Die Hard 2

It’s not terribly difficult to see why certain Die Hard aficionados remain less-than-enthused with this first sequel, as the movie – entertaining as it is – often feels just a little too much like a carbon-copy of its predecessor. Many of the elements that defined Die Hard and made it such a success have been replicated here, and the film ultimately comes off as a far more mindless and silly affair than the original. Director Renny Harlin proves to be an adequate replacement for John McTiernan, though the filmmaker’s penchant for overtly stylish shenanigans – ie slow-motion – does admittedly lend the proceedings a fairly dated vibe. And although Bruce Willis’ John McClane generally comes off as a much more jocular figure this time around – unlike the first film, there’s never a period in which he’s afraid and unsure of what to do – there’s certainly no denying that the actor has infused the iconic character with just the right blend of bravado and humility. The inclusion of several genuinely exhilarating action sequences – with the scene in which McClane must eject out of an exploding cockpit an obvious highlight – ensures that Die Hard 2 remains a cut above most similarly-themed efforts, and there’s little doubt that the film is as accessible and satisfying a sequel as one might’ve hoped (McTiernan’s absence notwithstanding).

*** out of ****