Hot time to die in the city

Rating: 10/10 (19 December 2019)

This is my second favorite in the series and another one of my favorite action films of all time.
I really love the plotline, as usual with the Die Hard films it feels plausible, from the way it's handled whose to say no criminal organization had this in the back of their mind. It's true a bit of the scheme isn't too different but nothing wrong with that, what really matters is in its execution as an old saying goes if it's not broke don't fix it.
Though it's also true that some parts are a little comic bookish but that's not a bad thing as it reminds us that despite the "Die Hard" franchise being down to Earth it's still a movie. Though I'm a little surprised that this plotline wasn't used in the "Batman" film franchise as this feels like the kind of scheme "The Riddler" would do, maybe in the future they'll consider it. On a side note this plotline was going to be for another "Lethal Weapon" sequel which might have been interesting but I'm glad all the same this was in the "Die Hard" franchise.
Really like the setting of the film from the fact that it's set in New York this time which makes sense as it's McClane's hometown and his career's there. Also, the fact this time the film takes place in the summer time and not Christmas, which I'm fine with didn't want things to feel too formulaic. Also, both New York and summer time is fitting for this film, despite summer being a time for vacation, rest and relaxation, it can also be the most stressful time of the year. From not just the heat but crime which spikes up even faster than the heat during that time most notably in the big cities which of course makes New York the perfect arena.
Music is good, like the use of the sone "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" which ironically fit in both ways, but mainly the song "Summer in the City" as the theme song for the film which fits like a glove for this film. I'll admit ever time I hear that oldie but goodie, I always think about this film.
Characters are great there is a colorful cast, from the main villain Simon Grubber played by one of my favorite actors Jeremy Irons and this is one of my favorite roles from him. He's another villain on my honorable mention of favorite fictional villains but my second favorite main villain in the "Die Hard" franchise.
I really bought him as Hans Grubber's brother Simon whom just like Hans has the same aims as him but also there are slight differences that set him apart. Like the fact he's not a ruthless as Hans however just like his brother he's just as much a skilled chess player as he's a step or two ahead and doesn't let everyone on all his scheme. He's not as ruthless as Hans but he's not afraid to take anyone out that gets in the way and tries to ruin his plans.
Really like his German accent which sounds sharp, well mannered and sinister. The guy runs his scheme in a sort of military fashion as he has a well-coordinated operation and well thought out plan he is executing at the right places at the right times. But what I really like about him is that he's sort of a cat that likes to play with his food, as he is constantly giving John several challenges to the point where if the challenges don't kill John he will.
Zeus played well by one of my favorite actors Samuel L Jackson. This film was one of the films that helped put him on the map and it was a good choice. I really love his character as it's pretty much Sam sort of being Sam.
His character and John have one thing in common as he's a reluctant hero that really didn't ask to do any hero work but he sigh's, grits his teeth a little and does it anyway as no one else can or will which is understandable as stopping bombs isn't on my to do list either or any other sane person's list. Another common thing is both have charisma, but Zeus's charisma is different as his is more of a tough aggressive attitude, where he doesn't take crap from anyone, one scene I like is when he shoos a suit jerk away from the phone when that guy makes a small offensive comment; yeah serves that jerk right.
Though we see Zeus has a slight Achilles heel as he has prejudicial slightly antisocial attitudes, though this doesn't deter from his humanity as he doesn't wear these attitudes like a badge which is why we can forgive him for it as we understand where he's coming from, much like with Archie Bunker in "All in the Family" but that's a different story. And this whole debacle you can say was one hell of a way for Zeus to learn to get along as prejudice would be the killer.
And of course, John McClane played well by Bruce Willis. As usual John is himself as he is the usual reluctant hero that really doesn't want to do this but must as he's forced once more to play the game.
However, we see John is in a bad place in his life right now as you see from the beginning he looks and feels like crap. From getting suspended for who knows what we never really know but whatever it was it wasn't good. His marriage is on the rocks again though this time it's bad. And he of course throughout a bit of the film he's had a bit of a bad hangover, as he's had more than he can handle yesterday. And of course not any closer to winning the Lotery.Which in a way makes some of John's plight sort of his slight journey to redemption and the terrorist attack seems to be one hell of a start on that road and let alone with his current personal situation, what the hell else is he going to do.
The film by its nature is sort of a buddy cop movie as we see both John and Zeus are on the fence with each other. The back and forth between both is just great. Both we see really clash with one another and don't get along too well. Yet both do work well together and as the film goes further alone, we see both slowly but surely get along as those clashing attitudes start to cool down along with Pete's plans as they both get closer.
The humor is great, it hits in the right places and times and is memorable. There are just so many fun moments between both McClaine and Zeus. Like seeing both in a cab going though the park and then in a dialog scene Zeus says, "Are you aiming for these people" and McClaine says, "No, well maybe that mime." That always makes me snicker. Or even seeing both McClaine and Zeus jack bikes from juvenile shoplifters, all I can say to those shoplifters is serves them right.
The action is great the film plays out like a live action video game as we see both McClaine and Zeus just constantly on the move, having to get from point A, B, C and so on. And we they are doing it any way they can and have a whole city to work with which sort of reminds me of the "Grand Theft Auto" video games well sort of and this film was years before those games.
The suspense really excels from both the physical challenges that McClane and Zeus must get through but also there thought provoking at the same time with he riddles that Peter serves both of them. Though if your good with riddles you might easily be able to solve them before the protagonists do as we know the solution to riddles is simple, they just don't seem that way as first.
There is as usual that double layered suspense as we see Peter and his villain army are conducting their theft operation. We are a step ahead of McClaine and Zeus and are hoping both will not just play though Peter's game and survive but also along the way catch on to Pete's true plan and get a step ahead of him. And we also need both McClaine and Zeus to help us fill in the blanks on some other parts of Pete's plan he hasn't let us in on.
The only dud the film has for me is McClaine I don't feel gets to kick a lot of ass in this film. Ok, yeah, he does but I mean there aren't really that many physical confrontations. Would have liked to of seen at least one or two intense shootouts or even another kind of chase where McClane he must chase down some of the dump trucks with the gold trying to escape and their shooting at him and he shoots back.
But this is just a very tiny dud, as McClaine in the film does have some physical confrontations where he gets to kick some ass, so some is better than none. And due to the films pacing and seeing both McClaine and Zeus constantly on the move doing things I hardly noticed so I really can't complain much.
This entry to the series is a hot actioner with a vengeance.
Rating: 4 stars