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December 05, 2007

Live Free or Die Hard - 4

Using an interesting essay from Wired Magazine by John Carlin as the basis for the plot actually makes this film more interesting. But the film sticks to it formula of explosions and death defying feats by our all-American hero, Bruce Willis- I mean, Detective John McClane. Computer hackers have attacked all of America's infrastructure on the 4th of July weekend. Their motivation? Revenge, honor, and greed. Thomas Gabriel, a former government consultant for terrorism, wants to show his old bosses how right he was by enacting a threat that he was trying to help everyone avoid. McClane is then recruited (falls in) to protect Matthew Farrell (Justin Long), a hacker who could potentially help solve the problems that are wreaking havoc. The plot hovers in the background as the action sequences just keep coming at you with many outrageous, but very cool, machines as they chase, shoot and try to destroy each other. An entertaining film, but unfortunately it avoids letting the story idea develop into a thoughtful film.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The first critique I have read of yours...sounds good. I mean your analysis, not the movie. Although a 4 out of 7 is not too bad. tanya

Anonymous said...

Honestly, this was the most entertaining movies I've seen in years. I'm a big fan of the original Die Hard, and to say this is the second best in the series is a compliment. (Die Hard with a Vengeance gets minor props for casting former CCM artist/former T-Bone Burnett spouse Sam Phillips as a killer, though). I do agree, Greg, that there really isn't much to the plot. I think the chemistry and dialogue between Willis/Long is indelible, especially some of the 'deeper' conversations they have. It's not a meaty movie, but as far as well-made popcorn films, this is one of the best of the 2000s.