Yippee-Ki-Yay, M*#^%$F@!^!#: John McTiernan's Die Hard

This week a 1980s Action Classic . . . John McTiernan's Die Hard (1988). A huge gamble for 20th Century Fox in the late 1980s, Die Hard remains the standard for "everyman" action films. Before the character would become a superhero, impervious to any and all pain, John McClane was a New York cop, visiting Los Angeles, and struggling to keep his ego, anger, and jealousy in check in a Christmas Eve attempt to win back his estranged wife. We all know the story . . . Terrorists (?) take over Nakatomi Plaza and all that stands between their nefarious plans, freedom and (spoiler alert) $650 million is John McClane. What could have been an obvious and forgettable action film chooses to go against the grain and - thus - creates the archetype for the "everyman" hero. There are moments throughout McTiernan's film that would set the template and move away from the indestructible and introduce a relatable and vulnerable hero.

With a great supporting cast including: Bonnie Bedelia (Holly Gennaro McClane), Reginald VelJohnson (Sgt. Al Powell), Alexander Godunov (Karl), William Atherton (Thornburg), and in a star-making turn, Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber. This is a great action relic and one that we were thrilled to re-visit. Take a listen and remember a great time. Thanks for the continued love and support. You can reach us at [email protected]

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