Well, a storm hit the UK today knocking my Internet out, and given my entire physical media collection (and player) are still boxed up due to a recent move I was stuck watching live TV tonight. And I timed it perfectly to catch ‘Die Hard’
Honestly not much to say that hasn’t been said already, it’s a much loved action thriller that’s deservedly praised for having a nice level of self awareness and charisma about itself, without fully going all in on the tropes that defined 80s action movies.
Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman absolutely delight across the runtime, it looks great, it’s written well, and the supporting cast understand the assignment.
The only solid criticism I have for it, is the first act is a bit lumpy and slow going. Great moments, just unevenly paced and it falters a bit until the heist actually starts going. But from there on in, it becomes a riot…quite literally.
As for the debate as to whether its a Christmas film or not? I’m honestly still on the fence. It’s a film that relishes the fact its a film set on Christmas eve and embraces Christmas music and the day itself for self aware snarkery (which is very much appreciated) however, the core themes and values one would associate with a ‘christmas’ movies are absolutely absent. If it wasn’t for the film itself reminding the audience that the film took place around christmas time, we’d really be non the wiser.
My gut tells me this is an unconventional christmas movie, but it IS a christmas movie…that being said, you won’t find it in MY top 5 christmas films anytime soon because of its lack of actual festivities barring puns, graffiti and a few choice needle drops…you guys do what you want is where I’m at with this one.
Great film, would recommend catching at least once. Yippie kai yay
TYTD Reviews 