Live Free or Die Hard

Speaking of action movies!

Two words about this film: Holy ****!!!!!

I haven't been this impressed with an action film since..well, in many years. We went to see this last night, because Bean is a huge, HUGE Bruce Willis fan (dating back to the 80's; Bruce is to Bean what Brad is to me), and we love the Die Hard movies. I actually did NOT really feel I had to see it in the theater; I pictured it being another generic, overly crammed full of action, summer blockbuster. And, based on the 20 minutes I saw of 'Die Hard: With a Vengeance,' I felt that that franchise was done. I felt they might be overdoing it.

I loved the original 'Die Hard,' and it's first sequel, back in the day. As you know it's on my list (high on it) of best action films ever. But from the moment this film started, I saw a few things that made the film buff in me smile:

1) Although he's older, Bruce still has 'it' as John McClane. And John McClane is an incredible character, as far as iconic characters go. He's the Everyman who wins in the end, because no one else will. He is not a hero; he makes this very clear. I actually teared up during his brief commentary about the fact that he is NOT a hero (the guy he's protecting calls him a hero, and he's quick to correct him), when he talks about being divorced, his kids don't talk to him, he eats meals alone. But, he does not die. He's like a human version of The Terminator: You can't kill him, and he just keeps coming after you (if you're the bad guy).

2) The writing was exceptional. I look at writing and directing the most when I watch a movie, and this film benefits from excellent writing and excellent direction. Bravo, people! This was a really smart action film. Great plot, kept your interest, lots of ironic humor, and references to Star Wars. I can't ask for more!

3) The action, i.e. the stunts, special effects, and the sheer adrenaline: off the charts, but not mindless. Smart, and fitting into the plot. Some of the best action sequences I have ever seen on film. I actually yelled out involuntarily in the theater, which I never do. Like, "Oooohhh!" when a bad guy bit it. Look for the fantastic stunt where a car crashes into a helicopter. You read that right. It was even better than I imagined, and I had read about it ahead of time. Only a handful of films have had better sequences, especially lately. It was also the type of movie where the whole crowd CHEERED McClane as he killed bad guys. People also cheered the stunts. I haven't been in a cheering theater crowd since 'Episode 1.'

4) It left you (the audience) feeling uplifted. And we all need that. It was the best $5.00 (I get discount tickets from CC) I've spent in months, probably years, at the movies. The best since 'Superman.' Serious!

If you like smart action films, I recommend this one. Highly.
I truly found no faults in it.

The villain was good, not Alan Rickman good, but good. And the rest, was spectacular. We worried that Justin Long (the Mac guy) would ruin it as a sidekick type, but he was great too. And he was much more than a sidekick, in truth.

I actually felt fear many times, due to the nature of the plot: The bad guys take control of mass transit, (stop lights, tunnel signs; think: all lights green at the same time) then television, then, power (the US goes black). It was a harrowing plot idea. Let's pray it can't be done in real life, or else we'd all be goners in no time. Or, let's hope there's a John McClane out there for us.

Grade: A+

Have a great weekend.