Review - Die Hard 4.0

Its been around 12 years since, John McClaine last hit our screens, running around New York, Samuel L Jackson in tow trying to save New York from Jeremy Irons. This time, Underworld director and Mr. Kate Beckinsale, Len Wiseman has shifted the territory to Washington but the blueprint remains familiar.

Willis has McClaine on badass, wise-cracking form. Check. Alongside him is a fish out of water type, usually rubbing McClaine up the wrong way. Check. Sophisticated bad guy. Check.

But all this familiarity is not a bad thing and actually works to the films advantage. It is refreshing to see an action movie stick to basic principles, with no twists, incomprehensible dialogue and slow-mo Bayesque rock video visuals. Wiseman's film is all wham bam thank you ma'am, with a pace that never really lets up and some jaw dropping (if unbelievable set pieces).

Willis, however makes this film work. McClaine is a world weary Jack Bauer but with a sense of humour. His old school believability works well in contrast with an underused Oliphant's tech-savvy bad guy. There is also good support from Justin Long as the witness, McClaine is forced to protect and Maggie Q seductively fills up the screen as Oliphants arse-kicking partner.

All in all, an excellent action film, that needs little brains, but loads of popcorn to produce the most fun movie you'll see all summer.

7.5 out of 10