Arrogant and incompetent jerks...SPOILERS included

Rating: Null/10 (19 August 2004)

It is hard to believe that it has been 16 years since this great movie first came out and it is still one of my favorites. However, it is one of my favorites, NOT because of the action sequences and explosions, etc. It is a favorite because the writer wanted to make a strong statement about the adverse results of arrogant and incompetent jerks in positions of authority.
I can start with the hotshot executive, Harry Ellis, who upon his introduction to John McClane is consuming the stereotypical executives' 80's drug of choice, right on the desk top. He quickly shows off Holly's (John's estranged wife) watch to John and comments with an arrogant tone..."it's a Rolex". Then we have the 911 operator who assumes that John's phone call is a hoax. Move on to Deputy Police Chief Dwayne T. Robinson who wants everyone one to know that he is the man "in charge". He patronizes and ridicules Sgt. Al Powell's (the co-hero) intuition and wisdom and calls in the SWAT team commander, another man "in charge", who has to send in his "R.V". "Now you ask for a miracle....I give you the FBI", as head terrorist Gruber says, with FBI agent Johnson and FBI "special" agent Johnson who quickly tell Deputy Robinson that THEY are now "in charge". So they "follow the anti-terrorist playbook step by step" which happens to cause the unlocking of the electro-magnetic seal...which happens to be the last obstacle for the safe that Gruber and friends are breaking into. And last but not least, I must mention the desperate reporter who goes as far as going to McClane's home and interviewing the children live on the air...of course the terrorists have the television on and........JERK!!!
This is NOT an action thriller. That is a disguise to sell tickets. In my opinion, this is a cleverly written, soul-searching drama which must make you wonder if you are one of the jerks in the movie and have any of your decisions adversely affected others. If so, hopefully you realize your flaws and save the day. THIS MOVIE IS A CLASSIC