Movie Review: Live Free or Die Hard
A lot of movies these last few weeks. The weird thing is I really enjoy going to the cinema but for some reason I don’t go nearly as much as I could, perhaps I’m just now catching up.
Today I had seen Live Free or Die Hard with Bruce Willis and Justin Long AKA Apple’s “Mac” as most people know him these days. I’m actually a Justin Long fan; he did great in movies like Jeepers Creepers, Dodgeball, and of course one of my favorite movies - Waiting… I’m also a big fan of Bruce Willis and the Die Hard series, Die Hard III has always been my favorite. Even after today, unfortunately.
Not that Live Free or Die Hard (we’ll call it LFoDH for short) was bad, in fact it was exceptional. I did like how this time around it had a nice modern twist with it being based around cyber-terrorists. A lot of Hollywood geek in it, meaning lots of cool but highly unrealistic hacking and computer stuff going on. For example, apparently everyone, including the government uses Linux and/or some sort of OS that features a crazy UI. Also, I don’t know if you knew this but Alienware is a big seller among cyber-terrorists. Like sponsoring a LAN party, except taking down a nation rather then fragging your buddies.
It’s interesting though, over the last few years I’ve seen more and more Dell equipment appearing in Hollywood films. The Alienware name drop in LFoDH is good advertising for a brand that doesn’t seem to get a whole lot of publicity anymore. Alienware used to have the coolest commercials…
Anyway, the reason I said that DH III was still my favorite is due to not only the realism or lack there of contained in LFoDH, but also DH III just seemed ‘fuller’. The story was definitely better developed and made sense. I just didn’t feel that with this film, I didn’t buy it.
The movie was very fast paced, almost too quick, it skips around a little giving just enough information to keep you going but not really elaborating on the plot or real motive behind the terrorists. They essentially explained what they do, what they have done (the terrorists) but not really why they are doing it. I don’t want to give away the whole movie but a lot was left unexplained and at the same time I’m doubting there will be a 5th Die Hard.
I guess I really can’t complain about the realism in LFoDH. When compared to the other Die Hard movies it really isn’t any different. This movie had an F-22 fighter jet vs. a tractor trailer on a delapitating freeway, DH III had ship explosions and choppers being taken down by a tiny handgun. In fact, if your interested in the theoretical outcome of an all out cyber-attack on the US, this is a must see. Pretty scary and in that respect, not too far fetched.
The action and effects in this film we’re great. Maybe not Transformers good, but definitely quality. However there was one driving scene where they are entering West Virginia and it was like a crappy video background shot, and if you look closely you will see the background glitch up and stop for a split second, Ick. Other then that though, solid effects and cool sounds that keep you going through the movie.
As I said before, I don’t want to give away too much. The story may be under developed but Live Free or Die Hard is definitely a great addition to the classic Die Hard series. If you’re looking for some good action, Bruce Willis, and explosions then this movie may be worth seeing in the theater and/or owning on DVD when released.