A Good Day to Die Hard

The fifth installment in the Die Hard franchise, John McClane travels to Russia  on "vacation" to get his now grown up son out of some trouble he's gotten into. But when there's a McClane involved, he's bound to get himself into the wrong place at the wrong time. Multiply that by two, and it's double trouble.

Cast:

Bruce Willis as John McClane
Jai Courtney as John "Jack" McClane, Jr.
Sebastian Koch as Yuri Komarov
Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Lucy McClane
Yuliya Snigir as Irina

Who will like this movie:

Explosions, guns, and car chases. If I got your attention with these simple words, this is a good movie for you. Have you seen all the other Die Hard movies and your life will not be complete without completing the set? Then buy your ticket. I liken this to the Nicholas Cage flick "Con Air". This is a light show for your senses that doesn't require too much thinking.

Phantom Thoughts

A Good Day to Die Hard was a bad day to go to the movies. In my pursuit to stay neutral in my description and suggestions on who would like this movie, I found it my most difficult venture to date. Considering that I also reviewed the horrendous "John Carter" and "Battleship", that's saying something. I can't say anything good about the latest Die Hard attempt...at all. This is coming from a Die Hard fan. (pun intended) I liked all the previous movies, to varying degrees. The second and fourth ones were among my least favorites, but this one was so pedestrian, it could have been a hostage at Nakatomi Plaza. 

I laughed out loud at several moments while sitting in the theater, however they were not for any comedic quotes or situations, of which they tried to force in there throughout. No...I was laughing at how ridiculous this was. It was like watching a video game of Black Ops. Not playing it....watching someone else play it. First off, they must be trying to convince the movie going public that Mercedes Benz G-Class is a tank you can own. After John McClane carjacks one (Yes...I said carjack. Because he's in Russia and has no authority of any kind, but stops a guy and takes off in his car anyway. Speeding away yelling at the guy he just stole the car from like HE'S the asshole.). He then proceeds to do a Monster Truck style car crushing run that would put Grave Digger in the grave...and come out without a scratch. He then rams into and basically takes out an ACTUAL tank like truck...and then walks away with a few boo-boos.

That's the other thing that makes this like watching a video game...in the first Die Hard, John McClane walks over  broken glass and pretty much drags himself into a bathroom in excruciating pain. In this one, he goes through 2 car crashes, a few falls from at least a 5 story building, not to mention a few explosions. The God-like Thor would not have fared as well as "regular Joe" McClane did. 

There was evidently a story and plot twist in there somewhere, but I wouldn't even entertain a spoiler to try to explain what they were supposed to be. I am really upset that Bruce Willis would even agree to be seen on screen in this garbage. Look, I understand that you like playing the character, but any remnants of John McClane were no where to be found...even when saying the now cliche "Yippie-Ki-Yay..." line. Not even the father/son team up, double the McClane angle added any element of enjoyment. 

They should have called this "A Good Day to kill a Die Hard Franchise."

Until next time, I'll see you in the center seat....Mother-F#@%er.