Die Hard (8.5/10)

[Weapon X]

It could be argued that Die Hard set a whole new standard for action movies. That could explain so many of them these days are brainless and boring, as opposed to this 1988 gem that was not-so-brainless and tons of fun! How can that be? Well, let's see what we've got here: Bruce Willis in top form, Alan Rickman in his patented slick-villian mode, and enough cool one-liners to make Bruce Campbell blush. Okay, maybe that last part's not completely accurate; we all know Campbell is the man. Anyway...

What is it that makes Die Hard so much fun? It's not just the good acting and big-time action. For me, it was that John McClane as sort of an ultimate average joe who turns out to be an above-average hero. He's as good with a gun as he is with his mouth, but he still bleeds just as much as the next guy. His exchanges with Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson) in between shootouts only added to the good times, especially when John is tired, injured, and just wanting to go the fuck home.

What didn't work so well? At just over two hours, the movies drags just a little, but they put enough interesting stuff in that time that I really don't mind that much. Plus, Deputy Chief Dwayne T. Robinson...I'm sorry, but just how imcompetent can one man be? How the hell did he even get to be any sort of authority figure!?

So all in all, I'd say Die Hard is my single favorite "reality-based" (and I use the term loosely) action movie. But I've yet to see anything by Michael Bay. I like to keep my options open.

Extra credit goes to Die Hard for giving the world some of the greatest onscreen insults ever:

"Do you really think you have a chance against us, Mr. Cowboy?"
"Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker!"

"Listen here, you little asshole--"
"Asshole!? I'm not the one who just got buttfucked on national TV, Dwayne!"

[VicVega]

Originally posted by Weapon X

So all in all, I'd say Die Hard is my single favorite "reality-based" (and I use the term loosely) action movie.

Die Hard is one of the best action films ever made. I agree with the reality-based element that's added to the movie. It defiantely made it more enjoyable. Bruce Willis is the everyman's action hero.

[bob]

I don't really like the DH Trilogy that much, but this is definitely the best.

[Son Gohan]

8/10

Yeah its good....I guess, has some great clever moments, but some parts just shit me to tears.

Still, its a good action movie.

[Jim H]

Perfectly paced, great action, great dialogue, and great performances across the board. Shame there are very few, if any, more recent action movies that stand up to this one.

I give it a big thumbs up, this also gets my vote as one of the most rewatchable movies ever.

9/10.

BTW, I've seen this one more times on laserdisc then any other film on that format.

[ilovemovies]

One of the best action movies of all time, although I actually like Die Hard 2 slightly more. Still a blast. Bruce Willis is THE ULTIMATE action hero. Alan Rickman is one of the best movie villians of all time. Truly thrilling action.

* * * * ( out of * * * * )
9 out of 10
Grade: A