I really don't get the hate that this movie seems to get from a lot of people. This is only the second time I've seen the movie, the first being when I bought the Steelcase Unrated Edition DVD on release day. And both times, I was 100% entertained. It's a thrill ride from start to finish. This is definitely the furthest from any of the previous installements of the Die Hard series. I think the reason why I respond so well to Live Free or Die Hard is because it takes a page right out of 24, The Series, both in pacing and style. The tone between the two is very much a carbon copy. If you really think about it, Die Hard was the original 24 and John McClane (Bruce Willis) was the original Jack Bauer.

Anyway, as for this movie, since it's been a long time since watching this, I came at this practically spoiler-free. On top of that I totally forgot that Maggie Q was in this. We all know her best as Nikita these days. I also forgot that Timothy Olyphant was in this and he is always awesome, no matter what he does. I will admit that the character he plays isn't quite as memorable as Hans Gruber or even his brother Simon Gruber. But I think he did a pretty good job here. His character was definitely more interesting than Colonel Stuart.

Another reason I think I have this sitting right behind the original Die Hard is that this one is very relevant to what is going on in society, even more so now. The idea of a computer hacker terrorist is a very real threat that can strike at any time and just goes to show how vulnerable we are as a society. It's scary  s h i t  how easy it would be to send us back to the "stone age". Yikes.

Yes, there are some way over the top Set Pieces here, especially the ending with the Jet, Rig and collapsing Freeway Bridges. Who cares, it was a fun ride. I do think the "Parkour Soldiers" were a bit too much in their ability to jump around as if they were alien-infected monkeys.

I highly recommend this as a Buy. I went with the Steelbook Edition and I'm happy with it.

If you don't own any of the Die Hards, you're a meathead.

Seriously though, just an great collection of action where you can just about imagine you are in McClanes shoes.