Carry-On

Carry-On follows Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent played by Taron Egerton, who is blackmailed by a mysterious figure, portrayed by Jason Bateman, into allowing a dangerous package through security. As Ethan navigates this high-stakes situation, he must balance his duty to protect the public with the threat to his loved ones.

Carry-On Review

For audiences who can put their brains on autopilot and forgive the embarrassingly poorly thought-out script, Justin Bateman and Taron Egerton may be enough to keep Carry-On from crashing and burning.

Playing against type, Bateman’s cold and calculating killer reminds those who haven’t watched Ozark that the veteran funnyman has a lot more to offer than dry double takes and disapproving looks. Egerton, too, continues to impress as a versatile actor who can jump from cockney bad@$$ or driven family man and entrepreneur to an Everyday Joe with ease.

These two are the glue that holds this silly yet well-paced movie together, as it’s the type of film in which Bateman’s character has meticulously planned a caper with contingency plans and knowledge of the inner workings of the TSA and its personnel that borders on the supernatural yet is foiled when

As long as you’re cool with movies where no one behaves the way humans do, this little made-for-TV thriller might be worth having some drinks and a watch.

P.S. There is an incredibly well-filmed fight scene that takes place in a car. The movie may be worth watching just for that scene alone.

Carry-On Drinking Game

Take a Sip

• Every time a system, rule, or person behaves in a way that just wouldn’t happen in real life.

Take Two Sips

• Every time Taron Egerton’s character tries to tip someone off secretly but is caught, yet the villain decides to give him another chance.

Take a Big Gulp

• When you think, “Wow, this plan is way more complex than it needs to be.”
• When you think, “Wow, this plan is way dumber than it seems to be.”

Finish Your Drink

• When someone finally opens the carry-on bag.
• If a twist makes you question the whole premise of the film.

Red Ribbon!

• Everyone must yell “Red Ribbon” when a red ribbon is on screen. The last one to do so has to finish his drink.

WOKE ELEMENTS

What’s Not Woke (start with the good)

• An unplanned pregnancy is treated and even referred to as a blessing.
• Taron Egerton’s character immediately goes into Dad Mode. He understands that he now must be responsible and makes the necessary changes.

White Wedding

• There’s no narrative reason for the main couple not already to be married.

DEI

• The main cop, an LAPD homicide detective, just so happens to be a black woman. It’s not impossible, but let’s keep in mind that black women make up about 1 percent of all U.S. homicide detectives. She’s barely in the movie, but everyone knows that it would have made way more sense to have a man (of any color) in the role.
  • What’s funny is that the film unintentionally makes a case against women cops. Sure, she might be smart, but 5′ 9″ Taron Egerton takes her out like she’s a paper doll in the wind, and it’s the most believable thing that happens in the movie.

Cocktail Party Virtue Signalling

• For absolutely no reason, one of Jason Bateman’s character’s victims is gay. It’s completely irrelevant and unneeded, but it’s also barely mentioned and hardly a part of the film. It’s just enough for the filmmakers to feel good about sitting around and smelling their own farts.