Review of Die Hard (1988) by Compi24 — 24 Apr 2018

Simply one of the greatest action movies of all time -- if not the greatest -- and an absolute masterpiece of a film in nearly every facet overall. So often action movies are considered the filth of filmdom, containing silly plotting, thin character work, and juvenile thrills that appeal to the most basic, reptilian parts of our brains.

But, I say again, let it be known that John McTiernan's "Die Hard" is not only the quintessential action movie, but an absolutely, undeniably well-made and brilliant film altogether. The plotting is exquisitely done, featuring numerous plot threads that are well-thought-out, revolutionary to the genre, and -- most of all -- smile inducing to the umpteenth degree.

The characters within these plots are also unquestionably fascinating, with personalities that offer so much to the stakes and the situation at hand. And the action is thrilling, yes, but also terrifying.

There's so much of this movie where you're simply convinced something has to go wrong for John McClane, but you also feel that you can't help but watch and see what happens. It's like watching a double-digit run rally in the bottom of the ninth to tie and eventually win the game -- you can't believe you're seeing it happen, but you feel blessed for being there to witness it.

"Die Hard" is the pinnacle of action movie filmmaking and one of the best motion pictures that the medium has had to offer us.