Fox takes an older hero and gives it that 24 spin, result - a sequel up there with Bourne

Rating: 8/10 (1 November 2007)

I watched the UK preview of Live Free or Die Hard/Die Hard 4.0 on 4 July to get ahead of the crowds and I really enjoyed its old-school, slam-bang action. Unlike any of the other long-in-tooth sequels this summer (Shrek/Spider-Man/Pirates), Die Hard 4's editing was good enough that I wasn't bored and the movie didn't drag in spite of its length. It's the best translation of 24's atmosphere to film since MI-III last year but with a lead character you can care about and root for - Willis manages to sympathise with his/the character's age and burnout and the need for the sidekick to be computer-literate for him to stand a chance.
It's a less claustrophobic and contained action film than the first two DH movies which, by definition, couldn't go anywhere but the one location. Also, the A-plot could happen, further linking in with 24 from the same firm. I liked how they injected a kind of embittered, older,even meaner Jack Bauer into John McClane's character, the whole chaos-causing plot reminded me of 24 before it snapped back into Die Hard with the set-piece action that basically ramps up from five minutes in and doesn't stop until the end. Unlike Die Hard with a Vengeance it's not a completely abrupt full stop that implies almost going bust on the budget. The two female characters aren't window dressing and the first of the two chase scenes involving differently matched vehicles is the best stunt work I've seen since Tomorrow Never Dies (but it will have been spoilt by any trailer).
12 years between the third and fourth movies have only resulted in quality. It's fast, funny with a good cameo, the snappy one-liners you expect which hit more often than they miss and I will see it again. It was the best action I'd watched in summer 2007 before The Bourne Ultimatum arrived in the UK five weeks later. Can't wait to buy this on DVD.
My Sole criticism? Critics may whine because it's unashamedly aimed at men in spite of those two strong female roles. After 12 years and three other films you know whether you like Die Hard or not, but if you preferred 24, then still give Live Free or Die Hard a try, whether it's the cinematic or rumoured unrated cut.