Roger Ebert Was Wrong About ‘Die Hard’

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  • ‘Die Hard’ Is a Legendary Silver Screen Extravaganza
  • ‘Die Hard’ Remains an Influential Touchstone in Cinema

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours poring over movies, I can confidently say that few films have left as lasting an impact as Die Hard. Having watched this action masterpiece more times than I care to admit, it’s clear to me that Die Hard isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural touchstone.

In 1988, Bruce Willis played an unforgettable role that significantly transformed the action genre by starring in the blockbuster movie Die Hard. This film, set on Christmas Eve, portrayed John McClane, an exceptional NYPD detective, who found himself battling against a gang of terrorists in a towering skyscraper. Hans Gruber, the cunning mastermind behind a profitable heist, held the unaware partygoers hostage. McClane and Gruber then entered into a mental duel.

The iconic action movie, Die Hard, is often considered one of the best in its genre and a benchmark for future films. Over the past 25 years, it has led to four sequels and solidified Bruce Willis as a top-tier leading man. Yet, not everyone was entirely captivated by John McTiernan’s Die Hard, with renowned film critic and Chicago Sun-Times writer Roger Ebert expressing some reservations about the film and only giving it 2 out of 4 stars. Let’s explore why Ebert felt this way (and why he was mistaken).

‘Die Hard’ Is a Legendary Silver Screen Extravaganza

Bruce Willis delivered an exceptional and indelible portrayal when he played the witty yet tough NYPD detective John McClane in the groundbreaking 1988 action movie Die Hard, which is well-known for depicting a police officer trying to reconcile with his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles. Upon arriving at Nakatomi Plaza for a holiday party hosted by Holly’s employer, McClane found himself compelled to act when the event was disrupted by German terrorists who took control of the high-rise and held everyone hostage, except for the resourceful detective.

In this scenario, John McClane, aided solely by Sergeant Al Powell from below, confronts Hans Gruber, the ruthless leader of the terrorists and architect of the audacious heist aimed at stealing $640 million from the building’s vault. With his instincts and police training as his only weapons, McClane fights to protect the hostages – among whom is his beloved – from Gruber and his henchmen. This battle eventually escalates into an epic clash between the unwilling hero and the cunning terrorist.

Roger Ebert Was Unimpressed by ‘Die Hard’

On July 15, 1988, the electrifying film Die Hard was first released, leaving audiences spellbound by its pulse-pounding plot, memorable villain Gruber, and John McClane’s powerhouse portrayal by Bruce Willis as the resourceful ordinary man. Although some critics had mixed reactions initially, the exhilarating action movie received an outstanding A+ rating from CinemaScore.

Ebert found Paul Gleason’s character, Dwayne T. Robinson, to be highly critical, portraying a rigid and unsympathetic LAPD Deputy Chief who creates conflict due to his disbelief that McClane is indeed within the skyscraper and working with the authorities. In fact, he referred to this unyielding character as “so obstinately useless, so dim-witted, so emblematic of the Idiot Plot Syndrome, that he singlehandedly weakens the second half of the film.”

In contrast to Ebert’s view, Gleason’s character was instrumental and injected additional suspense into the storyline as the core characters embarked on their perilous mission. He functioned as an irritating counterpart for both Willis’ McClane and VelJohnson’s Powell. The plot is delightfully outrageous, and it’s essential to understand that not every action movie needs to be logically consistent to captivate and entertain audiences.

‘Die Hard’ Remains an Influential Touchstone in Cinema

Regardless of Roger Ebert’s less-than-enthusiastic review, it’s clear that the influential film Die Hard left an indelible mark on Hollywood, revolutionizing the action genre and setting new standards for leading men in this genre. The movie significantly boosted Bruce Willis’ career, who was struggling to adapt from television to cinema at the time. With his portrayal of John McClane, Willis solidified himself as a versatile actor capable of delivering both intense dramatic and humorous performances. In the process, he redefined the action hero, presenting an everyman character who overcame obstacles with relatable vulnerability and his unique brand of humor.

The blockbuster hit “Die Hard” not only became a global sensation, but it also laid the foundation for a beloved series that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Not only did it earn over $140 million globally, but it also garnered three Academy Award nominations and marked Alan Rickman’s breakthrough role. His exceptional portrayal of Hans Gruber not only brought him recognition, but it also revolutionized the depiction of action villains, with Gruber being recognized as one of the most memorable and formidable adversaries in the heart-pounding genre.

The 1980s classic movie, Die Hard, continues to be a significant influence on action films, serving as a model for many directors such as Darren Aronofsky and Paul W.S. Anderson. Since its release, it has been praised as one of the greatest action movies ever made and inspired numerous imitations. However, none have managed to replicate the magic and charm of the original starring Bruce Willis. Watch Die Hard on Tubi.

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2024-12-09 02:34