Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, movie lovers often find themselves embroiled in an age-old debate: is "Die Hard" a Christmas movie? This ongoing discussion, ignited by a harmless article from Slate 17 years ago, resurfaces annually, adding spice to the conversations around the beloved action film. Renowned for its unpretentious charm and craftsmanship, "Die Hard" stands as a hallmark of its genre, reminiscent of a master's work from an era long past.

Introducing "Carry-On"

Enter Netflix's latest offering, "Carry-On," directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. This film seems perfectly poised to join the ranks of holiday viewing alongside traditional favorites. The storyline, much like "Die Hard," is straightforward yet engaging. Taron Egerton stars as Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent navigating the chaos of a busy airport on Christmas Eve. His night takes a dramatic turn when he receives a mysterious call from a shadowy figure bent on slipping a menacing black suitcase past security. But the stakes rise as Ethan must protect his pregnant girlfriend (portrayed by Sofia Carson) from a lurking sniper.

Action and Backstory

While the film explores Ethan's backstory—his dreams of becoming a police officer dashed by a mundane TSA job—it never loses sight of the entertainment factor. The narrative focuses on action rather than deep existential musings, allowing Egerton to shine without needing to carry the emotional weight of the film.

Holiday-Themed Cinematics

In a nod to holiday-themed cinematics, "Carry-On" opens with a scene where the antagonist sets fire to a Christmas tree lot, firmly establishing its seasonal credentials. This clever touch ensures that the question of whether "Carry-On" qualifies as a Christmas movie is likely to stir buzz similar to that surrounding "Die Hard."

Director's Skills and Setting

Collet-Serra, known for his ability to create tension within limited settings, proves adept in using the bustling airport as an effective backdrop for suspense. While the large scale of an airport offers a wider canvas than "Die Hard's" confined spaces, the script—crafted by video game writer T.J. Fixman—skillfully maintains a sense of peril. The anonymous antagonist (voiced by Jason Bateman) watches Ethan's every move through security cameras, adding to the film's gripping tension.

Budget and Execution

Despite being made on a modest budget of $47 million, "Carry-On" manages to deliver a thrilling experience without relying on over-the-top set pieces or special effects. It offers a grounded narrative that showcases Collet-Serra's talent for turning constraints into visual storytelling assets. Though there may be a few hiccups in visual effects, the film remains refreshingly straightforward and engaging.

Anticipation for the Holiday Season

With its release under the Netflix banner, "Carry-On" is anticipated to become a staple for holiday binge-watching. Unlike many of Netflix's other productions that sometimes fall flat, this film demonstrates a return to thoughtful storytelling and genre-savvy filmmaking. As viewers dive into the holiday spirit, "Carry-On" could very well carve out its niche as a new Christmas favorite, offering a clever twist on familiar tropes while delivering the classic thrills fans crave.

Conclusion

One thing's for certain: let the debate about Christmas film classifications continue, but with gems like "Carry-On," Cinephiles have yet another reason to celebrate the season and the joys of action-packed, holiday-themed escapism!