Review of Die Hard 2 (1990) by Robyn N — 13 Feb 2013

The first "Die Hard" (1988) directed by John McTiernan and staring Bruce Willis was a huge success. So how does on go about making a sequel? You change as little as possible. The locale has been switched from an L.A. high-rise to a Washington, D.C., airport. McClane is once again trying to save his wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), and innocent citizens from terrorists."Die Hard 2", the somewhat-muddled--but still an entertaining return for Bruce Willis as John McClane. The original "Die Hard" is considered an action film classic, opening the flood gates for another installment (and yet many more to come)--but it's unable to match the pace or possessing the style of its predecessor.

As John McClane is waiting for his wife Holly McClane, terrorists take charge of Dulles International Airport and demand the release of a South American drug lord. Another Christmas--and once again McClane is denied the opportunity to celebrate it without bloodshed. We recognize the formula from the first film, and the only real change is the location-- from L.A. to blizzard like conditions Washington. Director Renny Harlin is no stranger to bloody violence--and not big on credibility either, bringing plenty of action the film.

Cutting his way through another Christmas inferno, is the amusingly sardonic Willis, who dispenses cutting quips to rile his latest foe--Col. Stuart, played by William Sadler. Willis has only been in the airport ten minutes before he's collected his first bodybag after spotting some suspicious activity around him. Sensing that this is only the tip of the iceberg--he begins snooping around--much to the annoyance of the airport police.

Of course he turns out to be right, but through a bewildering web of circumstances is forced to take on a ruthless mob of hired mercenaries himself. Even Willis has to question "How can the happen to the same guy twice?" But Renny Harlin senses that the audience isn't here for a reality check, and proceeds to up the action meter from the original "Die Hard 2" is loaded with elaberate action sequences. Harlin pulls out all the stops: special effects, pyrotechnics galore, frantic action - at least for most of the film. A mixture of the hunter and hunted accelerates the action sequences--making "Die Hard 2" an enjoyable action film. "Die Hard 2" moves from one dangerous situation to another-- as Willis dodges moving planes, countless bullets, grenades, police officers, and everything in between.

Overall, it's a worthwhile action film, but it doesn't deliver the excitement nearly as effectively as the first. Those who enjoyed spending a couple hours with John McClane atop the Los Angeles skyline will find much to savor about this outing as well. Ultimately, "Die Harder" is filled with the same sense of good-natured, wisecracking fun that infused the original--just knocked down a peg. Impressively made--but "Die Hard 2" begins to wear thin. Though the follow-up is bigger, it's not really better.