A recently released Christmas thriller on Netflix has captivated audiences, sparking comparisons to the legendary action classic Die Hard and receiving widespread acclaim as a standout holiday film of the year. This intense movie masterfully intertwines thrilling suspense, heart-pounding action, and the festive spirit, igniting conversations about its status among beloved seasonal classics.
The gripping thriller, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, renowned for his work on The Shallows, features a riveting performance by Taron Egerton alongside Jason Bateman in a tension-filled narrative set on Christmas Eve. Egerton portrays a TSA agent who becomes entangled in a high-stakes situation, coerced into smuggling dangerous cargo onto a flight under the looming threat of blackmail. Bateman plays a pivotal role as the mysterious mastermind manipulating events behind the scenes. Additional depth is brought to the ensemble by Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, and Logan Marshall-Green, who each deliver memorable supporting performances.
Titled Carry-On, this holiday thriller has made waves since its release, drawing instant comparisons to iconic action films and earning praise as one of the year’s most impressive Christmas movies. The film, skillfully penned by TJ Fixman, was initially set to mark Netflix’s collaboration with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment. However, the project faced significant delays due to extensive script revisions aimed at perfecting the storyline. This extra time seems to have paid off immensely, as the final product has received glowing reviews from both critics and viewers.
Critics have been vocal about the film’s quality. William Bibbiani of The Wrap described parts of the movie as being “as thrilling as any action film released this year,” while Pramit Chatterjee of Digital Media Talkies went so far as to call it “the best Christmas movie of the year.” Nick Schager of The Daily Beast commended the movie’s fast-paced narrative, describing it as a “Yuletide streaming gift.”
Director Jaume Collet-Serra has not shied away from acknowledging Die Hard as a major influence on the project. In a recent interview with the BBC, he remarked, “Everyone dreams of making the next Die Hard, but the truth is, you can’t replicate perfection—it’s a flawless film.” He further explained that while Carry-On draws inspiration from the 1988 classic, it strives to offer a modern and grounded interpretation suitable for today’s audiences.
The similarities to Die Hard extend beyond the action sequences and Christmas setting. Much like Bruce Willis’s iconic portrayal of John McClane, Egerton’s character embodies the reluctant hero—an ordinary man thrust into an extraordinary situation, balancing professional duty with personal peril. However, Collet-Serra clarified that while the homage is evident, the film ultimately holds its own identity. “It was our guiding light throughout the creative process,” he noted.
The discussion of what truly makes a Christmas movie has long been debated, particularly surrounding Die Hard. John McTiernan, the director of the original Willis blockbuster, even weighed in on the topic during a 2020 video for the American Film Institute. He revealed that while Die Hard wasn’t originally crafted as a Christmas film, its themes of joy, redemption, and festive spirit cemented its place in holiday cinema history.
The new Netflix film seems to capture a similar festive energy while delivering gripping action sequences. Critics have praised Carry-On for blending the magic of Christmas with suspenseful storytelling. James Dyer of Empire described the film as “Die Hard karaoke,” yet still commended its execution, even suggesting it outshines some later installments of the McClane series. Meanwhile, Peter Debruge of Variety highlighted the seasonal backdrop, encouraging viewers to appreciate the work of TSA agents while enjoying this adrenaline-fueled cinematic experience from the comfort of home.
Carry-On has solidified itself as a must-watch holiday thriller thanks to its timely release and critical acclaim. Whether it sparks further debate about what defines a Christmas movie or simply offers heart-pounding entertainment for the festive season, it’s undeniable that Netflix has delivered a standout hit. Featuring a talented ensemble cast, a gripping storyline, and a respectful nod to one of the greatest action films of all time, Carry-On has secured its position as a holiday favorite to remember.
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