Review of Live Free or Die Hard (2007) by Chandler P — 21 Aug 2014

I was pleasantly surprised by this slam-bang action flick. Generally, I hate sequels...especially sequels of franchises that were seemingly concluded over a decade prior (see also: Indiana Jones). So when I heard a decrepit John McClane would be returning to the big screen, I cringed! "Die Hard" is, in my opinion, the quintessential action movie; five star.

Of the two following films, I reasonably enjoyed "Die Hard: With a Vengeance" in my childhood, and still appreciate it today, and marginally enjoyed the middle film. Needless to say, I threw up in my mouth a little when I heard one of my fictional childhood heroes would be returning when he should be retiring, especially after watching Harrison Ford desecrate one of the greatest action adventure sagas by shitting out "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (mind you, I watched "Live Free or Die Hard" seven years after its release, which came out a year before the Crystal Skull flick).

Anyway, after viewing LFODH, I wholeheartedly rank it as the second best film in the series, just behind the original (which is my all-time favorite action movie). Justin Long wasn't too annoying; there were plenty of John McClaneisms; and the plot as well as the action (albeit over-the-top) were pretty solid.

Not to mention, I have a huge soft spot for daddy-daughter relationships.