Monday Movie Mania a Day Late - Carry-On

I normally only review movies released in theaters, but I'm making an exception for Carry-On. Why? Because this is one of the best action thrillers I've seen in years! Frankly, it's on par with Die Hard with the tight narrative, characterization, and pacing. And even better? I couldn't outguess the plot until the climax, which for me is a very big deal.


*****

SPOILERS!!


*****


PROS
1) The chemistry between Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman was excellent as their characters play cat-and-mouse through the entire movie.

2) Taron's American accent only slipped once that I recall, but he also did a convincing Midwest accent. Most British actors end up with a Southern accent when doing American accents.

3) Jason Bateman was absolutely chilling as the antagonist. He's better known for his comedy roles, but not using him more often as a psycho mercenary is a waste of his acting range.

4) The ladies in the movie weren't just damsels in distress! Detective Cole (Danielle Deadwyler) figures out the links between the double homicide that starts the movie and Ethan's (Egerton) attempted 911 call, not to mention she saves herself from one of Bateman's accomplices. Nora (Sofia Carson) aides Ethan in stopping Bateman, even though another accomplice tries to kill her.

5) It was nice to see a TSA agent portrayed in a positive light. The same people who bitch about the long lines at security checkpoints are the same ones who were out for blood after 9/11. The TSA folks are doing the jobs y'all wanted them to do at a low rate of pay. Be nice to them when you're travelling!


CONS
1) My only gripe about this movie is it used the "bury your gays" trope twice in the story. The first I could handle since the character's husband survives and helps Nora. The second one pissed me off.


Overall, Carry-On will be added to my cookie-making Christmas list along with Die Hard and Lethal Weapon. I give Carry-On 10 out of 10 stars!