A bloody Christmas
Movie posters for Die Hard 1 and 2 as well as Die Hard: With a Vengeance (The Puma Prensa / Henry Miller)
By Henry Miller, Staff Writer
The Die Hard franchise, a series of five total movies released between 1988 and 2013, was a booming success, bringing in over 1.4 billion dollars from box offices. The movies became a staple in American families as Christmas favorites. So how good are they in reality?
Die Hard (1988): 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Starting with the most classic and famous, Die Hard (1988) comes in strong with a score of five stars. The movie follows John McClane's (Bruce Willis) travels to Nakatomi Plaza to visit his wife's place of work. A Christmas party in the tower goes awry when a group of German terrorists barge into the party, taking several hostages. McClane has the task of saving the hostages but must go through several conflicts before doing so.
Actors such as Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman did a fantastic job and portrayed their characters perfectly. Soundtrack composer Michael Kamen, known for composing soundtracks for the Iron Giant and the Lethal Weapon franchise, added to the film with a suspenseful and frightening soundtrack. John McTiernan's directing left viewers scared by the situation. Overall, the movie did an amazing job of keeping viewers engaged with a plot that is interesting, but not too complicated.
Die Hard 2: Die Harder: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Next is Die Hard 2: Die Harder, which is ranked at four stars. This sequel again follows John McClane's troubles with terrorists. As McClane waits for his wife's flight to arrive, terrorists take over the Washington Dulles International Airport, threatening to crash all of the incoming flights unless Ramon Esperanza, a drug lord in custody of the United States, is released.
Once again, brilliant acting came from Bruce Willis, bringing light to this sequel. Besides Willis, the casting wasn't as notable as the first film in the franchise. Another remarkable soundtrack was heard, again composed by Michael Kamen. The plot was appealing and chilling, but lacked a main central villain like the first film had with Alan Rickman. In a way, this movie had a more emotional aspect to it because his wife's life was specifically in danger, with her plane having the risk of being intercepted and crashed. All in all, this movie was an impressive sequel, but was missing some elements that the first movie in the franchise contained.
Die Hard with a Vengeance: 🌟🌟🌟
Die Hard with a Vengeance takes its place as the third film in the Die Hard franchise, scoring three stars. Divorced and jobless John McClane is summoned by the department to solve a sick game of "Simon Says," arranged by terrorist Simon Gruber.
Just like the first movie and its sequel, Die Hard with a Vengeance has great acting from Bruce Willis and from his sidekick on the mission, Zeus, played by Samuel L. Jackson. Michael Kamen composed another well-fitting soundtrack, tying the movie together. All in all, the film had an interesting plot, but the directing wasn't executed properly.
Whether you're looking for a Christmas movie or a suspenseful one, the Die Hard movies have got you covered. Add these to your Christmas movie watchlist and you won't be disappointed!