“Die Hard” remains an action classic
The debate over whether it’s a Christmas movie continues, but whatever any individual decides about that, “Die Hard” certainly is a milestone of the action genre. The 1988 adventure – which Freeform shows Monday, Aug. 28, and Tuesday, Aug. 29 – cemented the big-screen stardom Bruce Willis had aspired to after gaining initial fame through the television series “Moonlighting.” His smart-aleck brand of humor and massively independent image surely help to inform the character of John McClane, a New York police officer who goes to Los Angeles for the holiday season, hoping to win back his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia). Not crazy about the West Coast to begin with, McClane has even less to like after he arrives at his spouse’s elaborate office building (the skyscraper formerly known as Fox Plaza, doubling for the film’s Nakatomi Plaza). It turns out he isn’t the only visitor: Arriving at virtually the same time is a band of criminals led by the debonair and coolly lethal Hans (Alan Rickman), who’s intent on stealing a fortune in bearer bonds. Little do the bad guys realize they’ll have the resourceful McClane to deal with, and not only does he have the larger picture of law and order to serve, he also wants to save his wife – who’s among the hostages taken by the unwelcome guests. He gets some help from the outside, thanks to a beat cop (“Family Matters” alum Reginald VelJohnson) who has a hard time believing the building is under siege at first, but McClane also has additional hurdles posed by overeager federal agents and a reporter (William Atherton) who isn’t above imperiling others to advance his career. Skillfully directed by John McTiernan, who returned for the second of the four sequels (“Die Hard With a Vengeance”), “Die Hard” is everything that a movie of its sort should be …which is why there have been so many variations on the theme that have seen other pictures labeled as “Die Hard” on a train, on a boat, on a plane, etc. The original still endures beautifully after 35 years (!), though, thanks also to perfect supporting performances by such other co-stars as Alexander Godunov, Hart Bochner, Paul Gleason, De’voreaux White and later “Walker, Texas Ranger” co-star Clarence Gilyard Jr.