Netflix has dropped a new action thriller, Carry-On, which has already sparked comparisons to one of the most iconic action films of the 1990s: Die Hard 2. The film, directed by John Smith and starring Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman, has been praised for its intense, edge-of-your-seat narrative and sharp character development. But what exactly is it about Carry-On that reminds viewers of Die Hard 2, and does it live up to its predecessor’s legacy?
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between the two films, diving into what makes Carry-On unique, while highlighting the classic elements that draw direct parallels to Die Hard 2.
Setting: The Airport at Christmas
One of the most striking similarities between Carry-On and Die Hard 2 is their shared setting: a large airport during the Christmas season. Both films use the festive time of year to heighten the sense of isolation, tension, and chaos as dangerous events unfold in a normally peaceful, public space.
Die Hard 2 (1990): Set in Washington D.C. at Dulles International Airport, Die Hard 2 follows NYPD officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) as he faces off against terrorists who have hijacked a plane and taken control of the airport's communications system. Christmas plays a subtle backdrop to the tension, with McClane's personal turmoil adding an emotional layer to the already tense action.
Carry-On (2024): The setting in Carry-On is Los Angeles, and although it takes place at an airport during Christmas, there’s no snow to speak of. This slight divergence from the snowy, wintery aesthetic of Die Hard 2 keeps the atmosphere more grounded and less about the holiday spirit, making the airport feel more like just another setting for a high-stakes thriller.
Despite these differences, both films expertly utilize the airport setting as a microcosm of a larger, more dangerous world. The bustling terminals and endless hallways provide a maze-like backdrop for the action, while the holiday season acts as a contrast to the high-stakes drama that unfolds.
The Protagonists: Underachieving Heroes in Overwhelming Situations
At the heart of both films are protagonists who find themselves in situations beyond their control, forced to step up when the odds are overwhelmingly stacked against them.
John McClane in Die Hard 2: McClane is a wise-cracking, tough-as-nails NYPD officer who’s no stranger to taking on terrorists in difficult situations. However, in Die Hard 2, McClane is dealing with personal issues—his wife, Holly, is far from him, and his role as a hero feels more like a reluctant duty than a choice. He’s a man on the edge, constantly fighting the system as much as the terrorists themselves.
Ethan Kopek in Carry-On: Taron Egerton plays Ethan Kopek, a young TSA agent at the airport who is seemingly stuck in a dead-end job with little interest in changing his life. Ethan is a classic underdog: a guy who’s been drifting through life, and whose personal issues—including a tough relationship with his girlfriend, who is pregnant—seem to parallel his lack of ambition. Unlike McClane, who’s been through the wringer and learned from his past experiences, Kopek is a relatively inexperienced and emotionally charged character. This makes him much more vulnerable to the villain’s machinations.
While McClane is a battle-hardened cop, Kopek is a man in the early stages of self-realization—his arc is more about learning to step up and act decisively, whereas McClane’s story is about him navigating a world where he already knows how to fight back.
The Villains: Charismatic, Clever, and Calculating
A key element of both films is the presence of a cool, calm, and collected villain with an intricate plan. Both films feature antagonists who seem to be several steps ahead of the heroes, making every decision the protagonist makes feel like a mistake.
General William Stewart in Die Hard 2: Played by William Sadler, Stewart is a former military officer who has masterminded a plan to free his fellow terrorists by hijacking an airport's communications systems. He’s methodical and terrifyingly competent, often several steps ahead of McClane.
The Villain in Carry-On: In Carry-On, Jason Bateman (mysterious traveler) voices the villain, who remains nameless throughout the film. His character is a brilliant mastermind, orchestrating a series of moves that make Kopek's life more miserable by the minute. Bateman’s voice work gives the villain an almost smug confidence, adding a layer of cynicism as he taunts Kopek about his failures. Like Stewart, the villain in Carry-On seems to anticipate every move Kopek makes, which leads to a sense of unavoidable doom for our hero. However, Bateman's performance also leans into dark humor, creating a character that’s both chilling and strangely charismatic.
The Heroine: Strong, Competent, and in Danger
In both Die Hard 2 and Carry-On, the hero's partner is a competent woman who ends up in significant danger, heightening the stakes for the hero.
Holly McClane in Die Hard 2: Holly, portrayed by Bonnie Bedelia, is far from a damsel in distress. While she’s not physically involved in the action, her presence as McClane’s wife adds an emotional weight to the story. Her life is at risk, and McClane’s drive to save her pushes him to take risks he might not otherwise take.
Kopek’s Girlfriend in Carry-On: In Carry-On, Kopek’s girlfriend Nora Parisi (played by Sofia Carson) is pregnant, and her vulnerability heightens the emotional stakes for the protagonist. She’s not only an emotional anchor for him but also in direct danger as the villain’s plans unfold, making Kopek’s failure even more personal.
While both women are integral to their respective films, Carry-On adds a unique twist with the pregnancy subplot, emphasizing the character’s internal struggles and personal responsibility. The emotional weight of keeping his girlfriend safe while dealing with his own flaws gives Kopek additional depth, making the stakes feel more intimate.
The Villain’s Plan: Ingenious, But Flawed
In both films, the villains’ plans seem flawless until the final act, when everything begins to unravel.
Die Hard 2: Stewart’s plan is sophisticated, involving the hijacking of a plane and manipulating air traffic control systems. However, by the time the final showdown occurs, the villain's meticulous plan starts to falter, with Stewart improvising his next moves in the face of McClane’s resilience.
Carry-On: The villain’s plan in Carry-On is similarly complex and well-executed. For much of the film, the audience feels as though the hero is on a futile path to failure. But, like in Die Hard 2, the villain’s scheme starts to fall apart in the final act, with some inconsistencies in character behavior that undermine the overall brilliance of the plot. One henchman, in particular, is set up to be a near-invincible sniper, only to later be reduced to a bumbling fool in a parking garage. It’s a bit of a letdown, much like Die Hard 2, but it’s still enough to give Kopek a chance to turn the tide and save the day.
Conclusion: Is Carry-On Better Than Die Hard 2?
While it’s tempting to compare Carry-On to Die Hard 2, the two films stand on their own merits. Carry-On benefits from strong performances, particularly Jason Bateman’s voice work and Taron Egerton’s portrayal of an underachieving hero who is forced to step up. It offers a fresh take on the action-thriller genre with a sharp emotional core, and its pacing is relentless in the first half, keeping viewers hooked with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
However, like Die Hard 2, Carry-On falters in the final act, where the villains’ plans unravel in ways that feel less satisfying and more contrived. That said, the film still manages to deliver a gripping and entertaining story, making it a solid recommendation for thriller fans looking for something new on Netflix.
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