I Had A Great Time Watching Netflix’s Carry-On, But As A New Jersey Resident I Have A Quibble With The Movie

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During the recent holiday season, I managed to finally watch some 2024 movies that had slipped through my cinema radar. It’s always a bonus to have some leisure time, and in this case, it was also due to being confined at home due to illness. But on a positive note, being stuck indoors allowed me to catch up on my movie watching, including Netflix’s Carry-On. However, I must admit that if it weren’t for this unexpected combination of events, I wouldn’t have felt compelled to criticize Jaume Collet-Serra’s latest suspense thriller from a distinctly New Jersey perspective.

It’s clear that Ethan Kopek (played by Taron Edgerton) followed his girlfriend Nora (Sofia Carson) to LAX, as suggested by his conversations with The Traveler (Jason Bateman). However, considering he hails from a town where his father worked at the Freehold Raceway Mall and was a well-known track star in New Brunswick, it seems more plausible that he “escaped” towards the north instead of the west, as he had opportunities to resolve or avoid his problems there.

Indeed, I firmly believe that the screenwriters of “Carry-On” missed a golden opportunity by not establishing Ethan’s TSA career at Newark Liberty International Airport. With T.J. Fixman peppering in numerous nods to the Garden State, it seemed somewhat incongruous for Mr. Kopek to repeat the same acts of betrayal as the Brooklyn Dodgers and Frank Sinatra.

As a seasoned film enthusiast with over three decades of watching and analyzing movies under my belt, I can confidently say that I haven’t seen any signs or whispers of a “Carry-On 2” in the works. While it would be exciting to see more action-packed sequels, my personal experience suggests that this might just be a one-off quest for the original filmmakers. Nonetheless, if there is indeed a hidden plan to revive this classic comedy franchise, I’d wholeheartedly welcome the idea and eagerly await its release. However, until then, I stand by my initial impression that we may not see another Carry-On movie anytime soon.

I understand that LAX’s vast array of terminals allows for greater freedom in filming movements, but from my perspective, it might have been more fitting for “Carry-On” to utilize Newark Liberty International Airport’s three-terminal structure instead. Given the claustrophobic nature of the story, this layout could have added an extra layer of intensity and confinement. Additionally, keeping the narrative close to a bustling metropolitan area like New York City would have allowed for the ambitious character of Nora to continue working in close proximity to a major urban setting.

To put it another way, while my criticisms might not be as meticulous as a movie like Carry-On being analyzed by two former flight attendants, the fact remains that New Jersey is quite expansive – so vast that one could escape issues in Central Jersey by relocating to North Jersey’s distinctly different landscapes. Many people from Jersey would argue that moving towards Newark is essentially a form of self-imposed exile; IKEA might be there, but it doesn’t change that fact.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve got to say, Carry-On doesn’t even come close to dampening my excitement for this action flick. This film has proven quite adaptable when it comes to the diverse opinions and feedback it’s received. Our very own Riley Utley saw the Netflix thriller as a mirror image of an entire action scene from Toy Story 2. And for those who might suggest that LAX could have been a more convenient filming location, let me clarify that this mid-budget adventure was actually shot in New Orleans.

Despite a small disagreement I might have with my state, I wholeheartedly suggest you check out the series “Carry-On”. Since we’re yet to see the 2025 film releases in full swing, it’s a perfect opportunity for us to catch up on last year’s offerings. If you’re game for this little adventure, grab your device and log into Netflix, and let’s get ready for an entertaining journey.

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2025-01-03 00:37