Live Free or Die Hard
Image courtesy of 20^th Century Fox
After twelve years in the dark, John McLane has returned; and, once again, he’s here to kick ass.  Now, after this long and after so many more Bruce Willis fueled action movies, you’d think the flame would die out.  Not this time.  Director Len Wiseman (Underworld and Underworld: Evolution) takes the Die Hard saga to a whole new level.  This time the attack is on the entire infra-structure of the United States. Considering its predecessors: the original Die Hard will be forever the greatest (as is the case with most originals), Die Hard 2: Die Harder, the lamest of the four with by far the worst title, and Die Hard with a Vengeance, which some consider the best of the three, this fourth installment had a lot to live up to.  Fortunately, Live Free or Die Hard is pulled off with first-class-action-movie style.   The dialogue is great for an action movie, the humor is on par with any of Bruce Willis’ other Die Hard roles, and the threat is well…it is an action movie.  Kevin Smith even makes an appearance as a “digital Jedi” who lends a hand to our old hero.  Number four very well might be one of the most spectacular action movies to hit the screens in quite sometime because the entertainment level is very high and it is a ride the likes of which a movie hasn’t taken me on in quite some time.  Terrorist Thomas Gabriel (Timothy Olyphant), breaches FBI security with the help of several separate hackers in the US.  After their work is done, Gabriel has all of the hackers assassinated except for one, who is sent for by the FBI because they assume he is involved with the breach in some way.  His escort is none other than John McLane (Bruce Willis).   To attempt to divulge any more plot details is silly considering it falls into line with your basic action movie plot; but, considering how the driving forces behind this movie are the always awesome Bruce Willis and a new up-and-coming action director who has yet to prove himself weak, don’t worry.  This is the sequel Die Hard fans have been waiting for. Although the movie stands up to its predecessors, there are a few things many die hard Die Hard fans may find disappointing – namely the PG-13 rating.  Although this seems like it might affect the overall intensity of the film, it really wasn’t a factor.  The action was as incredible as ever and even surpasses the action in any of the previous Die Hard films.   The only noticeable difference is in the language.  It is almost amazing how Wiseman was able to pull off an action movie of this magnitude with a PG-13 rating.  But where it lacks in profanity and blood, Live Free or Die Hard shines with its awesome cast, outrageous (and often unbelievable) action, and quick humor.  All there is left to say is, if you haven’t seen this movie yet, do it now.  This is definitely one for the theaters. © Neal Todnem 2007
Running Time:	2 hrs. 10 min.
Release Date:	June 27, 2007
MPAA Rating:	PG-13 (intense action and violence, language, and sexual situations)
Distributor:	20^th Century Fox