One of the coolest characters ever seen on the screen makes a very successful and satisfying comeback

Rating: 7/10 (31 July 2007)

I went to see the newest installment of the Die Hard series in the cinemas a while back and to be honest I pretty much got what I wanted, so I was very pleased on the overall result the movie had to offer. I was so glad that it didn't suck. First of all, the plot is rather cheesy or at some parts it is, so it's nothing that great but despite that it has a good catch which involves a couple of great twists here and there. When an internet-based terrorist organization attacks the United States by first hacking into the computers at the FBI's Cyber Crime Division to bring down the whole computer and technological structure that supports the economy of the country, no other man than the legendary John McClane has to take them on and bring justice to the world once again. With help of a hacker he fights against the organization through the cyber world and the real world. Sure, it is corny, but it sure is entertaining as well. Blood won't be spared.
After twelve years one of the coolest characters ever seen on the big screen hits back to us and by the outstanding essence of Bruce Willis it is done with style. Undeniably the best thing this movie has to offer is Bruce Willis as John McClane, no other actor could do the same as Willis does. The first time I saw Willis on the screen I felt like applauding, insanely clapping my hands together, that's just how cool he still is. When things naturally go over the top you just realise saying to yourself "No other than John McClane. It's John McClane, it's possible" I'm pretty convinced when I say that the hardcore Die Hard fans won't be disappointed, as John McClane still is as cool as he was twelve years ago. Although Bruce Willis is already 52 years old he still kicks ass and when he does it with such credibility you just have to appreciate that. That famous two thumbs up takes place once again. Despite the fact of Willis being the true heart and soul of this movie, the other cast does a pretty flawless job as well. Timothy Olyphant is a spot on pick as the main villain, as having those fierce eyes he does what an evil character should. Even Justin Long is convincing as Matt Farrell, the hacker, as he wasn't even near the annoy level I was expecting. Overall the cast is picked out well and there's not much to complain when it comes to role performances.
The film is throughout a celebration of guaranteed quality action, they don't seem to make action movies like these anymore. The real essence of the old Die Hard's have remained - What those movies were all about and how the almost superhero like but realistic main character affected people, not forgetting the absolute punchlines of John McClane. When the movie has its cliché moments the writers have replaced those moments with the sarcasm of McClane who kind of saves that entire over the top -theme the movie has, clever I'd say. The action scenes are all in all simply mind blowing and the entertain level I was looking for was more than filled. As a movie having so much action; Gun shots, explosions, car chases, fist fights, everything imaginable, it's a must-see for every action fan there is. I went to see the movie with my brother and I remember asking him how many times there will be a moment in the movie where you have to say "Yeah, awesome" My brother bet on seven times and I bet on ten times. Even the ten times were probably exceeded. That is how awesome the movie is.
"Die Hard 4.0" is one of the best action movies I've seen in a while. It offers the viewer a thrilling ride throughout, action packed sequences and most importantly John McClane, who makes an outstanding comeback to the big screen without the movie being just a lame sequel. When I heard that the director was Len Wiseman I was kind of afraid that the movie wouldn't stand out in any way, though Len Wiseman's previous "Underworld" -movies have been well crafted out when it came to the action scenes. I didn't like the actual movies though, but as I said, the action parts had potential. I'm glad that Wiseman did a satisfying job as the director. Though this probably final part of the Die Hard series is corny, it actually stays in a pretty tight package throughout and it doesn't lose the pieces as you could have imagined. You'll have a smile on your face, if not because of the absolutely hilarious punchlines by McClane then just because of the fact that you're watching a Die Hard -movie, a fresh new one. Live Free.. or Die Hard.