When is a Die Hard movie not a Die Hard movie? Bruce Willis is back in
action as John McClane, the heroic New York cop with a knack for being in the
wrong place at the wrong time. Or at least, that’s how the story is supposed to
go. Over the course of five movies John McClane has suffered the same fate as
Lethal Weapon’s Martin Riggs, almost in reverse. We fell in love with Riggs
because he was vulnerable, edgy and teetering on the brink. He was also a smart
ass. By the end of part four Riggs was a family man, a comedy sidekick and a
lot less interesting.
John McClane has always been endearing because he’s human, vulnerable,
flawed and deeply compelling. He’s also a smart ass. A Good Day to Die Hard
pitches McClane as a superhero, indestructible, inhuman and incredibly grouchy.
The sparkle has gone, but what do you expect from a guy who’s saved the world
four times over and still works in the police force? Alas, fans of the Die Hard
series will struggle to make any connection between this and the previous films
(even 4.0 had some decent wisecracks), and as much as it pains me to say it,
you’re much better off viewing part five as a standalone action picture.
In which case, A Good Day to Die Hard is a spectacular movie that throws
logic and reason out of the nearest skyscraper window. After some very brief
introductions Willis is back to what he does best, stirring up a storm in
Moscow, taking part in one of the most ridiculous car chases ever committed to
film. The body count is astronomical; I mean really, the devastation it causes
would put Michael Bay to shame. Willis shouts at pedestrians as they get in his
way, apologising profoundly as he drives over vehicles, destroys a highway and
kills thousands of tourists in nonchalant fashion. It’s big, dumb fun. A little
insensitive, maybe, but I loved every minute.
Willis hooks up with his estranged son and for a while they’re both angry at
each other. They argue, they fight, they beat the shit out of global terrorists
and destroy a few helicopters along the way. Then they reminisce, find a
connection, beat the shit out of some more global terrorists and fall through a
lot of exploding buildings. It's 96 minutes of non-stop action, disengaging for
sure, but fantastically entertaining if you take it at surface value. John
Moore knows how to direct action and he orchestrates the chaos with blind
efficiency, which is actually a compliment because there’s little else to
recommend about this routine action thriller.
If you’re hoping for the latest Die Hard movie you’re in for a night of
disillusionment and disappointment. At least Holly gets a mention, even if
Lucy's scene - glimpsed in the trailer - is mysteriously absent. A Good Day to
Die Hard forgets everything that made the series so special in the first place,
namely John McClane, memorable support, witty one-liners and celebrated
villainy. I would’ve settled for Christmastime. Approach it as a standalone
action movie and there’s fun to be had, not least in the blatant disregard for
tall buildings, highway maintenance and human life.
“Come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few
laughs…” Just don’t expect John McClane. He’s probably back home watching Roy
Rogers and ordering pizza. AW
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