Review of A Good Day to Die Hard (2013) by Mr X — 05 May 2014

Saw this movie when it was in the theatres. As I expected it to be a movie which fits into the "Die Hard" franchise this one came along as a massive let-down.

The screenplay features some nice scenes. Some shots of the Russian Capital mixed into the shooting they did in Hungary. However, once you reach the scenes which are pretended to take place in Chernobyl you are completely lost, wondering whether this really could be Pirpiyat, the city nearby the nuclear reactor that went skywards in 1986. A few shots of the scenery would have improved the feeling in an important way. The reactor, the ferris wheel - whatever...

Explosions which are featured rather more than less in this movie are caught at different angles throughout the film which makes it an interesting thing if you enjoy the theory of filming explosions. Otherwise it does not overcome average.

The acting cannot overcome an "average" rating as well. I am sorry to say this, especially since Willis starred in great movies in the past. But let's recap the scenes of the first part of the franchise where Bruce Willis actually talked to himself making the first one a nice action movie (probably one of the most intelligent action movies of the ending 20th century). Although "Die Hard" was never really meant to be realistic the acting of the lead characters could be improved.

The film's biggest problem, however, is the plot. It does not convince at all. Calling it a failure might seem to be hard but it is just too predictable and too simple to catch your attention. When the plot finally tries to twist and turn a bit it just seems to happen out of nowhere to make an intelligent or good movie.

This is a sub-average action movie. If you feel attracted by action, then have a try, but do not expect anything in terms of plot. If you are looking for a continuation of the 1988 original, look elsewhere, this is not the place.