Synopsis: Now separated from his wife, John McClane (Bruce Willis) is back with the New York City Police Department and, along with a store owner (Samuel L. Jackson) must complete a set of challenges demanded by a terrorist to prevent a school from being blown up.
What I liked about this movie: I liked the connection between this movie and the first one; with the terrorist being the brother of Hans Gruber (the bad guy McClane fights in Los Angeles). And, for the most part, this terrorist (Jeremy Irons) is almost as devious as his brother was.
When I first saw this movie, I was a bit concerned it would be predictable. But, it manages to throw in just enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat; especially when McClane has to diffuse a bunch of bombs by solving a riddle first.
What I didn’t like about this movie: I honestly wasn’t a big fan of Samuel L. Jackson’s character. All we really know about him is he hates white people but don’t really get an explanation as to why. Even if he had more depth, I still was a bit unimpressed about McClane having a partner this time around. The first movies were better because it was him working alone. Him having help from a civilian made it a little too much like a comedy and less like an action movie.
Also, the movie tends to skimp a bit on background. How did he end up back in New York? Was his separation the result of his fights with terrorists or was there another reason? What was his suspension for? I think it would have been better with some of those details.
Final Opinion: It was an OK movie and I still like the franchise in general. But, I wasn’t as impressed with this film as I was the first two.
My Grade: 3 stars out of a possible 5.