Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Die Hard
1988
*****
Director: John McTiernan
Cast: Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, Alan Rickman, Alexander Godunov

A group of terrorists turn a Christmas party in a new L.A. skyscraper into a hostage situation, and the only man who can save the day (and his captured wife) is an NYPD detective John McClane. This excellent action movie laid the groundwork for its genre for the years to come, and it has influenced dozens of good and bad imitations. It also turned Bruce Willis from a TV comedian to an unlikely action hero. Despite the confined settings, the brilliant script by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza keeps coming up with fresh twists. Based on Roderick Thorp’s novel Nothing Lasts Forever. Followed by Die Hard 2, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Die Hard 4.0, and A Good Day to Die Hard.