Carry-On is the latest movie from director Jaume Collet-Serra, and it is eerily similar to his 2018 thriller, The Commuter, starring Liam Neeson. While fans of Collet-Serra may recognize the similarities, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as it marks a return to form for the director.
In Carry-On, Taron Egerton plays Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent who is forced to allow a suspicious bag onto a Christmas Eve flight by a mysterious villain, the Traveler, played by Jason Bateman. Ethan must then use his wits to outsmart the Traveler and his co-conspirators, all while protecting his loved ones.
The similarities between Carry-On and The Commuter are striking, with both films featuring a criminal organization, an unsuspecting everyman protagonist, and a setting related to travel. Such similarities are not a coincidence, as Collet-Serra has once again created a gripping crime thriller.
After directing Jungle Cruise and Black Adam, which were vastly different from his earlier work, Carry-On is a welcome return to form for the director. The film’s success is a testament to Collet-Serra’s ability to craft tense, suspenseful thrillers that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. With its smaller scale and crime thriller elements, Carry-On marks a more suitable fit for Collet-Serra’s talents.