Genre Grandeur – Die Hard (1988) – Encore Review

For my final review of 3 of my favorite movies for this month’s Genre Grandeur – 80’s action, here’s my thoughts on Die Hard (1988)

Next month’s Genre will be Holiday movies (it can be any film about any holiday). To participate, just send me your review by 23rd of December to holiday@movierob.net and I’ll post it!

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“I am an exceptional thief, Mrs. McClane. And since I’m moving up to kidnapping, you should be more polite. ” – Hans Gruber

Number of Times Seen – Seriously too many to count  (Video, Cable, 13 Oct 1992, DVD, 4 May 2000, Jan 2012, 24 Nov 2013 and 30 Nov 2014)

Link to original review – Here

Brief Synopsis – A off-duty NY cop gets caught up in a terrorist plot to take over a high-rise building and must try to stay alive and rescue his wife.

My Take on it – When Kieron chose this genre for this month, the first movie that came to mind was this one.

When I think of my childhood in the 80’s and how much I enjoyed action movies back then, Die Hard still stands above all the rest in my mind.

This movie took a genre that was dominated by actors like Sylvester Stallone, Chuck Norris and of course Arnold Schwarzenegger and turned it on it’s head.

Instead of a movie with a muscle-bound action hero, this movie took a regular Joe detective and turned him into an action star.

I’m not only referring to John McClane, but also to Bruce Willis.  Ever since this movie came out, he has been synonymous to the action genre and even without muscles from every part of his body, he has been able to kill and wisecrack his way into our hearts.

The plot is exceptionally clever and even having read the book, they were able to make it so different that both are extremely enjoyable together or separately.

The script is witty and down-to-earth and Willis was the perfect choice to deliver most of the wisecracking lines while also keeping us on the edge of our seats up until the credits begin to roll and we hear “Let it Snow” when clearly Christmas in LA doesn’t ever have that phenomenon.

The formula of this movie has been “used” so many times over the years, but never done as well as this one.

They even made 4 sequels, but again, eventhough some were pretty good, none came close enough to “top” this one as being the best of the series. (even though I LOVE Die Hard 2 (1990) with all its craziness) 🙂

Bottom Line – Amazing movie that truly changed a genre and at the same time made a name for the pretty much unknown Willis. Clever plot and script keeps us on the edge of our seats up until the very end. Clearly the best of the entire series. Highly recommended

Rating – Oscar Worthy (no change from original review)

 

This is truly my favorite and once again a bit thanks to Kieron for choosing this genre for this month!

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