Jason Bateman’s Latest Netflix Hit 'Carry-On' Unsuitable for a “family” Watch Despite Its Appeal, Explains Movie Critic

Published 12/26/2024, 12:14 AM CST

Jason Bateman's latest Netflix outing, Carry-On, a triumphant return to the platform after his critically acclaimed stint in Ozark, is everything that fans wanted- a gripping storyline and Bateman's signature wit. However, despite its PG-13 rating, which suggests a relatively innocent watch, a movie critic has sounded the alarm, warning that the film's content is not as family-friendly as its rating would suggest, making it a surprising departure from Bateman's previous work.

Unlike his award-winning Ozark, Netflix's latest Jason Bateman special is not something you can binge-watch with family, especially if faint-hearted.

Why will Carry-On be better watched alone ?

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Contributing to Forbes, Paul Tassi claimed that Jason Bateman's Carry-On shines in gray waters, noting that regardless of its PG-13 rating he "wouldn’t call it a “family” movie as it does get pretty violent." He further suggested that the film's content may not be suitable for all ages, despite its rating as it does not restrict itself to the limitation, or at least so he felt. 

The senior contributor to the publication went on to praise the film, calling it the "best Netflix original since Red Notice", complementing Bateman's work on a high note. The film's balance of tone and content keeps viewers engaged, making it a gripping thriller. Bateman's performance and the movie's overall quality make it a must-watch, even for those who might doze off early, like Tassi, due to their busy parenting schedule, he added.

Did You Know Laura Linney Did Not Dare Direct ‘Ozark,’ Fearing It Would Jeopardize Her Dynamic With On-Screen Husband Jason Bateman?

Speaking of catering to the viewers, the movie's writer recently opened up about how they managed to have such a tense watch tap into the holiday season feels.

Carry-On's writer weighs in on the making of the Jason Bateman starrer thriller

In an interview with the New York Times, the writer T.J. Fixman, explained that setting the thriller during the holiday travel season was a deliberate choice. Airports are often a source of frustration, where people are at their worst. This tense backdrop helped them create a thrilling narrative. The film's airport setting serves as a perfect holiday watch, capturing the chaos and stress of traveling.

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The holiday season is already stressful, and traveling makes it worse. As the writer noted, "The airport is the place you suffer through to get to the place you want to be." This relatable setting worked as a charm to time its release with the year-end holidays. The writer also talked of the actor's titular role, way off from his usual acting gig, claiming how it was "inspired casting".

Jason Bateman Gets Candid Admitting How His On-Screen Partner Laura Linney is a Top Choice for “second wife”

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What are your thoughts on the critic's heads up for curating the perfect audience for Jason Bateman's Carry-on? Let us know in the comments below.

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Shraddha Suman

2131 articles

Shraddha Das is a Content Lead and the Sub Group Head at Netflix Junkie. Captivated by the power of storytelling and the written word at a young age, which led her to pursue a career in journalism at the Esteemed KIIT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, in Orissa. She has over 1500 articles to her name.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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