#50
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
After the first Kung Fu Panda was a surprisingly huge commercial as well as critical success, and me actually deeming it as one of the best animated films ever made, is it possible for a sequel to ever have the chance to be as good as it, or maybe even top it? The answer is yes, yes it is possible. People, Kung Fu Panda 2 is not only one of the best and perfect sequels I have ever seen, or one of the best and perfect animated films I have ever seen, it is one of the best and perfect films I have ever seen period. Leaving off after the first film, taking a new direction, and telling a brand new story with these characters, Kung Fu Panda 2 is funny, action-packed, emotional, dramatic, and also packed with beautiful animation as well as beautiful storytelling. In this installment our lovable kung fu fighting Dragon Warrior panda hero, Po (voiced by Jack Black) journeys with his kung fu hero friends, The Furious Five, Tigress (voiced by Angelina Jolie), Monkey (voiced by Jackie Chan), Crane (voiced by David Cross), Viper (voiced by Lucy Liu), and Mantis (voiced by Seth Rogen), to find out more about his mysterious and question filled past while stopping a vicious new enemy, a peacock named Lord Shen (voiced by Gary Oldman), from using a destructive weapon to defeat all the kung fu masters and to rid of kung fu forever. Po's new journey is overall filled with laughs, conflict, high stakes, more incredibly animated kung fu scenes, heart warmth, and even tearjerking moments. Not only do the world of this film greatly expand from the first film as well as the story being a lot more cinematic, but most importantly and what makes this film so wonderful, is that each and every one of the characters evolve and are given a lot more depth as well. Po does not only have the ability to be an enjoyable and comedic character, but he is given a lot of dramatic scenes as well and when he sees stakes are high, he takes his duties very seriously. Plus, there's the fact that he has face with his inner conflict about his mysterious past and what happened to his real biological parents. The film's writing as well as Jack Black's amazing voice performance helps make this character more three dimensional than he ever was before. The Furious Five also evolve from being the ones who once teased Po, into becoming his best friends and crime fighting partners. Po shares great chemistry with the Five and you can tell that they not only make a great team, but they make great friends as well, especially with Tigress as she opens up a bit more to Po and his actually greatly friendly towards him, unlike in the first film. But by far the show stealer of this film would have to be the character that got the most praise during this film's initial release, the villain Lord Shen. Shen is a FANTASTIC villain, he's diabolical, he has a great voice, a beautiful yet menacing design,and he's a incredibly great and fast fighter. His lines are written sharply and only a powerhouse actor like Gary Oldman can have the power to bring this phenomenal character to life. The animation and kung fu scenes are also show stealers of the film, more specifically the climax, and when Po masters inner peace and learns the truth about his past. The latter scene has a phenomenal mix of beautiful animation and emotional storytelling. I could watch that scene where Po controls the rain drop with his hands a million times its that beautiful. Seriously, that scene is one of the most beautiful, emotional, and best bits of animation that I have ever seen. Well to wrap up, the film is a fantastic continuation to the first, it has a phenomenal knack for storytelling, the characters are a lot better even though it was impossible to think that they can they were already good, there is plenty more and well animated kung fu action scenes, there are great dramatic scenes, an incredible instrumental score provided by Hans Zimmer and John Powell, and on top of it including a menacing villain, Kung Fu Panda 2 is awesome for the young and old, but on to my other favorites!
GRADE: E
#49
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
I know what you are thinking. "Isn't this a direct-to-video film". Well in fact... no, no it is not, it had a theatrical release, it was in fact released on Christmas Day in 1993 in theaters worldwide. Based on one of my favorite television shows of all time, Batman: The Animated Series, based on my favorite comic book superhero of all time, Batman, Mask of the Phantasm has the Caped Crusader (voiced by Kevin Conroy) go up against a new threat named The Phantasm (voiced by Stacey Keach) who plans on murdering a line of mobsters who are somehow connected to one another, all the while the other ego Bruce Wayne reunites with an old flame Andrea Beaumont (voiced by Dana Delany), and Batman heads face to face against his greatest arch-nemesis once again, The Joker (voiced by Mark Hamill), who also has a connection to the line of mobsters the Phantasm is killing. I appreciate this film for having a totally original Batman story has most comic book movies to tend to adapt from a previous story featured in their comic books. And it is a pretty engaging story at that as we get to see an interesting part of Bruce Wayne's past life and how he was in conflict in becoming the protector of Gotham City by the vow he made to his parents after their death, or spending the rest of his life as a happily married man with the woman of his dreams. Though it is based off the animated series, the film is still pretty cinematic. There are a lot of extreme angles to make the film seem more theatrical and the animation is more flowing. The voice acting is one of the best as all the voice characters fully get into character and are just totally lost in it, especially Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as The Joker. As always in the animated series and also in other media, the two have perfect chemistry and they work off each other great, just like the two character themselves, which makes the two actors perfect in almost every way. Mask of the Phantasm is way too underrated and deserves to be look at as one of the best of Batman theatricals. It just keeps true to the source material and does The Dark Knight justice.GRADE: E FULL REVIEW: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Review
#48
The Artist (2011)
This is another film that pays tribute to film lover's alike. Not only that, but it pays tribute to the very early days of Hollywood cinema. It shows great appreciation to the talent that silent actors had to give audience entertainment for a good amount of years. The film shows that even if there were talents that made the successful transition to "talkie" films, there were those who lost their careers because they could not have made the transition and that is an issue that should not be forgotten, because these were great talents that had unfortunately lost their jobs. The film follows the story of a silent actor named George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) who struggles to transition into the new "talkie" films after silent movies are not the craze anymore. Then there's also an actress Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) who is a rising star and proves to be an excellent newcomer and beloved star in the new "talkie" films. The two sure enough become good friends, as even though Miller is becoming a huge star, she cares deeply for the out of work Valentin and tries so much to get him back on his feet. There is this perfect and lovable heartwarming tone throughout the film and that is mainly because of the chemistry George and Peppy share with each other. Its interesting to see that during the first two acts of the film each of them help each other out when one of them needs an extra boost in order for them to carry on. Their romance is a tribute to many of the early romances that were present during that time in cinema. A lot of people seem to think that silent films are full of over the top acting since the actors could not have expressed their emotions with dialogue, but this film proves that those actors are still treasured talents and that silent films are still treasures to be greatly appreciated. Director Michel Hazanavicius made sure that the film had the heart of a silent romantic comedy such as the ones by Chaplin, but had the emotional and engaging plot that we the audience of the modern day are used. That is what helped those who saw the film and loved it, realize that they have truly taken the early days of cinema for granted. The Artist helped to remind us of where film started, and that we should never forget those who pioneered such marvelous works of visual art.
GRADE: E
#47
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Based on the novel by Harper Lee, this story about a loving man who loves his children and is out on a goal to not only prove a man innocent, but to change the minds of his fellow closed minded townspeople. Nowadays, the plot about an open minded free spirit trying to change the minds of a group of closed minded individuals to see a different point of view may seem a bit to cliched. But this is one of the films that perfected, making it an actual engaging and very heartfelt story. The glue that holds the film together and makes it a beloved classic is the character of Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck). This maybe a stretch but it seems like Atticus Finch would be the Jesus Christ of the 20th Century. But at the same time Gregory Peck's acting and the clever way this character was written makes seem like an Atticus can exist. He's loving to his children, and that is proven by the way he handles whenever they are in trouble or cause some trouble. He does not scold them or spank them, but he talks to them calmly and tries to hear their point of view and their story. It may seem a bit unrealistic as normal parents would look at this and shout blasphemy, but the character has a reason for doing this because he wants to hear the point of view of the other person instead of being closed minded and judgmental, which of course is a method that he not only tries to teach his children, but the local townspeople as well. He is also a lawyer and he is defending the side of a black man named Tom who was accused wrongly of raping a white teenage girl. And of course there is that powerful and emotional scene where Atticus and the rest of the people in the courthouse hear Tom's story and how the experience was different from what people thought of it, and on top of it that tremendous, thought provoking, and powerful speech that Atticus gives to the people of the courthouse about putting aside racist ideas and beliefs, and to actually be ethical and humane, by giving the man a fair trial. Atticus can be a role model for those who want to be more open minded and want to live ethical in an unethical world, which makes him one of the greatest protagonists in all of cinema. The children, specifically Atticus' daughter Scout Finch, is also pretty enjoyable, entertaining, and adorable to watch. Simply because again, she acts like a real child, and not one of those bland, no emotion, and adult acting ones. She is simply one of the best child characters in cinema. And since the film is told through her point of view, it makes the film seem a lot more interesting. Even though she is an adult when she narrates, it sill interesting to see her point of view and how she saw things through the eyes of a child such as the love of her father, her relationship with her brother, the trial, and the racism and prejudice of the town. Robert Duvall also makes his debut in this film and already he proves to be a great actor, even if he barely utters a word, just his expressions and gestures are enough. And though the film mostly takes place in a suburban town, director Robert Mulligan made sure the film look cinematic as possible and it truly does. The various types of shots used to show a character or a certain landscape in an interesting view still seems like your experiencing a different world rather just something that was probably done on a home camera. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of those perfect heartwarming films that everybody needs to watch, because most like we as human beings can learn something about how to stay innocent, ethical, and humane. And even a film can teach that.
GRADE: E
#46
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
I do not only consider this treasured gem only to be watched around Christmas time, but it deserves to be watched throughout the whole year. Because it not only has to do with Christmas, but it has a beautiful and timeless message about appreciating the life you have and how whether you know it or not, that it has positively affected a great amount of people in your lives. The story is very timeless and even though it has been constantly copied or parodied over the years, even the copiers still have a great amount of respect of the story they are borrowing from. It's a story that's cherished because it is about an everyday normal person who many seem to praise, but as time progresses and the troubles just seem to topple over him, he does not seem to enjoy the life that he has and is almost blind of seeing that it is actually wonderful and beautiful. The hero we follow is George Bailey (James Stewart), and everyday guy with a huge heart, who I still regard as the greatest cinematic hero of all time. And not just because a lot of famous film historians have deemed him to be one of the greatest, I personally believe that he is. Why? Because he is the person that we as human beings always strive to be, and even more so because despite the incredible amount of good deeds and sacrifices he made for others, even for people he barely knew, he still has troubles to face. He still has obstacles, he still has doubts and doubters, and he still has enemies. But despite all of that he still finds a way to fight them. Sometimes he wins, and sometimes he loses, which leads to his big breakdown and makes him consider to commit suicide. Which again is understandable because no matter how much of a great hero, he still is relatable because he definitely has his limits, just like any other person. That is what makes him such a great hero, he's both a mirror to the average citizen yet strives and sacrifices so much to be selfless. There's also in the cast the despicable, greedy, and stingy villain Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), who I regard as one of the greatest villains of all time because Barrymore's genuine acting and the writing truly makes Potter such a despicable creature that it provokes the core of your nerves. Then there's the charming and lovable angel Clarence (Henry Travers) and the Bailery's lovable and sweet wife Mary (Donna Reed), who by the heavens above I adore so much. She is so sweet, so genuine, so supportive, so beautiful, so lovable, GOD from the minute she appeared on screen and she opened her mouth I instantly fell in love with her, Reed is that good. I know it may sound like the Brady Bunch when reading this, but in reality there is just so much that this film offers. Happiness, sadness, great drama, great writing, and great characters. We can all relate to the story of George Bailey, a man who wanted to fulfill the American dream, but soon realizes he has, the wonderful and beautiful life he shares with his loving family. Even though we dreams and goals set in mind, we can also notice the things in life we take for granted, and maybe we have already have accomplished that dream so many others who are unfortunate wish they had. A wonderful life with loving friends and family who share it with you and who are ready to support you. It's a Wonderful Life can be a mirror to our own lives!
GRADE: E FULL REVIEW: It's A Wonderful Life Review
#45
Star Wars (1977)
Star Wars, one can you say about it what nobody else has said before. The film that started a monster and worldwide phenomenon is now a staple and beloved classic in Hollywood cinema. The characters you know them Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi (Alec Guiness), C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), R2D2 (Kenny Baker), and of course Darth Vader (portrayed by David Prowse but voiced by James Earl Jones). The characters are practically timeless, wonderful, and have their own distinct personalities. The actors portray them so well that you cannot even tell if they are actors anymore, there the characters now. Star Wars is also a very innovative film in not just its original storytelling that set the mark for future fantasy/sci-fi stories to come, but it was also innovative in a filmmaking perspective. This one of those films that uses lots of practical effects to let the magic of the wondrous storytelling leap out of the screen (Though we hardly see any of those practical effects anymore due to the amount of CG effects added in the Special Editions). The way the monsters move and look, the way the costumes are designed, and the great looking space battles that I think hold up even to today is what makes Star Wars such a treasure. Not much to say other than through the timeless characters, storytelling, and groundbreaking effects, Star Wars continues to be a classic.GRADE: E
#44
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
How can you go wrong with a story that is packed with awesome perfomances, great suspense, and great thrills? The main cast gives it their all in this film with either their great subtle or powerhouse performances. Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) I can regard as one of the great cinematic heroes because like George Bailey, she is a mirror to the more innocent and vulnerable side to us. Even though Clarice hardly shows that she is vulnerable, she still puts her life on the line in several occasions to not only prove that she can be a strong FBI agent, but probably to overcome a traumatic pass. Then there is one of the great cinematic villains, Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), who works with Clarice by helping her on her case. Though I do not think he is that scary, it is still hard to be in awe at his diabolical nature and the many methods he has in getting into Clarice's head. Clarice only shows her vulnerability when Hannibal has got her in his grasp and is able to make her recollect horrible memories from her past. So even though throughout most of the film Clarice is shown to be tough and independent, its a force like Hannibal that has the power to break her down. He is not exactly scary, but he is very diabolical and manipulative. Then there is the real villain, serial killer Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine) who I felt was snubbed for a nomination and win for a Best Supporting Actor award at the Oscars. Ted Levine's performance as Buffalo Bill is just unbelievable. He is the type of villain that you definitely know is not well, and does need some mental help, but you cannot help to be both terrified and hateful towards him due to the amount of mental torture he gives towards his victims. The directing is one of the best I have seen in a film. Director Johnathan Demme really knows how to give the film some mood. I especially love those creepy shots whenever Clarice is in a room full of men and they all give her a rather unwelcoming stare, even though they may or may not have unhealthy thoughts about her. Then there's that entire climax, that is just geniusly set up and played out. And then the final shot of the film is one of the most iconic shots ever as it leaves the audience with an open ending that can strike up a conversation that can last for hours. It is films like these that really make miss the days when great ficitonal narratives can be greatly appreciated by the film snobs, ESPECIALLY the Academy. This was a film that was fictional and you would never expect to win Best Picture. It did not have to be released during the Fall and early Winter season of that year, it did not need to have overly pretentious acting, it did not need to have an overly pretentious dramatic story, it did not need to kiss up to the Academy's severely bias interests, it did not need to be about a historical figure, or did not need to use a recent event or tragedy just to cash in on an Oscar. Even though there are a couple of films from 1991 that I like a little more (and will be appearing later on this list), I always use this film as a prime example of what kind of films the Academy used to praise and deserved it. All it was, was a fantastic fictional narrative that had great acting, great characters, a great story, great effort, and that was just overall entertaining from beginning to end. And that's all you need in my book.
GRADE: E FULL REVIEW: The Silence of the Lambs Review
What an all around likable and charming film this is. Finding Nemo follows the story of a clownfish named Marlin (Albert Brooks) who loses his son Nemo (Alexander Gould) when he is kidnapped by a scuba diver. Marlin sets out on a journey in the Great Barrier Reef as he is accompanied by an incredibly funny and short-term memory fish named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) to search for his son. The film's comptuer animation is simply GORGEOUS to watch, but what can you expect from the amazing Pixar Animation Studios, whose animation only gets better and better the more films they make? The way fish characters move is very flowing, there are a lot of bright and distinct colors, especially on the characters which makes them easy to tell apart, and the water looks so real that it really feels like you are underwater. The characters are very timeless as Marlin first seems like the typical overprotective father, but due to unfortunate events of the past, you can understand why and any other normal parent would be just as protective as Marlin is over their child. Then there is the absolute show stealer, the fish with short-term memory loss, Dory. Ellen DeGeneres is just AMAZING in this role. She's funny, sweet, optimistic, supportive, and she just seems like an overall fun character to be with. Definitely one of my personal favorites of the countless fun and great Pixar characters that are hard to rank of how likable they are. Then there is also Bruce the Great White Shark and his shark gang, Crush the sea turtle, the dentist office Tank Gang, the seagulls, and many other wonderful, funny, timeless, and overwhelmingly entertaining characters. I also like that there is no real antagonist in the film, the main conflict and focus in the film is Marlin trying to find his son, Nemo, and the doubts he has to face in order to have the faith to know that he is safe. There's the dentist's crazy niece who almost ends up owning Nemo, but to be fair she's just a little girl, and she acts like any other hyperactive little girl. I also like that there characters, for example Bruce the shark and Gil (Wilem Dafoe), seem like threatening and antagonistic characters at first but then are actually friendly and welcoming to the main characters, and surprisingly have their funny moments. That is RARE. It is also one of those family films that has a great amount of good drama as well that successfully balances out with the comedy. The voice acting is one of the best and they surely do give these characters life along with the animation. I also like that this overwhelmingly heartwarming story also tells that the sea is a mysterious and wondrous place. I cannot stress enough how the story and the animation makes the underwater world so beautiful to look at, almost every scene in which it is featured is jaw dropping. Finding Nemo is just one of those perfect family films of all ages, and it deserves to be watched and praised for centuries to come.
With a bizzare title like that, you expect at least a modest comedy film, but to me and probably to many other especially, it is both cinematic and comedic gold. Again this is one of those films where where the characters are so distinct, so funny, and so original, and are written so well that the actors are no longer actors anymore, they are dead on the characters. There is the sarcastic, dry humored, and wise cracking Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), the brainiac scientist Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), the optimistic yet childish Ray Stanz (Dan Aykroyd), and the cool and charismatic Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson). You've heard me say it a million times and you will proabably hear me say it several more times on this countdown list is that these characters are timeless! What can I do, I'm a big character guy, I'll all about characters and story. The acting, their comedic timing, and their writing is what makes them really timeless. I think that they are the heart of the very entertaining humor that is present within the film. They say so many memorable as well as quotable catchphrases and one liners, that they are still talked about today. That is where a lot of the great comedy comes from. This film also has some wonderful effects making some of the ghosts seem really practical by using puppets, stop-motion, clay models, and even some good computer effects. Even if some of the effects are a bit outdated, they are still cool to look at and still a lot of the times they seem real. But what I think I enjoy the most out of Ghostbusters is the bizzare yet very entertaining as well as engaging set up. I mean you got grown men exterminating ghosts for a living, they live in this world that is so similar to ours...instead ghosts live in it as well, there is hardly an explanation of why and how these ghosts exists, there is this crazy set up for the main antagonist who is a Sumerian god, and to top it all off a climatic battle to save New York City from a monster bent on destroying the world who is made of marshmallows! That is one hell of a crazy and out there set up for a film, but you know what, they kept it very fun and entertaining. Because it has funny and memorable characters, extremely funny comedy, a bizzare yet entertaining set up, and not forgetting an awesome theme song. Ghostbusters is one of my favorite films simply because, I'll never forget how groundbreakingly bold and funny it is.
#43
Finding Nemo (2003)
What an all around likable and charming film this is. Finding Nemo follows the story of a clownfish named Marlin (Albert Brooks) who loses his son Nemo (Alexander Gould) when he is kidnapped by a scuba diver. Marlin sets out on a journey in the Great Barrier Reef as he is accompanied by an incredibly funny and short-term memory fish named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) to search for his son. The film's comptuer animation is simply GORGEOUS to watch, but what can you expect from the amazing Pixar Animation Studios, whose animation only gets better and better the more films they make? The way fish characters move is very flowing, there are a lot of bright and distinct colors, especially on the characters which makes them easy to tell apart, and the water looks so real that it really feels like you are underwater. The characters are very timeless as Marlin first seems like the typical overprotective father, but due to unfortunate events of the past, you can understand why and any other normal parent would be just as protective as Marlin is over their child. Then there is the absolute show stealer, the fish with short-term memory loss, Dory. Ellen DeGeneres is just AMAZING in this role. She's funny, sweet, optimistic, supportive, and she just seems like an overall fun character to be with. Definitely one of my personal favorites of the countless fun and great Pixar characters that are hard to rank of how likable they are. Then there is also Bruce the Great White Shark and his shark gang, Crush the sea turtle, the dentist office Tank Gang, the seagulls, and many other wonderful, funny, timeless, and overwhelmingly entertaining characters. I also like that there is no real antagonist in the film, the main conflict and focus in the film is Marlin trying to find his son, Nemo, and the doubts he has to face in order to have the faith to know that he is safe. There's the dentist's crazy niece who almost ends up owning Nemo, but to be fair she's just a little girl, and she acts like any other hyperactive little girl. I also like that there characters, for example Bruce the shark and Gil (Wilem Dafoe), seem like threatening and antagonistic characters at first but then are actually friendly and welcoming to the main characters, and surprisingly have their funny moments. That is RARE. It is also one of those family films that has a great amount of good drama as well that successfully balances out with the comedy. The voice acting is one of the best and they surely do give these characters life along with the animation. I also like that this overwhelmingly heartwarming story also tells that the sea is a mysterious and wondrous place. I cannot stress enough how the story and the animation makes the underwater world so beautiful to look at, almost every scene in which it is featured is jaw dropping. Finding Nemo is just one of those perfect family films of all ages, and it deserves to be watched and praised for centuries to come.
GRADE: E
#42
Ghostbusters (1984)
With a bizzare title like that, you expect at least a modest comedy film, but to me and probably to many other especially, it is both cinematic and comedic gold. Again this is one of those films where where the characters are so distinct, so funny, and so original, and are written so well that the actors are no longer actors anymore, they are dead on the characters. There is the sarcastic, dry humored, and wise cracking Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), the brainiac scientist Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), the optimistic yet childish Ray Stanz (Dan Aykroyd), and the cool and charismatic Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson). You've heard me say it a million times and you will proabably hear me say it several more times on this countdown list is that these characters are timeless! What can I do, I'm a big character guy, I'll all about characters and story. The acting, their comedic timing, and their writing is what makes them really timeless. I think that they are the heart of the very entertaining humor that is present within the film. They say so many memorable as well as quotable catchphrases and one liners, that they are still talked about today. That is where a lot of the great comedy comes from. This film also has some wonderful effects making some of the ghosts seem really practical by using puppets, stop-motion, clay models, and even some good computer effects. Even if some of the effects are a bit outdated, they are still cool to look at and still a lot of the times they seem real. But what I think I enjoy the most out of Ghostbusters is the bizzare yet very entertaining as well as engaging set up. I mean you got grown men exterminating ghosts for a living, they live in this world that is so similar to ours...instead ghosts live in it as well, there is hardly an explanation of why and how these ghosts exists, there is this crazy set up for the main antagonist who is a Sumerian god, and to top it all off a climatic battle to save New York City from a monster bent on destroying the world who is made of marshmallows! That is one hell of a crazy and out there set up for a film, but you know what, they kept it very fun and entertaining. Because it has funny and memorable characters, extremely funny comedy, a bizzare yet entertaining set up, and not forgetting an awesome theme song. Ghostbusters is one of my favorite films simply because, I'll never forget how groundbreakingly bold and funny it is.
GRADE: E FULL REVIEW: Ghostbusters Review
#41
Die Hard (1988)
One can one say about Die Hard? Well, I can say that in my opinion it is the best most perfect action film ever made! Why? Because it has everything what makes a great action film work. A great set up for a story, a great hero, a great villain, great dialogue, and of course some unbelievable and off the edge of your seat action scenes. The set up for the story is pure genius. It starts out kind of slow and soft until unexpectedly it pulls you right into the chaos. A plot that seems it took weeks for the villains to plan as well as it seems to be very complicated, happens to have what should be a disappointing twist but actually a simple and if you really think about, a funny little pay off. The character of John McClane (Bruce Willis) is a hardcore New York cop who visits his wife and children in Los Angeles due to his wife working there at a plaza building, until he is caught in the middle of a terrorist attack led by the main villain Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). McClane fights and dodges through Gruber's men, gunfire, explosions, and even shattered glass to ultimately rescue his hostage wife. John McClane is simply a great hero, because even though he is not like normal men, he's the man that every man wants to be and for the right reasons. He's witty, courageous, bold, determined, and he all around has a great, fun, and charming personality. It is so hard not to like this guy. Even if he has to walk barefoot through shattered glass and fight off ruthless terrorist, he will stop at nothing to save his gorgeous and loving wife. That my friends is a true hardcore man and a great husband at that. Simply one of the best cinematic heroes of all time. I know it is against my code to simply like a character just because he or she is plainly awesome, but darn it I gave my reasons! Then there is the villain Hans who is almost as equal of a likable character to McClane in every way, of course the obvious difference is that he is the villain. But who said villains cannot be likable, because Hans Gruber is here prove that they can. Excuse my French, but Alan Rickman FRIGGIN' owns this performance. This guy is Hans Gruber! He may be Severus Snape to some, but to me he will always be Gruber simply because he is Gruber! I cannot stress enough how much I love it when a film can get great actors who have the talent to be totally lost in their roles, and Bruce Wills and Alan Rickman are great examples of that in this film! And if we are going to talk about Die Hard, we might as well talk about the action scenes. Again, what can you say other than that these are THE BEST action you will ever see in an action movie. Not one moment is lacking, not one moment is dull, not one moment makes you bored and constantly look at your watch, it is all so engaging, entertaining, thrilling, and off the edge of your seat. The same can go to the story or even in fact the entire movie. Die Hard is wonderful and action-packed from beginning to end, and to sum it all up just an awesome and perfect action movie, the best!
GRADE: E FULL REVIEW: Die Hard Review
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