Willis, Jackson, Irons, Greene, Camp. Can it get any better than this ?

Rating: 8/10 (20 October 2001)

Although this has been billed as 'Die Hard 3' this film can stand alone from the other two predecessors. Bruce Willis is back again as maverick cop John McClane. He is summoned back on duty (he was suspended because of his drinking - due to his divorce) because 'simple Simon' (Jeremy Irons) requests that McClane solve some dangerous riddles or New York schools will be blown up. Samuel L Jackson (as a citizen) is an unwitting accomplice to McClane as they run around New York trying to outwit the maniac Irons. Graham Greene (Dances With Wolves) and Colleen Camp (They All Laughed, Greedy, Wayne's World) are brilliant in support as Willis's cop mates trying to find the bomb while Willis & Jackson chase after Irons.
Willis gives his best performance in this series (he won't be better until 'The Sixth Sense'). Jackson, as always, gives nuance to a type-cast role. Irons supplies a ridiculous German accent. Greene (a most under-rated actor) lends a balance to the heroics in the film and character actress Colleen Camp is inspiringly cast in a dramatic role. She handles the macho elements in the film well. Her best line comes when Greene asks 'Who wants to blow up a mall'? - "Ever see a woman miss a shoe sale"? Very Recommended! ******** (8) 1/2 stars.