Die Hard Action Extreme

Rating: 6/10 (6 January 2009)

For action unrelenting a vote of 8/10. But for a film for those who like a story of human breadth, like me, then only 4/10. Die Hard 4 repeats the warning, repeated during the last 15 years or so of the vulnerability of a society dependent too much on computer information systems. Thus, if any societal computer system crashes to politicians surprise one will have to conclude that they never learnt from all the Hollywood films warning them of the risques. Die Hard 4 slams the vulnerability issue really hard into those responsible for national security. The film makes a quick direct reference to FEMA/US Administration and its failure to handle the New Orleans Katrina disaster! Another issue in the film is the Big Brother surveillance of private people that is increasing rapidly in the US. So Die Hard 4 offers nothing substantially new. It reemphasizes the problems with more exasperation and fear. No need to think anew, just sit back and admire the pyro-technics of Hollywood's creativity. Computer games and internet amusements appear to be the food for thought for an increasing share of the population. Maybe this increasing public don't care much for political issues nor have time to understand world events - though this public likes to comment in blogs, etc. Unfortunately American security efforts abroad, repeat abroad, seem way behind what one should expect from the professionalism of Hollywood on security actions films. Die Hard 4 is also a warning to the US Government: reliance on super technology fails against mans ingenuity on the ground. Witness Afghan fighters in 2008 proving a match for American super military technology - like Bruce Willis surviving the onslaught of the latest super US Air Force fighter attack! Therefore, Die Hard 4 has an important political message. Bruce Willis and company all act exceptionally well. The computer boys are faultless. No other country can compete in this genre.