Loud, explosive overkill is the order of the day

Rating: 7/10 (15 February 2008)

Sergeant John McLane gets his first chance to strut his stuff on home turf with this second sequel which heralds in a new setting whilst returning a familiar foe, of sorts. Original director John McTiernan (who was noticeably absent for "Die Harder : Die Hard II") brings back much of the feel of the first adventure by styling this film on that 1988 box office sensation. Only this time, he doesn't keep us waiting for the action to begin.
"Die Hard 3" opens with a bang and doesn't let up until Bruce Willis has capped the very last of the nasties. Suitably, and familiarly, tang topped and bloodied, Mr. Willis supplies the audience with plenty of grunts, sweat and one-liners to wholly entertain, all the while being backed up by reluctant side-kick Samuel L. Jackson, who appears to thoroughly enjoy this departure. Now there's an actor you couldn't begin to classify. Also most enjoyable is fine English actor Jeremy Irons, who makes a great villain as Simon Peter Gruber. A shame though that he didn't have enough meat to chew on, and a shame too that we don't see the talented Bonnie Bedelia (John's estranged wife Holly) at all. Musically, Michael Kamen again supplies the fitting soundtrack, which incorporates various themes very deftly.
There is enough substance in the plot to sustain a fairly undemanding audience, but this is an action movie so, thinking should not be a prerequisite to enjoyment. Of course, if outrageous stunts, violent gunplay, spectacular special f/x, brilliant sound, a high body count and plenty of gore (not to mention bad guys that can't shoot straight - what other kind are there?) is not your scene, then you'd better go see "While You Were Sleeping" instead! Loud, explosive overkill is the order of the day.
Sunday, June 11, 1995 - Belgrave Cinemas