Let us begin with our main character and hero John McClane. The interesting thing about this character is that during the first act of the film, the character himself does not even seem that interesting. He acts like he does not want to be there, he seems kind of lost and confused. He is mostly like that throughout the first act anyway. But as the second act rolls in and the danger comes around, he rolls into action and becomes a very likeable and bold hero. Nothing can stop this guy from reaching his goal and stopping the villains. You can tell that he has this hidden and deep hatred for these villains even though he plays off as a prankster and nuisance to them, he plays the Bugs Bunny to their Elmer Fudd/Yosemite Sam. That's what makes John McClane so enjoyable throughout at least most the film, it is his wit that gives him his charm. Not only his with though but his attitude, boldness, and especially his determination. There is a scene where he walks on a floor covered entirely in shattered glass and right after his feet is in a mess of blood as he attempts to remove every shard of glass from the bottom of his feet. It hurts, but this guy can take it and is prepared for anything. He makes you want to be him most of the time. Human beings wish they were this cool, witty, strong, and bold. If there is a challenge McClane can surely take it, and it is rare that a character like this does not come off as obnoxious but admirable to how bold he is. Then we got our supporting character Sgt. Al Powell, played by Reginald VelJohnson, who yes is Carl Winslow from the ABC TGIF sitcom Family Matters with Jaleel White as Steve Urkel, and what do you know both characters are police officers, and YES it is kind of distracting. I almost expect Steve Urkel to come out of nowhere, blow up the building in which John McClane is in, and say "Did I do that?". But to be fair Die Hard came out first. But back to this specific character, he of course makes up for a good supporting character. You would expect him to be some sort of comic relief or something, but no he's supportive, very developed, and has a lot of depth to his character, especially when learning about his disturbing past. He is one of the few police officers in the film who trusts McClane and it definitely shows. Who wouldn't like a character who supports and helps through the motives of probably one of the boldest but heroic men that ever lived? Finally we have our villain Hans Gruber, played by Alan Rickman. This guy hands down one of the best villains ever to be put on screen. He is conniving, witty, classy, threatening, intimidating, bold, and most importantly is an equal match against an equally as bold and witty hero. When you watch him and already knowing the type of character John McClane is, it's hard not to say "McClane has definitely met his match". Sure he does not do any of the dangerous and life threatening stunts or actions that McClane does, but his motives are as equally bold enough to up against McClane's tough exterior. It is one of those great conflicts in all of fiction that is in par with Sherlock and Moriarty or Batman and the Joker, these guys were made to get at each others throats and you want to see the best ego come out on top.
The action scenes, which since this an action movie I feel it is important to bring up, is great! I truly believe that is film is one of the groundbreaking achievements in film history that set the definition for the action film and for future films like this one to try desperately be like it. Action films are kind of looked down upon as just mindless entertainment with not plot, reasoning, logic, or character development, but this film has all of that plus some groundbreaking action scenes. The way animation in an animated film can be praised of achieving in its art, I believe action films can do the same to achieving in their art of making and choreographing thrilling action scenes. People might of said that films like Terminator 2: Judgement Day set the standards for an action film, and even though I love that one I would have to disagree that it was Die Hard was the first to achieve in thrilling, nail-biting, and entertaining action scenes while still having a good story as well as entertaining, admirable, and developed characters.
The story of Die Hard is mainly focused on the rivalry between John McClane and the villains and you know what, it is pretty damn entertaining as well as thrilling. Like I said these two egos could not have been more than a perfect match to up against each other and be at each others throats and really that's what the story is about the competitiveness between the two, and it is truly entertaining. Nothing too complex or complicated just a rivalry story between two great characters. Definitely a Bugs Bunny/Daffy Duck cartoon if it was on steroids. Everything is entertaining, loose ties are loosed, and the film all comes around to a more than satisfying conclusion after a thrilling joy ride. Those who think that action films are just mindless entertainment , you are dead wrong! My proof , Die Hard! YIPPE KI YAY!
SANTA'S LIST: NICE
GRADE: E
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