A Good Day to Die Hard

**
UK Release Date: February 14th 2013

John McClane travels to Russia to help out his seemingly wayward son, Jack, only to discover that Jack is a CIA operative working undercover, causing the father and son to team up against underworld forces.

Director: John Moore (Behind Enemy Lines, Flight of the Phoenix, Max Payne)

Starring: Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Sebastian Koch

This preposterous film will always draw comparisons from Die Hard fans whether Director John Moore likes it or not. To call this a Die Hard film completely disrespects the original trilogy and even the fourth installment. If this was considered as a standalone film, with no relation to the Die Hard franchise (that's what it's turned in to) whatsoever, then A Good Day to Die Hard may gain a little recognition. Even the title doesn't make the slightest bit of sense, unless it's a good day for others to die hard, not McClane's. 

New York cop John McClane (Willis) has been stripped of everything that makes him a believable action hero. He's been taken from his own town and put in to the unknown, out of his (and our) comfort zone entirely. What was so interesting and gripping about the originals is their simplicity. One building, one day, a bunch of bad guys working under one hell of a villain. Sorry guys, there's no Hans Gruber, Simon Gruber or even a Thomas Gabriel in site. What we do have is a messy story, shoddy script, and a lead who keeps repeating 'I'm on vacation!, like he doesn't want to be there. What a drag. The only plus side is seeing McClane's selfless side. A touch of realism comes from the growing bond with his son (Courtney), but it can't make up for the chaos that surrounds them.  McClane still manages to survive the impossible, and a great chase scene is best action in the film.

2/5