Die Hard (1988)
All I want for Christmas is an action blockbuster.
Presentation:
This holiday blockbuster is quite similar in anamorphic presentation to Heat with slick thieves in suits taking on a complex heist. However, this film is less slick in the presentation with the film mostly being from Bruce Willis’ point of view. This makes the film more emotional and I think overall makes it a better film today as it never takes itself as seriously as Heat. Alan Rickman is a really fun villain and mostly steals the show, but the film never has as much gravitas, which can be seen as a positive thing. The acting and dialogue is a bit campy and there are a few cheesy scenes, but considering it’s a Christmas movie it’s totally acceptable. Has a ton of lightness to it like Home Alone, even if there is blood and violence. The action is decent for today’s standards, though not as kinetic or adventurous as Live Free or Die Hard, which is my favorite in the series.
Conclusion:
If you aren’t expecting a serious plot, this action flick entertains and keeps your attention even with its older sensibilities. There are of course many holes and eye-rolling inconsistencies in logic you should expect in the early blockbuster age, but it shouldn’t warrant serious criticism when it’s clearly meant to be a guilty pleasure flick for mindless action. Yippie Ki-Yay!
Recommendations
Heist meets circus sideshow.