Customer Reviews

Die Hard 3: Die Hard With a Vengeance

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

of the first three Die Hard movies,i liked this,the third one,the
least.i think manly because there wasn't very much action,but i also
didn't like the story.i just thought there was too much going on.plus,i
found the movie too long.it wasn't any longer than the first two
movies,but i didn't feel the pacing was very good.plus,this movie
doesn't really do a lot to distinguish itself from other movies of the
genre.i did like Sam Jackson is his role as a shopkeeper who ends up
helping John McClane.i thought he was funny and a good fit for Bruce
Willis.i also thought Jeremy Irons was good as the man villain.Graham
Greene is good too,in his role as a cop.This movie is missing Bonnie
Bedelia,who played McClane's wife in the first two movies.even though
she didn't have that big a role in the other two films,i thought she
was great with what she had.anyway,this isn't a bad movie by any
means,but it's just not as good as number two,and nowhere near as good
as the first one.for me Die Hard:With a Vengeance is a 3/5

John McTiernan returned to direct this second follow-up to McTiernan's original DIE HARD from 1988, but unfortunately all his considerable skill and energy can't rise above screenwriter Jonathan Hensleigh's generic script. DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE could easily have been LETHAL WEAPON 4 (maybe it almost was), and the script does little to make it stand out from other buddy action-movies (although Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson undoubtedly do work well together). As for the action scenes, they're certainly well-executed, but there's just no real momentum connecting the action scenes the way there was in the second half of DIE HARD 2. In VENGEANCE, there's just one action scene piled upon another, and the whole thing simply feels like an incoherent mess, which certainly was not the case in the first two films of the series.

DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE will certainly entertain action fans, since the action scenes are undeniably creative and well-mounted. Compare VENGEANCE to the first two DIE HARDs, though, and there's no contest. DIE HARD will forever be an action classic, and DIE HARD 2 was a generally worthy sequel. In that company, DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE is merely average.

DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE does not have the emotion and consistency of the first two movies. It doesn't happen on Christmas Eve like the other two. John Mclane's wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) isn't in it. Finally as in the first two films, the terrorism happens in the confines of one specific area (i.e. Die Hard: in a high rise building, Die Hard II: at an airport). This adventure is all over the map in New York City. However, it is one of those movies that grows better with repeated viewings, somehow works better on the small screen, and also helped by the chemistry of Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson. Jeremy Irons is decent as the villian and overall an above average action thriller.

The most flattering appraisal one could give of "Die Hard With a Vengeance" is "moronic". What else is one to remark of a movie in which people are manifestly killed for the pleasure of the audience watching it? It is a sign of our profoundly debased and witless times that the same rating of 3.5 stars should have been given by a pundit to this brutal, vainglorious, and puerile film as he had elsewhere deigned to give to a very different film, "Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet" (1940; director William Dieterle; starring Edward G. Robinson, in a magnificent performance), which concerns the historical career of a famous medical scientist and his brilliant and heroic accomplishments, which quite literally saved countless millions of human lives.

The third and last entry in the explosively awesome Die Hard Trilogy brings the series full circle in many ways, yet also into new territory and ended the series on a great note.

The movie finds our beloved and now highly unstable John McClane back in his home city of New York City as an NYPD officer after he couldn't adjust to life in Los Angeles and is now once again estranged from his wife Holly. Even worse is that McClane himself has become very unstable and is struggling with severe depression and drinking problems stemming from the extreme stress of what he had to go through saving the Nakatomi Plaza hostages as well as an entire fleet of jetliners at the Dulles Airport from vicious radical rogue terrorists.

However, McClane's life of fighting vicious terrorist forces are not yet over when a bomb goes off at a store in Manhattan and a new group of mercenaries led by Simon Gruber, the brother of the late Hans Gruber who met his spectacular demise in the 1988 original, puts John McClane into a confusing and deadly labyrinth of 'Simon says' games to try to get his revenge on him for the death of Hans years ago. The truth is that Simon Gruber is aiming to seize gold from the Federal Reserves and threatens to release an extremely toxic chemical if his goals are not met by a given deadline. McClane goes and tries to solve the dangerous puzzles to foil Simon's deadly schemes.

To make matters even more complicated and daunting, John McClane finds his world entangling with that of a store owner named Zeus Carver (played by Samuel L. Jackson). Carver is almost the extreme opposite of Al Powell from the previous two movies. McClane's life is saved by Mr. Carver after a during one of the odd games. Carver's attitude clashes fiercely with McClane's as he is turned off and vexed by Carver's semi-racist personality and it all makes for an unpleasant addition to McClanes problems. The two though put aside their differences as they both team up to put a stop to Simon's terrorist goals and save New York City from disaster.

This movie is a great continuation of the punch that the first two Die Hard movies had but at the same time, takes the series into some very different territory. Officer McClane had the help and friendship of the warm-hearted friend Al Powell on his two previous mission. NOT ANYMORE! On here, he and Carver start off having nothing but contempt for each other at the beginning but then cast aside their differences as they become a very unlikely allies against Simon's evil schemes. The often clashing interaction between McClane and Carver is just filled with wit and energetic punch and even some humor. It's for this reason that "Die Hard With A Vengeance" is just about as good as it's predecessors. It sometimes is funny watching John and Zeus arguing with each other trying to solve the constant stream of riddles to foil the bad guys goals.

Unfortunately Bonnie Bedelia's character Holly McClane does not appear anywhere at all in this movie (did Holly pass away or something after the jet incident?) but is mentioned in a few parts of the movie. This one, John is fighting to save his own life instead of Holly's (She seems to be safe far away from any danger in L.A.). In some ways, I like how they changed the whole pairing idea here. Instead of a romantic pairing like it was with John and Holly, we get an 'unlikely buddies' pairing with John and Zeus. In ways, this works as it attempts to break the mold that often defines countless action films, saving the woman he loves, and defeating the bad guys. Also, instead of constantly being in tight spots like the first two movies, the two race through the crowded streets of New York, through subway tunnels and even underground water tunnels.
A wonderful job they did on here!

Jeremy Iron's role as Simon Gruber results in the best action film baddie since Alan Rickman made Hans Gruber the best bad guy in action moviemaking in history and is better than Colonel Stuart in the "Die Hard 2" movie. Not say Stuart's character was bad at all, Sadler did a good job on that one too, just not quite as memorable as the other two.

This movie is a bit more unsettling as it comes dangerously close to being realistic and that the things that have taken place here are seemingly minor mishaps compared to the horrors of what has happened in real life. Brushing that aside, this is some good escapist entertainment.

"WAV" is an absolutely brilliant follow-up to the previous two DH movies and in several ways, feels like a totally different movie altogether like as if it were to be a totally separate movie but instead was installed as a sequel. I total admire the filmmakers for branching out into new territory with this film and as a result, the Die Hard movie trilogy to me, is the most consistent action movie trilogy of all time. I wish I could've said the same for quite a good number of other movie trilogies. No sequel slumps at all here. Bruce Willis' shining achievements of his career are the Die Hard movie and these three movies are absolute must haves, whether to see intelligent moviemaking or just to have a large can of soda and a bag of potato chips.

Die Hard With a Vengeance reunites actor Bruce Willis and director John McTiernan for a second sequel to their 1988 mega-thriller Die Hard. Adapted from a non-Die Hard script titled Simon Says by screenwriter Jonathan Hensleigh, this third chapter in the John McClane saga is more offbeat and just a bit darker than expected.

Although it still follows the Die Hard formula - and how could it not? - of McClane versus formidable obstacles, Die Hard 3 wisely avoids the Christmas Crises scenarios from the first two films. Gone also (although the movie never really explains why) is Bonnie Bedelia's Holly, although she is mentioned in several scenes. Apparently McClane never adjusted to life in Los Angeles and returned to his job in the New York Police Department.

So when a bomb goes off at a Bonwit Teller store in Manhattan, it is providential for the Big Apple that McClane is a lieutenant in New York's Finest, albeit a depressed and beer-swilling lieutenant. Providential because we know that when arch-villain "Simon" (Jeremy Irons) demands that McClane participate in a potentially deadly version of the game "Simon Says," our Everyman hero will rise to the occasion and thwart Simon's deadly scheme.

As in the first Die Hard film, McTiernan pairs McClane with an interesting partner. Where in the 1988 flick Willis was helped by Reginald Veljohnson (better known as Carl from Family Matters), in Die Hard with a Vengeance his charismatic and reluctant partner is played by Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, Star Wars Episodes I and II). Their "unlikely buddies" routine is energetic and witty, and Jackson plays his Harlem store owner character with a mixture of biting wit, bewilderment, and even dignity.

The Special Edition 2-disc set, like the previous two in the series, contains the movie on Disc 1 with interactive menus, anamorphic Widescreen presentation, various audio and subtitle options, and commentary by director McTiernan and screenwriter Hensleigh. Disc 2, of course, has the usual theatrical trailer and TV spots, several TV "making of" specials, a special-effects breakdown, and an interview with Bruce Willis.

It's very hard to beat the first movie in a trilogy, or to even come close. But 'Die Hard With a Vengeance' is right on it's 'older brother's' shirt tails. It's legions better than 'Die Hard 2'. It's got great action scenes, and Mr. Willis and Mr. Jackson make a great duo... Great comedic timing, but not overshadowing the plot.

Also, Jeremy Irons as the newest villain does a wonderful job. He plays the role very well.

You can't beat Hans Gruber, but you can come pretty darn close.

Great action film. Fun to watch. Die Hard remains the best in this trilogy. Great addition to have Samuel L. Jackson. He gave a lot of energy to the film. Bruce Willis, as usual, is resplendent. I recommend you to watch all of three Die Hard films.

"Die Hard: With a Vengeance" is a full-blooded action vehicle; it is a smart one, too, because its filmmakers realize the ol' one-man-army-trapped-in-an-area routine can't last long. So they have changed the technique to a game of revenge: cat-and-mouse. Some could call it smarter than its predecessors; and on a level as a thriller I must admit it is more intense. It is a lot better than the 1990 Renny Harlin actioner "Die Hard 2: Die Harder." But on terms of fun, you can't beat the original.

John McTiernan, who brought us "Predator," "The 13th Warrior" and "Die Hard," returned to end this series on a high note. Of course, like all sagas, "Die Hard" is far from over, with another sequel due to be released summer 2004. But until then, we can look to "Die Hard: With a Vengeance" as the end-all to the overall excellent John McClane trilogy.

The third film opens up where nothing left off; McClane (Bruce Willis) is on the streets of NYC when a man who calls himself "Simon" blows up a Manhattan department store, and then orders McClane to stand in Harlem with a sandwich board that says...well...something you wouldn't want to be wearing in Harlem.

After a convenience store owner named Zeus (Samuel L. Jackson) saves McClane, Simon orders both men to run around New York City and do Simon Says-type-games. It's all good fun, and a step away from the original film. Which can be good or bad.

Soon McClane finds out that "Simon" is really the brother of Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) from the first film, and that "Simon" is out for revenge against McClane (or is he?), and he will stop at nothing to kill McClane. But, of course, being a madman, he plays mind games with John McClane first. And the simon says mind games are tense and action-packed.

It's hard to compare something like this to the original for one major reason: It is nothing like the original. The original was about a lone man fighting off a million guys, Rambo-style. But what saved it from becoming another average action spectacular was the great dialogue, non-stop SMART action sequences, and engaging performences by all aboard the project. Fast-forward two years later and you've got a replicant copy of the first film set in Dulles airport in Washington, D.C. But in all respect, "Die Hard: With a Vengeance" is not recycled. Its technique is new, and it almost seems as if it is not a sequel to the other "Die Hard" films. Which is probably not too odd, seeing that the script, originally titled "Simon Says" (no, not the Dennis Rodman one), was actually a sequel to "Lethal Weapon." Of course, modifications were made after the "Die Hard" series bought out the script, but the character of Zeus was probably Danny Glover, and John McClane was probably Mel Gibson. Thinkabouddit.

Bruce Willis is still John McClane. This film takes his character into a bit of a darker realm. McClane now has an alcohol problem, and his wife has left him again. Man, you'd think after having your life saved TWICE by the same guy that MAYBE you should stick with him. In fact, we don't even see McClane's wife (Bonnie Bedalia) in this film at all. Although we are led to believe they will hook up again at the end.

Samuel L. Jackson adds some flair to the film, taking the movie into a more cop-buddy dimension ("Lethal Weapon"). Jackson's character is a racist, and it's a bit odd to see a black racist in a film. It's usually those nasty white fellas. :)

I liked Jackson's character, because it provides for dialogue outlet on McClane's behalf, and sets the film up for some very funny sequences. The character interaction is a lot stronger here than it was in "Die Hard 2: Die Harder."

"Die Hard: With a Vengeance" is hard to compare to the original because it is so very different. But the bottom line is that this sequel is much better than "Die Hard 2: Die Harder," but a step down from "Die Hard." But seeing how different it is, you might think it is better than both the films. It really depends on your preferences.

I give this solid action film a solid rating of 4/5 stars - an all-around solid action sequel. Solid fun.

If you agreed with my review, please RECOMMEND IT.

Despite the fact that many believe the first Die Hard film was the best of the series, I tend to disagree and I consider Die Hard With A Vengeance to hold that title. John McClane (Bruce Willis) finds himself back in New York when a serial bomber (Jeremy Irons) begins terrorizing the city. Soon McClane is sent on tedious suicide errands alongside a Harlem shopkeeper (Samuel L. Jackson) as a distraction while Irons and his brigade rob the gold from the Federal Reserve. Director John McTiernan (who helmed the original but did not on Die Hard 2, that job went to Renny Harlin) returns and keeps the film packed with pure action and suspense. Willis is as colorful as ever in the role that made him a household name, while Jackson is great as well and the two are great and comical as two reluctant partners. Irons is at his villianous best, and next to Alan Rickman (whose character is the brother of Irons' character) he is the best villian in the series. My only complaint about the film is, as the Amazon review states above, that there is quite a number of plot holes towards the last quarter of the film, but they can be easily ignored while you watch the ridiculously comic action sequences in awe. All in all, Die Hard With A Vengeance is my favorite film of the Die Hard Trilogy, and is one of my favorite action films of all time.