Must See Movie Monday - Die Hard

Film: Die Hard
Released: 1988
Rated: R
Director: John McTiernan
Starring: Bruce Willis, Reginald VelJohnson, Alan Rickman
Short Summary: John McClane, a NYPD officer, attempts to save his wife and several hostages when supposed terrorists start a hostel take over in an office building during a Christmas party.

 Why It's A Must See Movie

Yay! The Must See Movie segment is back! I thought I would bring it back with a bang and pick Die Hard. This movie comes with a funny story. For several Christmas seasons my mom has complained about how they never air Die Hard during that time. She would follow it up with the statement, "It's a Christmas movie!" To which my dad and I would laugh. Finally a year or two ago we just bought the movie on Blue-Ray so we could watch it whenever we wanted, even over the holidays. It took some convincing but I finally came to the conclusion that it is a Christmas movie as well. An action packed violent Christmas movie...but I guess the world need those too.

Die Hard is an adventure that stays in one place. That is part of the fun and awesomeness the movie has going for it. Even though most of it takes place only in one office building you still get that since of high adventure. This movie is an excellent example of how camera work and editing can help tell a story just as well as the screenplay and actors. I love how camera shots are used to show the actors reactions or help build the tension in a scene. I also like the clever ways that they inter-cut between what is happening outside the building and what is happening inside. I love the way music was used in the movie as well. It has an appropriate and occasionally comedic vibe.

I think Die Hard has some seriously wonderful dialogue. It's witty, quirky, and suits the characters. Speaking of characters. The characters and the actors playing them make the movie exciting just as much as the gun fire and explosions do. They are such layered and wacky characters and the actors play them so well. Everyone gets the nuances of their character down to the little quirks. This makes the film not only action packed but quite hilarious as well.

So if you are looking for something out of the ordinary to watch during the holidays Die Hard is a good one.  Hey it is a Christmas movie! There's several Christmas trees, a holiday party, and Christmas music. It fills all the requirements. Haha!