Carry On: A High-Flying Thriller That Takes Off, Then Stumbles?
Okay, let’s talk about Netflix’s Carry On. We’ve all been there, right? Stuck in an airport, battling delays, grumpy passengers, and the ever-present anxiety of missing a flight. Now imagine that airport anxiety dialed up to eleven, infused with a healthy dose of espionage, and topped with the charismatic performances of Jason Bateman and Taron Egerton. That’s the premise of Carry On, and while it promises a thrilling ride, the execution, well, it’s a bit of a bumpy landing.
This isn’t your typical action-packed, explosions-everywhere kind of thriller. Instead, Carry On leans into the claustrophobic tension of a confined space, using the airport setting as a character in itself. Think Die Hard in a terminal, but with less shouting and more simmering unease. And that’s where the film both succeeds and falls short.
The Allure of Airport Anxiety: A Unique Setting
One of the smartest things about Carry On is its choice of setting. Airports are inherently stressful places. We’re all vulnerable, juggling anxieties about missed connections, lost luggage, and the sheer chaos of navigating security. The film cleverly exploits this inherent tension, turning the sterile environment into a pressure cooker. The constant announcements, the bustling crowds, the hurried pace – it all contributes to a sense of unease that permeates the entire film.
Imagine this: you’re waiting for your flight, minding your own business, when suddenly, you notice something…off. Suspicious characters are lurking, whispered conversations fill the air, and the usual airport hum is punctuated by unsettling silences. That’s the feeling Carry On masterfully evokes, at least in its early stages. The film effectively uses the airport’s layout – the gates, the security checkpoints, the baggage claim – to create a sense of confinement and unpredictability. The characters are trapped, not just by the situation, but by the very architecture of the airport itself.
Jason Bateman and Taron Egerton: A Dynamic Duo?
The film’s success hinges heavily on the chemistry between its two leads. Jason Bateman, known for his dry wit and understated charm, plays Ethan, a seemingly ordinary man whose past catches up with him in the most inconvenient of places – an airport. Bateman is, as always, reliably excellent. He perfectly embodies the weary cynicism of a man caught in a situation far beyond his control, his expressions conveying volumes even when he’s barely speaking. His performance is a masterclass in subtle reactions and controlled intensity.
Taron Egerton, on the other hand, plays Rex, a somewhat more flamboyant character, a man with secrets of his own. Egerton brings a certain energy and charisma to the role, balancing the seriousness of the plot with moments of light-heartedness. Their contrasting personalities create a compelling dynamic, and their interactions form the backbone of the narrative. While their on-screen chemistry isn’t explosive, it’s certainly engaging enough to keep you invested in their journey.
However, the script sometimes lets the actors down. Their characters, while well-acted, lack the depth and complexity that could have elevated the film to a higher level. There are moments where the dialogue feels clunky, the motivations unclear, and the plot twists predictable. This is where the film’s inconsistencies begin to show.
Where Carry On Takes Flight (and Where It Crashes)
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Strengths:
- Unique Setting: The airport setting creates a unique and effective atmosphere of tension and claustrophobia.
- Strong Performances: Bateman and Egerton deliver compelling performances, even if the script doesn’t always do them justice.
- Intriguing Premise: The initial setup is promising, offering a blend of suspense and humor.
- Suspenceful Moments: There are several genuinely suspenseful scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat.
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Weaknesses:
- Predictable Plot: The plot unfolds in a somewhat predictable manner, lacking the surprising twists and turns that a thriller needs.
