Do you ever get the feeling that someone, somewhere, has forgotten that movies are supposed to be fun? That they are entertainment? That the experience of going out with a group of friends, mortgaging the house for a hot dog and a box of Milk Duds, and parking yourself in a dark room for two or three hours can actually be exhilarating?
I think the cast and crew of Live Free or Die Hard, or Die Hard 4 for those keeping track, believed that people had indeed forgotten and so they made it their mission to return Hollywood film making to the fun category. Mission impossible? Not hardly, this film pumps fun into the action film genre and does so with a vengeance.
For this then twenty year old kid, 1988’s Die Hard set the bar for action films. More accurately, it kicked the door in, grabbed the bar, and wrapped it around someone’s neck. John McClane, personified as no one could by Bruce Willis, defined the everyman action hero. For the past two decades few have come close to this characters’ iconic action hero status. Once again, Bruce is back, proving that age does nothing to diminish the joy at seeing an everyday schumck with a heart of gold and wicked sense of humor both give and take a beating in the name of heroism.
When I first saw the trailer for Live Free or Die Hard I knew that I wanted to see it. I also knew that when I entered the theatre I would have to leave plausibility at the door. The beauty of these films, and this one is no different, is that most of it really doesn’t seem that implausible. All four Die Hard films have so skillfully balanced the action, drama, and humor that you leave believing that all this could be possible. That maybe, just maybe, John McClane could be there to deliver in a pinch if you really needed him. Oh, and for the record, in case you hadn’t figured it out yet, I loved this film. Bruce Willis never ceases to amaze me. He is so enjoyable to watch.
Mark Bomback and David Marconi have crafted a story that could arguably be the best of the Die Hard films to date. At the very least it holds its own with its predecessors. Len Wiseman proves that he has the directing chops to create a thing of beauty that does not involve his wife (Kate Beckinsale). Wiseman and Simon Duggan (cinematography) go old school by crafting a film that depends largely on stunt work and wholesale destruction of property rather than CGI, and the results speak for themselves. If I had forgotten how truly fun a Die Hard theatre experience can be, it did not take long for me to remember. From start to finish this movie was an adrenaline fueled rush.
The action sequences were masterful, so too were the humorous moments in the film. Casting Justin Long (he of Mac vs. PC fame) in a film about computer terrorism was a stroke of brilliance. He generates instant credibility as a hacker nerd. Long also has a proven track record in comedic roles and both he and Willis played off each other beautifully. I was initially worried that the Long role would be one that would essentially involve John McClane dragging around a dead weight throughout the film. Nothing could be further from the truth. This pairing actually had the buddy feel of Die Hard with a Vengeance without pushing Justin Long’s character past the point of believability.
Kevin Smith’s brief performance was just so fun. In fact, for those of us who are computer/comic/sci fi/fantasy geeks, both Smith and Long’s roles were familiar and funny without being mean-spirited or condescending. I have no idea if Smith had any hand in the writing of his role, but it was wonderfully scripted nonetheless.
Rounding out the major characters were enjoyable performances by Timothy Olyphant and Maggie Q. as sadistically attractive villains, a genuinely nice performance by Cliff Curtis as FBI agent Bowman, and a much more fleshed out role for recent Death Proof cheerleader, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. In fact, she made the character of Lucy McClane believable as the progeny of John McClane. I don’t recall at any point in the film feeling like a character was miscast or out of place. From the ‘stars’ right down to the extras, they really did a nice job of keeping you immersed in the spirit of the film.
Live Free or Die Hard blows away the competition in terms of summer blockbusters up to this point and when the dust settles I believe it will remain one of the most enjoyable films I will see this summer. This is one you need to see in the theatre, kids. This one is all about having fun. “Yippie-kay-yay….”
Glad you enjoyed it. It is released here on Wed., and as I get the 4th of July off I’m planning to go see this to celebrate your national holiday 🙂
Glad you’re celebrating with us Fence! 🙂 If you liked the others, you will enjoy this. We are going to be checking out Transformers on Independence Day!
I just loved this movie too!! I can’t believe it’s been almost 20 years since the first!
That one will always hold a special place in my heart because I LOVE Alan Rickman!
And Justin Long was fantastic!! He was perfect for the role!
I think we are going to see Transformers Tuesday night! Looks like a fun one!
haha, yippee-kay-yay…!
“die hard” came out when i was still 12. it premiered on sunday night, as all premieres did back then, but it was on too late for me to watch. it was one of the few films that i was desperately upset i couldn’t stay up for and so i can vividly remember listening to the film from my bedroom and imagining what it looked like.
i actually skipped school the tuesday following, so that i could watch it. i still remember it was a rainy day and i was just so happy that i’d worked out this little plan to watch it.
i loved it of course! its still one of my favourite films to this day.
it (along with other similar films i started watching) also started me swearing rather profusely…!
i’m glad this one is as good as the others…! i was going to watch it regardless of reviews, but i’m glad you enjoyed it and it has whetted my anticipation for it even more…
thanks for the review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Yes, some of the stunts strained credibility, but there were so well done you can’t help but give them a pass. McClane has matured, but still throws in the wisecracks you expect. And something I rarely get the opportunity to say about movies that are heavily hyped: I was not disappointed. This movie reminded me how much I enjoy a good old-fashioned action picture.
Ahhh Stepanie, Stephanie, Stephanie… You can’t have Alan Rickman! He’s Mine! LOL LOL… have you ever seen him in Sense and Sensibility? ohh man.. “woof”! lol lol
Glad you have a good review for this movie Carl.. I’ve loved all the Die Hard Movies, no matter how “far fetched”.. he does such a good job at making you want his character to be real!
I’m so glad that this one was good…not that I doubted it..And Kevin Smith?! In Die Hard?! Really?! That’s awesome! Now I’ve gotta see it. Great review as always Carl!
Loved it, too.! I thought it was just as fun as all the others. Justin Long was perfectly cast in the computer geek role ( just wish they could have had a cameo though of the PC guy too that would have been a riot ), Kevin Smith was hiliarious as always and Mary Elizabeth Winstead was dead on believeable as Bruce Willis’s daughter. As for the man himself, Bruce Willis, he still makes me buy into him as an action hero even though he’s getting older. I only hope Harrison Ford can pull that off one more time in Indy 4 next summer.
Your reviews of movies are always excellent! And, again, I completely agree with you. This movie was all about pure entertainment and enjoyment. I thought Justin Long was excellent, just excellent, in his role. As you said, though, all around the casting was well done.
Jeff:.. you doubt Harrison can’t? tsk tsk, ye have little faith!
I’m so glad you saw this movie and reviewed it. I had already decided not to see it, thinking it would be just another sequal that would strech my imagination further than it could go. I love action movies. So this looks like another one to take my grandson to. Thanks, great review.
Ah…if I could only find the time I would go see this one (despite my reputation for absolutely loathing movie theaters) as I adore the character. Maybe once it hits pay-per-view I’ll be able to sneak in a viewing. I love a good action adventure film!
deslily – 🙂 I know I shouldn’t feel that way and I love the Indy films and I shouldn’t worry because Speilberg is directing. I’m sure it will be great but there’s just this small doubt in my mind because it seems like it’s been a long time since Harrison came out in film that I enjoyed. The last few he’s been have been dud’s, but enough of my bad Indy mojo. Alright, I’m back think’in positive!
I’m so glad that you reviewed this movie and that you liked it. Like you, when I first saw the trailer, I thought that I would like this movie. Now I know I have to see it.
I love a good action movie and am really looking forward to seeing this new Die Hard movie. I admit that I liked the first one better than the ones that followed, but they were all good. I’m glad to hear this latest Die Hard movie is worth watching. Thanks for the review, Carl.
I really enjoyed the film and would definitely recommend it to anyone who liked the other Die Hard films. We rented the first and third Die Hard movies* a couple of weeks ago just to get ourselves ready for this one. It was a blast (pun intended).
*two was okay, but I felt no need to see it again.
I was so happy to read your review! I get really nervous when a series goes on too long…worried that it just has to fizzle at some point. We’re not actually huge action fans, but we LOVE the Die Hard movies! (In fact, we watch Die Hard each Christmas season as part of our “celebration”.) Anyway, I’m so glad to hear this new one does not disappoint!
My first thoughts after this one was over were, “Please sir, can I have another…”
I went and saw it with my sister on Saturday. I don’t think I’ve jumped (from suspense) and laughed so much all in one movie. Excellent flick.
I really want to see this one with James. We’ve always loved watching the Die Hard movies together. Great memories! They are sooooo fun. Now we need to figure out how to make it happen. . . SOON!
Even though I don’t plan on seeing this one in theaters (Harry Potter is already my one movie for July), I loved the long trailer with the action scene in which Bruce ends up “flinging” a car at the bad guy. His response, “I ran out of bullets” had me rolling. I think it captures exactly what you’re saying Carl, it’s so outrageously campy, yet sincere, you wish it could be real.
Sounds like something I’ll need to add to my video rental list. Thanks for the review!
When the first Die Hard came out, I was 6 and therefore, not in the demographic. So I never caught any of the movies, even on video. This is strange because I tend to only like action movies when Bruce Willis is in them…. he never ages… or if he does, he only gets better with it.
Anyway, your endorsement has inspired me to an at-home Die Hard moviefest, culminating in a trip to the theater to check out the latest installment. 🙂 So thanks!
You’re in for some fun movie watching Scott!
Alright, already! I’ll go see see it! No comments about my snobby ways. I too, love the violence.
Can’t wait to see this! Hopefully this week 🙂
Oh, I’ve got to see this. I love Bruce Willis and the Die Hard movies particularly. Sounds like fun.
carl: great review. You mention, though, that this might be the best DH film…..to date????? Do you believe there will be a five? a six?
Glory be, I cannot wait to see this movie! I’ve been a fan FOR-EVER…. 🙂
If this one makes decent money I wouldn’t put it past them to do another. If it is as fun as this one I’m all for them doing so!
Carl, Mary and Tori, thanks soooooo much for sitting for us so we could go to the movies! James and I had sooooo much fun. This movie is what going to the movies is all about! If more movies were this good I would get to the theatre more often. I had a hard time going to sleep, I was so wound up. Thanks so much treating us to a night out!!!!!!!
I went to this movie thinking it was another Lethal Weapon movie and couldn’t figure out why Bruce Willis was in it. It was not my turn to choose the movie and I really had no idea. I was pleasantly surprised though and up until the jet plane scene, I thought the action was good but that was just too much – I did have a good laugh.
I liked the plane scene..it was way over the top, but just part of the fun of the film.
Glad you guys enjoyed yourselves last night, Jules. The kids were goofy as always.