Netflix’sCarry-Onhas been shockingly divisive in the days following its premiere, as most critics seemingly enjoyed the movie, while audiences have (ironically) been more critical of it. The action thriller, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and written by T.J. Fixman,follows Taron Egerton’s Ethan Kopek, a TSA officer working on Christmas Eve at LAX.When he pushes for a promotion (aka supervising a baggage-scanning lane), Ethan is unwillingly thrust into a terrorist plot. Jason Bateman playsthe villain inCarry-On, who blackmails Ethan into letting a mysterious bag go through the scanner without raising any red flags.
After the release ofCarry-On, rumblings about a potential sequel began spreading, and Taron Edgerton toldTODAYthat he would be on board for a second movie, as long as it has a “really innovative, creative idea.”
AsCarry-Oncontinues, Ethan unravels more details about Bateman’s character’s plans and attempts to be the hero. Based on its premise (one man in charge of stopping a terrorist threat on Christmas Eve), many havecomparedCarry-OntoDie Hard, which is regarded as one ofthe best action movies of all time. Nevertheless,the 2024 Netflix film has caused much more debate concerning its qualitythanDie Hardever did
What Critics Like About Carry-On
Netflix’s Action Thriller Has An 85% Score On Rotten Tomatoes
Carry-Onis considered “Fresh” onRotten Tomatoes. The Netflix action thriller’s Tomatometer score (which is based on critics) is 85 percent, averaged from 52 reviews, as of the writing of this article. Its critics' consensus reads:
“Taron Egerton and an against-type Jason Bateman make for great adversaries inCarry-On, a throwback thriller that clears all checkpoints of plot logic with its confident execution.”
Specific reviews praise the 2024movieCarry-Onfor its well-executed fight scene in a car, focus on humanity and ethics, self-awareness, engrossing suspense and action, and satisfying ending. David Ehrlich ofindieWirewrote, “Carry-Ondoesn’t aspire to be too much more than good, trashy, yuletide fun, but it consistently over-delivers on that front.” Meanwhile, critics like John Anderson from theWall Street Journalcommended Edgerton and Bateman for their performances.Anderson explained, “… with Taron Egerton as its hero and Jason Bateman as its villain, it is a perfectly serviceable two hours of action and angst.”
Curtiss Cook
Lionel Williams
Based onCarry-On’s reviews, critics seemingly appreciated that the movie knew exactly what it was (a dumb but fun action flick) and executed it to the best of its ability. It’s not supposed to be an Academy Award-winning film, and that’s okay. Instead,Carry-Onis just an entertaining movie from beginning to end,meant to be thrilling and full of suspenseful moments that please viewers.
Why Carry-On Only Has 59% With Audiences On Rotten Tomatoes
Many Are Upset About The Movie’s Plot Holes
Netflix’sCarry-Onshot to the top of the streaming service’s chartsafter its release. However, just because it’s popular doesn’t mean that the majority of viewers love the movie. Instead,Carry-On’s Popcornmeter (based on audiences' reviews) onRotten Tomatoessits at 59 percent,falling just short of being considered “Fresh.“The general public evidently didn’t enjoy the action thriller as much as critics did.
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Based on the comments on the review-aggregated website,many viewers gaveCarry-Ona bad score because of its plot holes and unrealistic story.The film lacked logic for some, which frustrated them, ruining the watching experience. Others condemnedCarry-Onfor the cast’s performances, writing, directing, and more. Most of the negative entries revolve around its implausibility, though. Of course, many still foundCarry-Onentertaining and had thoughts similar to critics' concerning the action thriller flick.
Critics & Audiences Are Both Right About Carry-On
Carry-On Is Entertaining Regardless Of Its Negatives
Viewers are right when they state thatCarry-Onhas various plot holes and is implausible. However, that doesn’t inherently make it a bad movie. As many critics pointed out, the 2024 Netflix (Christmas) action thriller is self-aware.Carry-Onknows that not everything about the story makes sense, which explains whythe movie often highlights its characters and their unimaginable choices instead of all the technicalities that push the plot forward.Ultimately, the positives outweigh the negatives bythe end ofCarry-On, a silly film meant to be entertaining rather than having a script that is 100 percent accurate.
Carry-On
Cast
Carry On is a film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, focusing on a young TSA agent who is coerced by a mysterious traveler into allowing a dangerous package onto a Christmas Eve flight. As events unfold, he must use his wits to resolve the perilous situation.
