bateman—has him in an invisible chokehold via earpiece, playing puppet master from somewhere in the shadows. It’s Phone Booth meets Die Hard 2 with a touch of Enemy of the State, only it knows exactly what it is: a popcorn-fueled thrill ride that never pretends to be anything deeper.
The movie zips from tense security lines to underground cat-and-mouse chases with a car fight (yes, car fight) tossed in for good measure. Egerton is giving full-on sweaty panic mode for nearly the entire runtime, and honestly, he deserves a nap. Meanwhile, Bateman is clearly having a blast playing against type as a slick, conscience-free villain. He’s smarmy, cold and charming in the worst way.
Sure, the gimmick wears a little thin by the third act, and the chaos piles on so fast that nothing sticks for long. But honestly? That’s part of the charm. This isn’t a movie you think about—it's one you ride out with a grin.
If you’re into claustrophobic thrillers with a dash of wit and don’t mind a few over-the-top moments, Carry-On is worth the trip. Just don’t overthink it—this flight’s running on adrenaline, not logic.