It may seem like ludicrous pulp cinema to most people but in reality it is one of the more influential Hollywood movies of all time. This redesigned the action film template and gave the genre a well needed shot in the arm.

The story is a lesson in simplicity, haggard cop John McClane goes to visit his estranged wife in a downtown skyscraper. Just after he enters the building it is taken over by a gang of international terrorists. McClane, trapped inside must fight the terrorists in order to save his wife who has been taken hostage. The script by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza is almost perfect in its execution. It is a taut, clean script and is a must read for anyone looking to write their own screenplay.

Bruce Willis was a household name by this time in his career thanks to his work on the show Moonlighting. This film cut him as an action hero and formed the rest of his career. His snide reading of the role gave the film the sarcastic personality that kept the movie from being taken too seriously.

Even if you've seen this before, it's worth pulling out and watching again. It has dated surprisingly well.


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Labels: Alan Rickman, Bruce Willis, classic, film, movie review