Review of Die Hard (1988) by Brandon E — 10 Dec 2012

The words used to define Die Hard would be High Octane, Non-stop, entertaining, funny, clever,action packed, witty and smart. Yes the words "action packed" and "high Octane" is paired up with the words "smart" and "witty" to define a movie. It seems today that an action movie has to be "action packed and brainless" or "smart with a slow pace". Die Hard got it right!!

Die Hard is the benchmark for all modern action films. Examples: instead of huge, muscled bound men like Schwarzenegger, Stallone or Lundgren. This film has Willis who looks like the common everyman. Instead of the protagonist being "invincible" where they can't really feel pain. With Mcclane we not only see him react to the sheer pain he puts himself through, we feel it. The character of John Mclane represent that individual who is not sure of himself, he does not want to be the person in charge or the hero but, realizes that no one else is left to do the job. Every action he makes seems reasonable as a means of surviving. The character also has emotion, the audience can relate to the feelings that Mclane expresses throughout the film becuase if we were in that situation we would lose it too.

Instead of the action taking place in the jungle or across the globe, it takes place in a high rise building. The protagonist is trapped with only one way in and out and the bad guys have that covered. While I like the other Die Hard films, this original provided a sense of claustophobia, which provided tension throughout the film. Much like the protagonist we are afraid to see if there is a terrorsist around the corner.

The antagonists are skilled theives disguised as terrorist. Each of their performances are memorable. Even if you haven't seen the film in a while you would still remember one of the terrorist (besides Hans) and you would remember a certain feature of them. Alan Rickman plays one of the best antagonists of all time. Unlike films before the bad guy was either strong or had the look of evil in his face. Rickman's potrayal of Hans Gruber was slick, savy and cool. I find it unique that the leader of this skilled band of terrorists looks like a business man. Not only is his character cool but also intimidating at the same time. For a split second you will find yourself rooting for the bad guys.

Every character in this film is memorable from Sgt. Powell to Argyle the limo driver, they all have a sense of realism and likeness to them. The action sequences still provide the same amount of tension and excitement it did in 1988. The dialouge is sharp, Mcclane has some of the best one liners.

Overall the character of John Mcclane is what makes the film so powerful and unforgettable. He is not perfect, and he is not invincible. Mcclane wouldn't be the first person to step up and try to be the hero, but when he is put in a situation where no one is there to fight, that is where he shines. He represent the individual who is not sure of himself, he is not perfect but there is when there is no one to help, he will step in. Since Die Hard there have been so many action films where the protagonist is not perfect or is living a ruined life. None of these film can beat Die Hard. John Mcclane has emotion and the drive to never give up and try his best to succeed. This is a person that everyone would support and everyone wants to see succeed. Yippe ky Yay Motherfucker!!!