Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Die Hard’

Written by Scott Edwards

As the holidays approach, most people are looking to travel to see their loved ones out of state. Traveling this time of year is certainly one of the most taxing events anyone does during the holidays, so when you arrive to your destination, you are looking to sit back, relax and have some eggnog. Also, working to keep any brewing issues on the bench during this special family time is key, since all you’re trying to do is make sure everyone enjoys the holiday.

The same can be said about John McClane as he is on the way to visit his wife and kids who moved out to California. John will admit he has never been the best husband or father but is shocked to find out upon arriving at his wife’s office that she is going by her maiden name. Kelly Gennaro is a prominent part of the Nakatomi Corporation and is being treated as such by the company. Without missing a beat, John and Kelly get back into one of their standard arguments, but it is cut short by the Christmas celebration outside of her office.

With the marriage seeming to be on the rocks, John stays in his wife’s office and tries to clear his head when the sound of gunfire echoes through the building. Being a NYPD cop, John is trying to find a way to protect everyone in the party and comes up with a plan to have the local police come down to the building. Having his first attempt called off by the cunning terrorists, John takes more drastic measures to protect the hostages and himself. Having brought nothing to the party, John has to make do with his scavenger skills and is able to subdue several of the terrorists to make up his own arsenal.  

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Hans Gruber is leading the charge on the building and is trying to unlock the secrets of the Nakatomi fortune. Having assembled an unstoppable force of mercenaries and a computer tech to crack electronic safes, Gruber is ready to take down the building and steal all of its treasures. Being a holiday, the police are hesitant to send any officers out for prank calls but have been pestered enough by McClane to send one car down to check out the situation. Being in the area, Sergeant Al Powell is called into to investigate, but is in for more than he could possibly imagine.  

Die Hard takes you on a fantastic ride as Detective John McClane goes from enjoying his vacation to battling ruthless terrorists. He is anchored by Hans Gruber who is looking to rid himself of the only threat that can keep him from accomplishing his goal. Having his best man look for McClane, Gruber is certain that his plan will go off without a hitch, but not knowing your adversary is a very dangerous problem as Hans works to get to know his.          

This movie features action to the max, and some of the best one-liners a movie can offer during the holiday season. Watching as a normal guy tries to save the day is just fantastic, and with it being set on Christmas Eve, well that only adds to the holiday cheer. As McClane moves around the building, taking out the threat along with trying to save the hostages, it makes you think about what the holiday is really about. Being with your family along with helping those in need is really the meaning of the season and yes, this action flick features that kind of theme! Happy Holidays!

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