The classic 1988 action flick “Die Hard” has defined Bruce Willis’ career.
New York City police Officer John McClane has endured four films of constant encounters with terrorists, but none can compare to the very first film in the series.
The movie starts with McClane flying to meet his wife and two children in Los Angeles — where his wife has started a career — for an office Christmas party. When resting in an office, McClane sees German terrorists enter the party and take the guests hostage.
McClane and several other characters are able to add a glimpse of humor that makes the film that much more enjoyable.
Apart from witty remarks and awesome action sequences courtesy of Willis’ character, three others make this movie a work of magic.
Sgt. Al Powell, played by Reginald VelJohnson, is the stereotypical cop and becomes a friend and trustworthy partner on the ground to McClane.
Argyle, played by De’voreaux White, the limo driver who dropped McClane off, emerges as a hero later in the film.
And finally there is Theo, played by Clarence Gilyard Jr., the sports-loving terrorist tech specialist who adds a friendly sense to the bad guys.
Despite all these awesomely ’80s names, the cast, besides Willis, is stacked with vaguely familiar actors.
Head bad guy, Hans Gruber, is played by Alan Rickman. You may recognize Rickman’s face — and voice — as Severus Snape of the Harry Potter series, or if you still want to play it old school, as the Sheriff of Nottingham from “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.”
Sgt. Powell might bring up memories of Carl Winslow yelling at Steve Urkel. VelJohnson used this movie to jump start his career as the lovable cop-father in “Family Matters.”
And then there’s Paul Gleason. The ultra authority figure, who has played a professor in “Van Wilder,” a dean in “Boy Meets World” and principal in “The Breakfast Club,” plays the incompetent Deputy Police Chief Dwayne T. Robinson.
He can’t seem to do anything right against the terrorists and feels the backlash when the FBI shows up.
If you haven’t seen this movie, I highly recommend you watch it tonight. If you have, I’ll recommend the same thing.
If after this movie you’re still clambering for more, go for “Die Hard: With a Vengeance.”
The third installment in the series is easily the next best and co-stars Samuel L. Jackson, so you can’t ask for more.