- Directed by: Len Wiseman
- Writer: Mark Bomback
- Running time: 1hr 10 mins.
- Release Date: June 27, 2007
Go see “Live Free or Die Hard”
This has been the decade of sequels and this summer in particular is drowning in them. However, as sequels go, this is the best you can hope for. If you liked the other Die Hards you'll like this one. If you didn't you won't. I almost didn't review it because there isn't much to say. I liked it.
What about the “PG-13” Rating?
Curse words! As I've commented before they don't bother me. I don't think the second commandment has anything to do with cussing, so while I don't think it's polite or needed to cuss it wouldn't stop me from a movie experience where God could reveal something cool to me. They can't put the tag line for this film on TV, but there isn't as much cussing as there is in your typical 80's comedy. It's really not that bad in this film.
What if I hate Bruce Willis?
My dad hated Bruce Willis, not personally, but in that way you can't stand certain people even though you know that you don't actually know anything about that person. For me it's Michael Moore. He's probably a caring guy but I'll turn myself inside out trying to change the channel if Moore comes on.
My Dad called Bruce Willis “Squiggy,” because he couldn't tell him apart from the character on “Lavern and Shirley.” What can I say? Bruce Willis is the likes of Keeno Reeves and Ashton Coucher. The later a bit too literally. I like Bruce in “Tears of the Sun” and in the Die Hard series in general.
Larger Story
Throughout the Die Hard series Willis's character, Officer John McClane, has had an on again off again marriage. They form a pretty frank statement about the toll a man's career can take on his family. This movie puts a very interesting twist on it though. His career is not being called “a police officer,” instead he acknowledges himself as a hero. I was initially taken aback by the assertion that being a hero could destroy family life. But looking closer it's true.
Everyday fathers get up and go to work as firemen, policemen, taxi drivers, etc and there is always an element of risk. Sometimes physical risk sometimes more esoteric risk, but always there is a chance that his life will be altered drastically and permanently. Every man is a potential hero. Every man has it in him to give his all for God and Country, or just the life of a stranger. It can certainly take its toll on family.
Our families are often the least able to understand why we have to do what we do. Jesus himself said a prophet is seldom appreciated in his home town. BUT like this movie points out, heroes can vital to have around. Whether we are appreciated or not we must do what we do because its who we are.
In this movie Matt Farrell (Long), is a boy. He keeps collector toys, which are still toys. He makes his living on the computer. He has broken the law and been a hacker but he has never been tried. Into his life falls a threat to his life and a hero to show him how to live. The combination are just what he needs. What officer McClane gets is someone to mentor. It's not like having a partner, but it's someone to pass on his passion to and someone to assist him in coming through for his daughter.
Sadly that's the only way his daughter will accept love from him, but the mentorship between the two men makes this movie more then just guns and action. Give it a couple hours of your time, I think you'll like it too.
