It works!

Rating: 8/10 (5 November 2009)

I was surprised, to be frank, because I thought as some others clearly believe that this would be a sequel too many. However, it works. Perhaps it works best because there was such a big break between DH3 and this newest entrant. The world has moved on, but JM obviously has not, his previous exploits clearly mean nothing to a new generation who has never even heard of him. The theme is the same but this is now the age of technology and JM is as out of step with the latest technology as he is with his relationships. Thus he wreaks havoc with the plans of these junior villains, because he has already sidestepped their plans; and for him it is a simple choice of good and evil. JM's motivation is always crystal clear. He is out of step with life, in a world he no longer truly understands, he's lost everything, wife, family, he's barely connecting with his daughter. The heroism he's displayed as a cop has done nothing for him. But he still represents the forces of good, to keep order in an uncivilised world, and he does what he can with what he's got to keep that order going. He is the unstoppable force for which the terrorists have not planned, which they cannot understand, and who will ultimately prove their nemesis. Bruce Willis is pitch perfect in this role. Justin Long is suitably squirrelly as the nervous hacker who discovers his own courage. The pacing was good and the villains bad. What more can you ask for?