An undisputed classic. (SPOILERS)

Rating: 10/10 (26 April 2001)

The best of the trilogy (although "DHWAV" is also great), "Die Hard" succeeds because its characters all seem like real people; as opposed to indestructible superheros and moustache-twirling villains. John MClane has an argument with his wife just before all hell breaks loose, but we don't lose sympathy with him even though he's a bit of a jerk, and the scene where he tells Al Powell to give a message to Holly is extraordinarily touching. Time has obviously been spent on the script so it's not just a ragtag collection of one-liners (There are a few priceless ones in there, though) This has a great effect on the viewer because it gives us an actual story rather than a string of setpieces.
I don't need to go on about the performance of Bruce Willis. He IS John MClane. He's also a very under-rated actor who just happens to have been in his share of clunkers. Rickman is superb as the nefarious bad guy Hans Gruber; at times he seems like he's chewing the scenery (when the script calls for it) but at other times he's the perfect example of underplayed menace. Others of note are Paul Gleason ("The Breakfast Club") and Hart Bochner as the slimy Ellis. Particularly good on the side of the terrorists is Alexander Godunov. One of my favourite scenes is the almost climactic fight between McClane and Karl. You really believe that they hate each other as Willis spits out: "You shoulda heard your brother squeal when I broke his f***in neck!"
One of the best things about this film is that just when you think a certain scene can't be topped for pure excitement; McTiernan unleashes the next rocket from his arsenal and you are blown away once again. The last 10 minutes or so (starting from when McClane gets onto the roof) are a delirious whirl of spectacular stunts. This truly is one action ride you'll never forget. Show me a better Hollywood action film and I'll call you a liar... It just doesn't get better than this.