Die Hard (1988)

Release Date: July 15, 1988


What's It About: Police office John McClane is in a high rise building when it is overtaken by terrorists on Christmas Eve. Using his skills, he must right his way through them and save the hostages.


The Good: A staple action film and one of the all-time greats of the genre. The action is riveting and thrilling the special effects are spot on, and Bruce Willis even did his own stunts. This film paved the way for countless imitation and copycat films, some becoming successful and others not so much. The acting is good enough and the plot has a few interesting twists to keep the audiences guessing. There's also a younger Alan Rickman, in his most famous role that isn't Professor Severus Snape of Harry Potter fame.


The Bad: This film is very violent. Make no mistake that there is lots of blood and lots of bullets. You may dislike the film for its highly simplified and exaggerated plot - there is no way that many incompetent terrorists would be hired for any sort of terror work. There's also this side-story involving McClane and his strained relationship with his wife which I found distracting and somewhat unnecessary, although it does grow in importance as the film progresses. There's also that scene in the bathroom where he drags his feet over the broken glass. Gives me chills every time.


Best Performance: Bruce Willis as John McClaine. Prior to this role, Willis was known for his roles in comedy television, and his casting and success in Die Hard turned him into an action hero, which has stayed with him throughout his career. The John McClane type of hero has become an action staple, depicting a lone man against overwhelming odds, but who manages to overcome them after great effort. He is also known for his carcastic wit and catchphrases.


Should I Watch It: Greatest christmas movie. Ever. Yippee-ki-yay.


Post-Credits Scene: No


Similar Films: Speed (1994), Cliffhanger (1993), Air Force One (1997)


Trailer: