Darryl Boyle

The title of this movie, Carry-on, is applicable to the terminology of flight luggage, as it is to the fact that it carries on the spirit of the original Die Hard movie. That is not to say that this film copies Die Hard, although it does use many of the same tropes. And that, for me, is a good thing. I think this film aquitted itself marvelously in taking familiar cinema themes and making them it's own, new thing. Unlike the bulk of movies that emulate, or attempt to mimic, the classic Die Hard film, and reach the bar that it set, the story here never goes too far over the top. A comic book level of absurdity, as in movies like any of the latter half of Fast & Furious films, has become the norm in action cinema currently. With each sequel, prequel, continuation, reboot or re-imagining, the absurd level of disbelief gets raised just a little higher. The action scenes wilder, crazier, more visually pleasing, but way harder to believe could actually happen. For me, that takes away from the overall movie, and the effect that it's creators might have intended an audience member to have. But, that's just my 2 cents on that particular issue. If you want a fun, fast but well-paced action thriller to watch as a Christmas companion piece to Die Hard, this is the movie. The acting was on point, the story moved along at the perfect pace, and the action scenes well choreographed (the fist fight in a car on the highway scene was insanely fun to watch). Special kudos to Jason Bateman as the bad guy. Absolute perfect casting.

Everything I could have hoped for. Fantastic!