John McClane is back

Rating: 8/10 (3 July 2020)

Die Hard should have had been a one-off film, but it ended up being a successful franchise, as well as spawning a load of copycats. Die Hard 2 was both a sequel and a copycat by being Die Hard in an airport. Fortunately there was enough self-awareness in the script and the formula was changed just enough because John McClane was able to work with other characters. This sequel was a product of its time because story was influenced by the War on Drugs, the Iran-Contra affair, and American backing of military regimes in Latin America.
Whilst Die Hard 2 doesn't match up to the first film it is still an entertaining action-thriller in its own right. Considering the state of modern action/blockbuster films Die Hard 2 is refreshing because of its violence, swearing, and use of practical effects.