Die Hard with a Vengeance

Die Hard with a Vengeance is the best action movie of all time. It is an absolute masterclass in camerawork, editing and narrative that was made long before everyone was drooling over these things in some Bourne movie. To wonder over the fact that the bad guys’ plans somehow work out too smoothly or that McClane's indestructibility makes him look like a superhero is akin to pondering the calorie count of Erhart cakes. This is pure filmmaking perfection, two hours packed with enough material for at least three movies and the essence of 1990s genre filmmaking turned up way past eleven. That’s not even to mention the fact that a film of such scope, with so many real New York locations imbued with action, could never be made again. Willis may have had a more essential part in The Last Boy Scout and a more nuanced performance in 12 Monkeys, but here he is given the ideal partner in Samuel L. Jackson to help polish his iconic damaged cop to archetypal perfection. And seeing it at the cinema on the big screen was a dream come true. (08/31/2021)

McTiernan’s return to the series paid off. Part three is at last a bit different, presented differently. Less action, but when it happens, it is well worth the wait. Willis still reels out cynical snappy lines and at last has a good partner. The idea with the various tasks to be performed works excellently here. Although Irons’ villain has a little room for improvement, at least he isn’t absolutely terrible. The only significant minus of part three is the weak ending which is not at all fitting for this still above-average action series. (03/16/2022)

I enjoyed it just as much as the second one, mainly because we are returning to the events of the first movie. Jeremy Irons could easily be the film brother of Alan Rickman, both are excellent villains. The city, which is a much bigger playground, suits John and he knows how to maneuver here. Samuel L. Jackson is a good sidekick. (04/15/2014)

"Simon's going to tell Lt. McClane what to do, and Lt. McClane is going to do it." Unlike the first two, Die Hard With a Vengeance isn’t set at Christmas time and, after Los Angeles and Washington, tries its luck in New York. The position of director was taken up again by the tried and tested maker of part one, John McTiernan and, instead of being cooped up in a skyscraper, this time we career around one of the largest cities in the USA. The story harks slightly back to part one, but in a completely different style than to what we were used to in previous Die Hards. Even Willis’ McClane is more like Joe Hallenbeck from The Last Boy Scout. And we also have Sam Jackson, who is excellent as McClane’s involuntary partner. Plus, the original dubbing on the VHS is almost as perfect as the dubbing of the cult Pulp Fiction and wisecracks are reeled out left right and center. (07/14/2006)

An absolutely thrilling ride! I never thought the Die Hard franchise could top its original, but boy, was I wrong. This one had me hooked even more. Die Hard 3 returns to its roots with John McTiernan back in the director's chair, and it was the perfect move. The film doesn't waste any time – it starts with an incredible pace and keeps it up for the entire two hours. Bruce Willis is still in top form, and he's brilliantly paired with Samuel L. Jackson, who unwillingly becomes his sidekick against the terrorists. Unlike the previous films where McClane mostly flies solo, adding a partner was a refreshing twist, especially when that partner is none other than the "Bad Motherfucker" himself, Samuel L. Jackson. He really elevates the film. The chemistry between McClane and Zeus is spot-on, with both characters delivering legendary one-liners while solving riddles and completing tasks to prevent chaos. I thoroughly enjoyed Die Hard with a Vengeance. There's nothing negative I can say about it. Everything works perfectly. (01/08/2020)