Movie enthusiasts are increasingly opting to spend their Christmas holiday indulging in a diverse array of both classic and contemporary films that capture the spirit of the season. As many settle in for their twelfth viewing of beloved favorites like “Elf” and “The Holiday,” while dedicated Bruce Willis fans eagerly dust off their vintage VHS tapes of “Die Hard,” a different trend is emerging among Letterboxd users. They are flocking to Netflix to watch what has been hailed as the platform’s most compelling action film in years, which intriguingly also falls under the Christmas movie category.
The film, titled “Carry-On,” features the talented Taron Egerton in the lead role of Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent whose holiday plans take a chaotic turn when he becomes entangled in a web of blackmail. On Christmas Eve, he is coerced into allowing a perilous package to slip through security, setting off a chain of events that intertwines the festive atmosphere with suspense and action. As viewers immerse themselves in this thrilling narrative, they are reminded that the holiday season can be a backdrop for unexpected twists and turns, making “Carry-On” a unique addition to the holiday movie lineup.
Ethan strives to outwit the enigmatic terrorist and save everyone in the airport since he can’t stand by and watch helplessly.
“Carry-On,” which premiered on December 13, has quickly established itself as a significant success, soaring to the pinnacle of Netflix’s Top 10 rankings shortly after its release. The film has garnered an impressive 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a positive reception from both critics and audiences alike. As the holiday season approaches, “Carry-On” has also secured its position as the most popular film on Letterboxd, where viewers are captivated by Taron Egerton’s thrilling showdown against an evil Jason Bateman on Christmas Eve.
The response from Letterboxd users has been nothing short of entertaining, with many opting for humor over serious critique. The platform is abuzz with amusing reactions to this new action-packed flick. One user, Joeleex, humorously remarked, “Paul Blart wouldn’t have let it get that far,” drawing a playful comparison to the beloved Kevin James comedy “Paul Blart: Mall Cop.” Meanwhile, another user, matthacunda, took a moment to commend the TSA, referring to them as the unsung heroes of the narrative, and added, “They really kept things in check amidst the chaos.”
As audiences continue to flock to the film, it is clear that “Carry-On” is not only a holiday favorite but also a cultural phenomenon, sparking conversations and laughter across various platforms. The combination of action, humor, and holiday spirit has resonated deeply with viewers, ensuring its status as a must-watch this season.
“TS-motherf*ckin’-A. They handle sh*t. That’s what they do. Consider this situation f*ckin’ handled.”
The Big Question: Can We Call ‘Carry-On’ a Christmas Classic?
After 36 years, we finally have a fresh take on the classic debate: “Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?” Carry-On delivers all the thrilling elements you expect from a “lone, disgraced cop taking on a terrorist” narrative, but it takes place on Christmas Eve. At least Die Hard had the courtesy to unfold on Christmas Day.
The question of whether “Carry-On” qualifies as a holiday film has ignited a lively debate online. Some viewers contend that it is merely another action movie, while others argue that its festive backdrop gives it holiday status. Sofia Carson, who portrays Ethan’s partner, Nora, believes the answer should remain open to interpretation. “It’s whatever you want it to be for yourself,” she remarked. In contrast, her co-star, Danielle Deadwyler, who plays Police Detective Elena Cole, provided Carson with a clever strategy to navigate fan inquiries about the film’s classification in the future. Carson shared this insight: “
“She said, ‘This is a Christmaction movie.’ And that’s what I’m going to say from now on. But I do think Die Hard is such a beloved Christmas film for a huge population, and I think that Christmas films can have different genres.”