Drugs, sex, cars? No, just McClain, his gun, and a whole lot of terrorists.

Rating: 10/10 (7 November 2009)

What can I say, this movie had me rooted to the spot. I couldn't even pause it to go to the bathroom, I had to hold it in. I can definitely say, I enjoyed this movie... a lot.
It starts off with off-duty New York cop, John McClain (Bruce Willis), going to LA to spend Christmas with his family. He arrives and is driven to Nakatomi Plaza, the building where his wife works. However, his desired break turns into a no-holds barred action thriller when a group of terrorists take over the building holding thirty people hostage. There was only one person they didn't round up - McClain. It's now McClain's job to thwart these terrorists, save the hostages and save his wife.
One of the most notable aspects of this movie is that fact that McClain isn't some 'super-cop'. He's just a normal guy with normal problems, he's slightly balding, having problems with his wife and doesn't have the best luck in the world. However, after watching to movie, you have to love him.
And then there is Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). He is only seen firing a gun twice throughout the full movie, but he still remains a guy you definitely don't want to cross. Rickman has done an excellent job here and this is definitely one of his career defining roles. These days he's known for playing 'Snape' from the Harry Potter film series. Before that, if you've heard of him, chances are it's from Die Hard.
This movie contains a lot of action. Lot's of fighting; hand to hand, with guns, and even explosives. But for some reason it isn't too over- the-top. Although the amount of violence is very high it never becomes so unbelievable that you could mistake it for Batman. Okay, the scene where Bruce Willis jumps off the building and crashes back in through the window several floors down isn't likely. But it is possible and it does make you sit there watching the movie with your mouth open in amazement.
Personally, I find I can relate to McClain. Okay, maybe not all the action, but his comments and the way everything doesn't go right for him in life. That makes me relate to it and that fact I loved!
If you're a fan of action/crime movies and you haven't seen this then I'll be surprised... And I'll also tell you to get out right now, buy it on DVD, and watch it ASAP! This is a movie you WON'T regret watching. And if you're a true action fan, you'll agree.