The Story:
Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) is flying back to DC to visit the parents. John McClane (Bruce Willis) is at the airport to meet her. John notices some goings-on that seem suspicious at best, but the airport police (Dennis Franz) aren't buying it. Imagine everyone's surprise when Colonel Stuart (William Sadler) and his military brethren take over the airport and demand the arrival of General Esperanza to be turned over to them. It's up to John McClane once again to save the day... by himself...
If he ever wants to see his wife again!
Renny Harlin steps in to continue the franchise, and he wanted to give us a film that was a radical departure from the original.
On that point, he scores!
The problem, and I could be wrong here, but I've finally noticed a pattern after watching these films a few times...
This film is not a heist film.
Remember, I've said in the past I'm a sucker for a good heist film.
Die Hard is the ultimate heist film. Thieves, under the guise of terrorists, out to steal billions.
Well, in part 2, yeah, there's apparently money to be had by the traitors if they can get the general out of the US...
But they aren't stealing anything otherwise.
In a way, the political/military aspect overshadows any heist that may be going on.
This is to the detriment of the franchise.
Cops take down thieves, not overthrow governments.
That said, Bruce Willis is back on point as McClane. He's aided with some great supporting characters in the airport, including Dennis Franz as the cop everyone wants to see punched out.
Overall, it's a step down for the franchise. It suffers what the majority of franchises endure with a sequel.
Still, it's better than most action films.
The problem with Die Hard, it set the bar so high with the first one, everything has paled in comparison since. The fans expect more from this franchise.
Luckily, like Indiana Jones, John McClane would ride back a third time, and almost equal the greatness of the first film.
But then, I'm getting ahead of myself.
: )
Final Grade: B+
Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I own it and enjoy it, but it doesn't get nearly as much replay value as the bookends to the original trilogy.
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