Live Free or Die Hard

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Turn on the hi-def widescreen, the surround sound, and break out the popcorn. McClane is back, and he's as snarky as ever. This time, he's facing cyber-terrorists in modern America. Even though he has trouble keeping up with the technological aspect of the battle, he has no trouble at all shooting, punching, or blowing up anything in his way. He's been down this road before, and maybe he can teach these techno-terrorists a thing or two the old-school way. The action scenes are nearly laughable because they're so over-the-top. But, the ambition is there to make this a really intense "guy" movie. And, it definitely delivers. Bruce Willis still has what it takes. His performance is wonderful. But, let's not get sidetracked. This movie is not about "good performances" or any of that garbage. It's about great entertainment. This is a much-needed refresher to the Die Hard series.

John McClane is still operating in the information age. Even though he, and his rough methods, are getting old, they still work. Now the terrorist threat in the plot is computer based.

Most everything about this plot works. Almost everything about this whole movie works. The characters click, the action flows, and the story is engaging.

When watching these action scenes, they have an all too gritty "real" feel to them. Rather than feeling forced or even boring, the action is engaging. I think director Len Wiseman understood that computer effects would only turn off audiences. So, he went for "real" sets, explosions, helicopters, and gun fire as much as logistics allowed.

Even if you haven't seen the other Die Hard movies, check this one out.

my rating: 3.5 out of 5









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