1988
Directed by John McTiernan
Finally, a Christmas movie I can get behind. I think I generally find action films rather dull, but I always pause before I write off the genre with the thought "what about Die Hard?" Or Die Hard 3? I am pretending the other three didn't happen.
Who hasn't seen this? With the passing of Alan Rickman, it is downright disrespectful to have not seen this film. On Christmas Eve, John McClane, a New York City cop arrives in Los Angeles to visit his estranged wife Holly. He takes a limo (he's classy like that) to the new Nakatomi building where Holly is attending a work party. The party is disrupted by a group of heavily armed robbers, led by Hans Gruber. John manages to stay out of the sight and does his best to take them down one by one.
Prepare for some serious gushing. I adore everything about this film. Bruce Willis is cocky, but likable, and Alan Rickman makes for one the greatest movie villains of all time. I love stories that take place in closed time, closed place. We end up feeling as tense as the hostages. Although you have to wonder how many lives could have been saved if John had just butted out. Still, you can't help cheering for him.
On top of all of that, this is one of the most quotable movies of all time. Clearly, I have to stop before my enthusiasm starts to turn people off.
RATING: *****
Interesting Facts:
Al Pacino turned down the role of John McClane.
Well, here is a surprise. I totally agree. By most ways of judging a film, I shouldn't like this .. but I do. One of those films you find when channel hopping, - you find it, and say 'I'll just watch this bit' .. then it's 'oh hang n, that bit coming up is good, I'll stick with it until he ..' and next thing .. it's far to late at night and you've stuck to the end.
ReplyDeleteAnd hey, yes, you are right.. it can class as a Christmas movie! No kids!
I think one of the best quotes comes from.. I think DH2 ..John is waiting for information coming in on a fax .. the receptionist flirts with him .. "just the fax mam, just gimmie the fax" .. but you have to be over a certain age to geddit. Or highly retro in your viewing habits. Let me just say .. Derrrrrr de de-de derrrrrr
ReplyDeleteI thought Die Hard 2 was okay, but basically the same movie, with duller villains. But it was still fun.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I also like "Do I sound like I'm ordering a pizza?"
ReplyDeleteGreat movie and so much fun! I agree with Ray--I would definitely sit down to watch it if I discovered it channel surfing. :) I love the bad guy taking down really bad villians. Oh and hey! Entertaining movie, bad guys, good story---and no need for rape scenes---see--it can be done!
ReplyDeleteHaha exactly!
DeleteI just want to highlight the performance of Reginald VelJohnson. I know he is just playing Carl Winslow there - the kind of role he always plays - but yet his is the most likable, relatable, realistic, and family policeman ever seen on the TV or the silver screen.
ReplyDelete