'Strays from the definition of Die Hard...'

Rating: 6/10 (6 May 2008)

Inflated with the glory of Die Hard, the writers of Die Hard 2 may have got carried away with themselves. The plot of the sequel seems to try and over-complicate itself too much, with extravagant twists and turns. This alone seems to make the film stray from the definition of Die Hard: immense explosions, one man against all odds with only the manliest of manliness on his side. Perhaps Die Hard 2 has deliberately moved away from the meaningless action of Die Hard, and if so this presents the film in an even worse light. There are too many cross-references, too many quick 'try-hard' lines throughout the film. Willis seems to play the only redeeming character, with the obvious family twist being all the more predictable. The script never seems to take-off let alone taxi from the terminal, as the structure is loose and flounders confusedly.
Yet, there seems to still be some odd sense of satisfaction at the amount of carnage. The explosions are bigger, the action is hard and John McClane's victims do, indeed, Die Harder! For those wanting to sit back and be entertained for an hour and a half this would suffice. McClane racks up another huge body count and the action never seems to stop.
However, this does not seem to be a true Die Hard film. There is too much 'plot focus' too little grit, grime and guts; and isn't that what Die Hard is about, the manliest manliness. Not a film to watch over others, in my book anyway, a film to watch immediately after Die Hard, or part of a return to the Die Hard series.