7 Movies to Watch After Netflix’s Carry-On

As a seasoned movie buff with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I must admit that each of these thrilling tales shares an undeniable sense of tension and intrigue that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. While the settings may differ, they all revolve around the common theme of characters being pushed to their limits in high-stakes situations.

Action thrillers are increasingly surprising inclusions on Christmas movie lineups, alongside rom-coms, horror, and adult-rated films. The latest addition, “Carry-On,” which recently debuted on Netflix, offers a suspenseful plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The narrative revolves around Ethan Kopek (played by Taron Egerton), a young security agent working during Christmas Eve. As fate would have it, he becomes trapped in an impossible predicament when he’s ensnared in a large-scale terrorist plan. With his pregnant girlfriend’s life hanging in the balance, he’s coerced into allowing a bag containing a deadly bioweapon to pass through an X-ray machine and board a heavily populated flight.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but be drawn to “Carry-On,” a pulse-pounding thriller that doesn’t let up from the opening scene. Starring alongside Sofia Carson and Jason Bateman, this film puts our protagonist in a high-stakes situation where they must make split-second decisions.

Die Hard 2

In contrast to the original Die Hard (1988), it’s Die Hard 2 that shares a resemblance with the plot of Carry-On. In Die Hard 2, terrorists overpower Washington Dulles International Airport to rescue Ramon Esperanza (Franco Nero), a high-profile prisoner being extradited. They warn they will detonate numerous airplanes if their conditions aren’t fulfilled. The plot takes an interesting twist when John McClane (Bruce Willis) discovers that his wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) is aboard one of the threatened planes, prompting him to spring into action.

It’s quite evident that there are many parallels drawn with “Carry-On,” particularly given the airplane backdrop. In this Netflix film, a significant portion of the plot takes place at the airport, yet character Ethan finds himself in a situation where he must hastily get on a plane.

Die Hard 2 is available to stream on Disney+.

Retribution

2023’s “Retribution” hails as a reimagining of the 2015 Spanish film, “El Desconocido“. Stepping into the shoes of a film aficionado, I found myself gripped by this nerve-wracking tale. As Liam Neeson’s character, Matt Turner, I experienced the heart-pounding moments when an unidentified adversary plants a bomb in my car. The stakes soar as this enigmatic figure orders me through phone calls, compelling me to obey their instructions throughout the day, with the constant threat of my vehicle detonating looming over me. To add fuel to the fire, my family is present, amplifying the danger and risk levels exponentially in this edge-of-your-seat thriller.

The central theme of this film is pressure, as the main character’s actions are constantly scrutinized. In the movie “Carry-On”, the tension is equally intense – perhaps even more so – given that the story unfolds in a bustling airport. Ethan faces threats not only from external sources but also from his own supervisor, creating an additional level of stress.

Retribution is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Red Eye

In 2005, I found myself in the midst of an intriguing adventure when I watched the movie “Red Eye.” As I was traveling by air towards Texas following my grandmother’s passing, fate had me board the same plane as Jackson Rippner (played by Cillian Murphy). To my astonishment, he took the seat beside me. After we soared into the skies, Jackson unveiled his dark intentions: he intended to assassinate a prominent politician and enlisted my assistance in executing his plot. If I declined, he threatened to have my father killed with a mere phone call.

The films “Red Eye” and “Carry-On” exhibit remarkable parallels, notably in the predicament faced by their protagonists, who are compelled to act against their wishes to safeguard their dear ones. Nevertheless, the distinct approaches these characters take when confronting their adversaries at pivotal junctures make it worthwhile for fans of one movie to explore the other.

Red Eye is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

The Call

Engrossing in enigma throughout its entirety, “The Call” is a 2013 movie centering around Jordan (Halle Berry), a 911 dispatcher based in Los Angeles. A harrowing incident involving a frantic phone call from a young woman during a home invasion leaves a profound impact on Jordan, causing her to leave her job. The narrative unfolds when she resumes work and encounters a chilling phone call that eerily resembles the previous one, dealing with the same perpetrator once more.

In the film, Jordan finds herself frequently wrestling with her feelings, aiming to keep calm and act responsibly amidst a critical situation that could mean the difference between life and death. Likewise, Ethan, in the movie “Carry-On,” must stay focused as events become increasingly chaotic and his girlfriend’s wellbeing is at stake right before his eyes.

The Call is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Phone Booth

In the 2003 movie Phone Booth, character Stuart Shepard, portrayed by Colin Farrell, is a deceitful advertising professional who regularly uses a designated phone booth in New York City to hide his extramarital affair with Pamela McFadden (Katie Holmes) from his wife, Kelly (Radha Mitchell). One fateful day, when he dials Pamela’s number, the phone rings but it’s not her voice on the other end. Instead, an unidentified person answers the call and threatens Stuart, stating that if he disconnects or exits the booth, a sniper will take his life.

The narrative moves swiftly, propelled by deep, impactful conversations, and the interplay between the main character and his unseen adversary significantly contributes to creating suspense and momentum. This dynamic is also central in “Carry-On“, as the protagonist’s exchanges with his counterpart are essential for the story’s unfolding.

Phone Booth is available to stream on Disney+.

Speed

1994’s action-packed classic, “Speed,” revolves around the character of Howard Payne (played by Dennis Hopper), a deranged individual who places a bomb on a city bus that will explode if its speed falls below 50 miles per hour. Enter Officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves), who boards the bus and informs the passengers about the dire situation. However, events take an unexpected turn when Annie Porter (Sandra Bullock), one of the passengers, is forced to drive the bus after the driver gets accidentally shot by another passenger due to past apprehensions. From then on, two parallel scenarios unfold – the police racing against time to defuse the bomb and the bus desperately maintaining its speed to avoid the explosion.

In the thrill-based storyline of Speed, there’s a stark contrast to the tension-filled plot of Carry-On. Although they differ greatly, an intriguing commonality between these two movies lies in their shared use of a ticking time bomb situation that demands immediate resolution.

Speed is available to stream on Disney+.

Eagle Eye

2008’s film “Eagle Eye” features Jerry Shaw (played by Shia LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan). After receiving a chilling phone call from an anonymous woman who warns them of imminent danger to themselves and their loved ones, they find themselves unwillingly united. With no escape route in sight and every action being monitored by advanced technology, they soon become the focus of a nationwide manhunt as the country’s most elusive fugitives.

In the movie “Carry-On”, Ethan discovers himself in an airport under constant surveillance, with cameras tracking his every footstep. The plot is heavily influenced by a feeling of control, much like in “Eagle Eye”, where the protagonists are constantly observed and manipulated by unseen entities.

Eagle Eye is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

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2024-12-18 19:40