Retro popcorn movie that works

Rating: 7/10 (4 July 2007)

"Live Free or Die Hard" (or simply "Die hard 4.0" as released locally) used to be what summer escapism is about before CGI took over and film marketers targeted younger audiences more. Len Wiseman, director of the two "Underworld" films, in all his fashionable tendencies and mannerisms, seems an awkward choice to helm a movie that's geared on nostalgia. Still, Bruce Willis still brings a commanding presence as John McClane even as the ridiculous action scenes and stunts satisfy.
Willis gets into the wrong place at the wrong time after 12 years as McClane when the FBI orders him to bring in computer hacker Matt Farrell (Justin Long) for questioning after someone hacked into the organization's computer systems. But something more is at stake, because the real threat lies in the hands of Thomas Gabriel (Timothy Olyphant), a vengeful computer expert, who uses the flaws of the US' system to his advantage. To make matters worse, Gabriel takes McClane's daughter Lucy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) hostage.
Despite the silliness of the plot and the preposterous stunts, everything comes natural in the sense that it takes not much to suspend disbelief. The motivation is well-defined and the idea to blend retrospection with modern day technology works. Expertly shot and paced, McClane is also supported by solid performances from Olyphant, Long, Winstead and Maggie Q. Kevin Smith does well in a small role.
"Die Hard 4.0" is smart enough not to take itself seriously and it gets you going for McClane even when he improbably dodges from the bullets and outrageously walk away from all those crashes and falls with just scratches. It's a summer popcorn movie that delivers - it's bloated, it's silly and it's fun.