Die Hard - A Movie Review

There’s no way Christmas will be ruined. John McClane will save the day!

Die Hard made its way into theaters in 1988. German terrorists take over a Christmas party at the Nalcatami Plaza in Los Angeles. An NYPD officer fights back, protecting his wife and several other guests from danger.

For the longest time, Die Hard has been under debate over whether it’s a Christmas movie. While I do agree that it takes place on Christmas, the action overshadows the holiday vibe. An epic action film, Die Hard could have used more characterization and subplots from the overuse of action sequences.

In one of his favorite roles of his own, Bruce Willis defines what an action hero is. John McClane does not mess around, running all around the building and devising strategic plans to outwit the terrorists. I was impressed with how Willis connected to the character instead of just following in the direction in the overload of action.

I did not know that this was Alan Rickman’s first film role. Rickman was a natural in his portrayal as the evil head terrorist. Originally, Rickman was going to pass on the role. Turns out, the part of Hans gave Rickman the popular hype he needed getting more villainous roles in his career.

Die Hard was good at making it an ensemble movie but it gave too much screentime to one group. While I liked the characterization amongst the group of terrorists and police officers, it became too repetitive. Why couldn’t more focus have been attained to the hostage group? That would have been more exciting to watch.

Writers should have developed a more prominent storyline for the trapped partygoers. They deserved a subplot of their own where they managed to get away from the terrorists and try to sneak out of the building.

Doing this would have given Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) a more substantial role. Thankfully, the writers made Holly a headstrong person, but we didn’t get enough of that. Aside from only a couple of scenes where she stands up to the terrorists, Holly is mainly here for this drawn-out marriage problems trope with John. We have seen it in most movies!

The film was overloaded with action sequences. Although, I’ll give a hand to the well-choreographed action sequences. John McTiernan focused too much on this area. He did put in an equal mixture of characterization, which I did like. McTiernan let his actors improvise and create spontaneous moments.

According to behind-the-scenes trivia, most of the script was improvised because it wasn’t finished. Since most of the film relies on action, it’s noticeable.

Most of those action sequences were not easy to film. The famous scene where John falls down the elevator shaft was edited because the stunt double missed grabbing the vent!

Overall, Die Hard has a gripping climax. There could have been a better use of characterization instead of overusing certain ensemble groups, like the terrorist group and the police. The dialogue amongst the police where they discussed whether John was a cop or terrorist was overused.

Be aware that Die Hard is violent, containing several gunfights. There is also a lot of blood in some sequences. I jumped in one scene because how it was shot startled me. If that is a trigger, watch Die Hard at your own caution.

Die Hard is a film for fans of the action genre. Okay, I guess it is a Christmas film since it takes place on Christmas Eve. That debate is up to many audiences. Go ahead and give it a watch.