This movie begs the question of, "What makes a Die Hard movie?" Each Die Hard movie is based on a book, but they are all from different series. This means that the original screenplays, were not written with John McClain in mind. This one, for example, was originally called "Simon Says". Before this film, most people would associate a "Die Hard" film as an action film that takes place almost entirely in one location. This is why so many Die Hard knock offs would be defined by where it was happening, on a bus, a plane, a mountain or a tunnel. This time around, McClain has a full city to roam around in. Another aspect would be that of Christmas. Both of the previous entries took place during Christmas, this one only makes the occasional reference to the holiday. So how does this film even consider itself Die Hard?
But this film has 3 important aspects that make it feel genuinely "Die Hard".
#1. John McLain takes a beating. Die Hard is known for its visceral action, and this one brings it to life. McClain isn't winning because he is the smartest or strongest, he is just the guy that happens to show up. And by the end of the movie, you do feel like he has gone through some of the worst stuff and is just still standing by sheer will power.
#2 A memorable villain. Much like Hans Gruber before him, Simon, as played by Jeremy Irons, is an absolute delight. He has the right level of camp and menace. He feels like he is relishing every scene of villainy he is doing. But at the same time, is still nice enough to throw a man some aspirin if he has a headache. It almost feels like he is playing the live action version of Scar, and what could be wrong with that.
#3 John McTiernan is back baby! The legendary director has returned and has not missed a beat. He knows how to best frame an action scene so that our heroes feel like they are in the most peril. He is able to elevate the material to something above and beyond.
"Die Hard 3" may not be a game changer the same way the first film was, but it is still a really good action film. My main complaints would be the bickering between Jackson and Willis gets on my nerves and the ending is a bit of a letdown.
Simon says, give it a watch.
But this film has 3 important aspects that make it feel genuinely "Die Hard".
#1. John McLain takes a beating. Die Hard is known for its visceral action, and this one brings it to life. McClain isn't winning because he is the smartest or strongest, he is just the guy that happens to show up. And by the end of the movie, you do feel like he has gone through some of the worst stuff and is just still standing by sheer will power.
#2 A memorable villain. Much like Hans Gruber before him, Simon, as played by Jeremy Irons, is an absolute delight. He has the right level of camp and menace. He feels like he is relishing every scene of villainy he is doing. But at the same time, is still nice enough to throw a man some aspirin if he has a headache. It almost feels like he is playing the live action version of Scar, and what could be wrong with that.
#3 John McTiernan is back baby! The legendary director has returned and has not missed a beat. He knows how to best frame an action scene so that our heroes feel like they are in the most peril. He is able to elevate the material to something above and beyond.
"Die Hard 3" may not be a game changer the same way the first film was, but it is still a really good action film. My main complaints would be the bickering between Jackson and Willis gets on my nerves and the ending is a bit of a letdown.
Simon says, give it a watch.