Carry-On Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

TSA agent gets blackmailed on Christmas Eve to let a bomb through, then spends the rest of the movie running around an oddly empty LAX trying to stop it, because apparently nobody else thought to call the cops.

🍿 Carry-On: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Christmas Eve Threat

Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent at LAX, finds himself caught in a deadly game on Christmas Eve. A mysterious traveler blackmails Ethan, forcing him to allow a dangerous package onto a flight by threatening his pregnant girlfriend, Nora. Ethan is relatively unambitious, but dedicated to Nora.

Following Orders Under Duress

The traveler reveals the package contains Novichok, a deadly nerve agent. Ethan is forced to comply with the Traveler’s demands under constant surveillance from an accomplice known as The Watcher. Ethan tries to warn his colleagues, but his attempts are thwarted and even lead to a colleague’s death. The Traveler’s manipulation forces Ethan to frame a friend to ensure the package gets through.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

LAPD Detective Elena Cole investigates a double homicide linked to the smuggled Novichok and connects it to Ethan’s actions. Ethan, caught between the Traveler’s threats and Cole’s investigation, must find a way to stop the deadly package from reaching its destination. He eventually confronts the Traveler, but the Traveler arms the bomb which can kill thousands of people in the airport if it goes off.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton): A young TSA agent blackmailed into letting a dangerous package through security, forcing him to confront his past and step up to save lives.
• Traveler (Jason Bateman): A ruthless mercenary who blackmails Ethan to smuggle a deadly nerve agent onto a Christmas Eve flight.
• Nora Parisi (Sofia Carson): Ethan’s pregnant girlfriend and an airline manager who becomes a target in the Traveler’s deadly scheme.
• Elena Cole (Danielle Deadwyler): A determined LAPD detective investigating a double homicide, uncovering a larger plot involving the smuggled nerve agent.
• Watcher (Theo Rossi): The Traveler’s accomplice who monitors Ethan and thwarts his attempts to alert authorities.
• Phil Sarkowski (Dean Norris): Ethan’s supervisor at the TSA who becomes entangled in the deadly plot.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Traveler: “All you have to do… is nothing.” – The Traveler tells Ethan his initial instructions, setting up the central conflict of the film: comply or face dire consequences.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $47,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Carry-On Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this expecting a fun, popcorn-munching action flick, and that’s pretty much what I got. I really enjoyed Jason Bateman’s role as the villain, and Taron Egerton held his own as the lead. The scenes at the airport were intense. There were some far-fetched moments, but I suspended my disbelief and had a good time. There are a few scenes that are well done and the supporting cast does great. My favorite part was the car chase towards the end because it was exciting. I like how the director used LAX and the inner baggage workings of the airport were great too! Overall, this had a fun throwback action movie with solid performances!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action thrillers”
  • “Viewers looking for an easy-to-watch movie”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with a contained setting”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Terrorism threats”
  • “Brief language”
  • “Some disturbing images”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “A tense action-thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story is engaging, and the actors deliver strong performances. While it may not be perfect, it’s a fun ride that delivers exactly what you’d want – entertainment. It’s a good movie overall with strong acting, solid tension, and good effects.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “A passable action flick that could have been so much more. Taron Egerton does what he can, but is it enough to compensate for implausible plot points and tired tropes? This script is ridiculous. If you are looking for an action movie without overemphasis on realism, this is your movie. The performances are fine, but the movie becomes frustrating as it goes on because of the plot holes.
• Metacritic: “While well-paced and engaging, it falls short of being memorable. A formulaic thriller with predictable beats, but the cast gives it their all. Carry-On will serve you well on a lazy afternoon, when you don’t want to think too hard – because thinking is the enemy here. Worth a watch if you like action but has many mistakes and plot holes

Audience Reactions

Taron Egerton shines in this movie and is awesome. Jason Bateman is also a great main villan!: Viewers appreciate Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman and find the movie entertaining if you don’t focus on plot holes.

An okay action thriller that will keep you engaged the whole film.: Many enjoyed it as a Christmas season movie.

Overall Consensus: A serviceable but flawed action thriller that’s best enjoyed with lowered expectations. Viewers enjoyed this to pass an hour or two.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Carry-On was the first project announced as part of a multi-film deal between Netflix and Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners.”
• “T.J. Fixman, known for his work on the Ratchet & Clank series, made his screenwriting debut with Carry-On.”
• “The movie was filmed primarily in New Orleans, Louisiana, which was used to represent Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).”

🖥️ How to Watch Carry-On?

Carry-On is a Netflix original movie, so it is exclusively available for streaming on Netflix. As a Netflix original, it will not be available for purchase on physical media or for rental on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Carry-On, you might like these similar films:

• Die Hard 2 (1990): Both films feature a protagonist battling terrorists in an airport during Christmas, working against the clock to prevent disaster.
• Non-Stop (2014): Similar to Carry-On, Non-Stop revolves around preventing a catastrophe on a plane while following instructions from an anonymous source.
• Speed (1994): Share the element of high-stakes tension where innocent people’s lives are at risk, with a pressure-cooker atmosphere of uncertainty.
• Phone Booth (2002): The protagonist being manipulated by a hidden antagonist via a phone call is a shared theme.

🛒 Carry-On Related Products

• Die Hard: 30th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray): Celebrate the action classic that inspired a generation of thrillers, including Carry-On. This limited edition Blu-ray features exclusive content and a collectible SteelBook packaging.
• Airport Security Simulator – PC Game: Experience the challenges of airport security in this realistic simulator. Scan baggage, manage passenger flow, and prevent threats from slipping through. Offers a unique perspective on the world depicted in Carry-On.
• Jason Bateman signed Ozark Poster: Autographed poster of Jason Bateman from Ozark, limited edition.
• TSA-Themed Novelty T-Shirt: Show your appreciation for the unsung heroes of airport security with this fun and quirky tee. Available in various sizes and colors.

🎧 Soundtrack

Carry-On features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” – performed by Bruce Springsteen

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Carry-On Pitch Meeting

Want to laugh about the absurdity of Carry-On? Check out this Pitch Meeting sketch that points out all the hilarious plot holes and familiar tropes. It’s like a fun commentary you won’t want to miss.

Things That Triggered Aviation Enthusiasts in the Carry-On Movie

Attention aviation enthusiasts! This video breaks down all the things that triggered you in the Carry-On movie. It’s a fun and informative watch that points out the unrealistic aviation aspects. Prepare for some amusement and a few eye-rolls.

✨ Rate