1) John knows who has been naughty and nice = Santa 2) John drops a Lump of C-4 down an elevator shaft which is a metaphor for coal and chimney. 3) John's wife is named Holly. 4) you see where this is going... it's definitely a Christmas movie
One thing I do really like is that while they made Ellis slimy and self-serving, they specifically didn’t make him the worst as he covered for Holly and didn’t give up her and John’s connection.
That's because he wanted Holly for himself. He was actively trying to get John killed thinking he was the only obstacle keeping Holly from accepting his advances.
This movie came out around the time a ripped Sylvester Stallone and an equally buff Arnold Schwarzenegger were making movies. It broke the mold on that cliche and showed a very realistic "everyday Joe" being a hero. Even someone who talks to themselves while dealing with a crisis ("Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs...").
This movie really is the template for all the films that would come after it. From Batman with Michael Keaton, to The Rock with Nick Cage, the age of the "everyday Joe" hero of modern cinema really begins here. Of course, there were plenty of those kinds of heroes that came before. But this was the film that broke up the "muscle bound heros" of Arnold and Sly and Van Damme and brought the relatable hero back.
@@InedibleMattman Also what makes McClaine a notable departure from that type is he can be hurt. Sure Rambo, Arnie characters can get shot or cut...but for them, in the words of Gov. Ventura 'I aint got time to bleed.' or Dillion in Roadhouse 'Pain doesn't hurt.' Sure. Well for John it does, movie still very likely unrealistic about how much punishment he can take and still funtion; but it moves closer to human and further from demi-god. Neither is necessarily good or bad, but it made for a refreshing change.
@@witchking8497 absolutely! I love how McClain is never sure what to do next. He’s not just on a killing spree. He’s trying to get the authorities involved, hide from the bad guys, and actively save people. What a REAL cop would do in that situation! He genuinely worried for his life, and even runs away when Takagi is killed because he’s scared. John McClain is insanely relatable.
Fun Fact: The scene where Hans falls, Alan Rickman was told by the stunt team they'd count 1-2-3 and drop him. When they did it however, the count only went to two. So that terrified look on his face when he started falling, it was all real.
It's such a cool movie. One of, if not THE, best action films ever. The best part was that they took a regular guy and made him the hero. No giant muscles, he isn't perfect, he gets beat up all the time, but he comes through. Love it.
Bruce Willis is the most legitimately badass actor ever. Change my mind. Also, as far as straight-up action movies go, I would say this is by far the best. The Rock with Nicholas Cage and Sean Connery is a distant second, and I don't even know what I'd put at third.
I think "Die Hard" works so well because it's a damn good action thriller that gets two things right: the hero and the villain... in all fairness, it's not like Bruce Wills invented a character, there had been wisecracking average Joes as hero in the past... Bogart and McQueen weren't muscles of mountain and there have been suave sophisticated villains too, "Die Hard" had these two factors combined plus the concept... and that's the thing it did invent. As for the whole Xmas or no Xmas once again its lne of these things that make the film special like the hero bekng barefoot all through the film but no one really cared if it was a Xmas film or not... it was just one of the best action films if not the best.
Hero and villain were great. As far as the humor... none of it was stupid and all the jokes landed. It could be deadly serious and funny (when appropriate). Some movies just have cheesy one liners at bad times.
It's a Christmas Action movie. Sure, the action plot is the main focus, but the character subplots deal with themes usually associated with Christmas: family, friendship, redemption, and sacrifice. It has Christmas music. It was intended to be a Christmas movie (though I think it came out July 15th which is about as far from Christmas as you can get). It takes place at a Christmas party. If Love Actually and Home Alone are Christmas movies, and I think most people agree they are, then this is too.
Some people argue that it doesn’t have to be Christmas for the plot to work, but to that I say this: the events have to take place on Christmas Eve - the staff are all gathered in one place and are various levels of intoxicated, making it very easy to take them all hostage, and there were only 2 security guards as the rest were given the night off to be with their families. Speaking of families, that’s the reason John is there, to spend Christmas with his family.
@@CoffeeMatt10 You could also point out that pretty much the only significant plot point in Home Alone that actually depends on Christmas is that the crooks are specifically targeting the houses of families that are traveling for the holiday. Aside from that, the references to Christmas are pretty trivial to the plot.
@@elijahfoster4380 the only reason you think that is because the two robbers are superhuman in their ability to take punishment. So I'm going to stick with my statement
When I still had my Mom and Dad with me, we would watch this together on Christmas Eve right after we opened our presents. THAT'S why this is a Christmas movie to me, because of my folks. We were the O.G. "It ain't Christmas 'til Hans Gruber falls off of Nakatomi Plaza" kind of people. MERRY CHRISTMAS, ADDIE!!! :)
I love it. My ritual is to watch it while I stuff stockings. I watch it alone, because the rest of my family are “Die Hard isn’t a Christmas movie” people. 😢
John and Holly learned the true meaning of Christmas: The Love one has for family and friends. The bad guys were there just for the money and it killed them, they never learned why Christmas is so special. Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Thanks for your reactions, I had fun, it looked like you did as well.
This is absolutely a Christmas movie. And not just cause it takes place during Christmas, but because of the themes of redemption, coming together as friends and family. A husband and wife are having a rocking patch in their marriage and they go through a bonding experience to see what's more important in life than the petty squabbles that broke them up. A new life long friendship is formed between strangers because of a shared experience over the holiday. If that isn't Christmas I don't know what is.
It isn't Christmas in my house until Hans Gruber falls from the top of the Nakatomi building. 😎 🎄 Fun Fact: Alan Rickman nearly passed up the role of Hans Gruber, which ended up being his first film role. He had only arrived in Hollywood two days earlier and was appalled by the idea of his first role being the villain in an action film. To a degree, Rickman was right to be concerned considering his performance as Hans Gruber was so hailed that the actor had to struggle being typecast as a player of villains for much of his career.
We've seen plenty of great action movies since Die Hard, but I can't even explain how amazing it was to see this in a packed theater with an unruly crowd back in 88. It was pure joy.
Great reaction. This is definitely a Christmas movie. One of my favorite movies of all time. Fun fact this was Alan Rickman first movie role. Until that point he was a stage actor. There is an old saying. It's not Christmas until Hans Grubber falls of the Nakatomi building. Keep up the grest reaction you're awesome. 😁
Exactly, they just have a higher rate of fire and larger mags. Also better fire control (due to having a butt stock) but other than that they deal the same damage
I can confirm that the "walk around barefoot on the rug and make fists with your toes" thing actually works. Have been doing it since the first time I saw "Die Hard".
Alan Rickman was perfect as Snape, because up until then he had always been type casted as the bad guy in his movies so people expected Snape to be one as well. Because of how well he did in this one, his first movie.
There are two types of people in the world, those who think die hard is a Christmas movie and those who are wrong. The only way John was there to save the day, is because of the Christmas party.
"At least he has a bigger gun now" Actually John's handgun (a Beretta 92) shoots the same caliber bullet (9mm) as the terrorists machine guns (H&K MP5s). Karl's gun (a Steyer AUG) is the only different caliber, which is 5.56.
Actually, Die Hard 2 is also a Christmas movie and it briefly includes the Police officer that talked with John during this movie. It also has the reporter that Holly punched and if you react to it you will know the connection when they are in the same area.
True, but Die Hard 2 is also a terrible movie. The franchise follows the same pattern as Indiana Jones: amazing, genre-defining first movies, very bad sequels, good to very good third installments, and then a long break before extremely poor attempts to reboot them.
@@sumnerhayes3411 I disagree about 2 being terrible. It has the reporter and Al, the police officer in it as well as the news that John is now with the LA police force and it is once again at Christmas. It also includes the ICONIC line from John although almost at the very end this time. And later one of the movies involves Hans' brother as the Villain.
It’s harder to argue the case for Die Hard 2, it doesn’t rely on Christmas for the plot to work, it could happen at any time of year, whereas Die Hard relies on it being Christmas Eve for the plot to work - Christmas party with all the staff in one place and drinking, easy to take hostage, only 2 security guards on duty as the rest are given the night off to be with their families for Christmas.
@@CoffeeMatt10 It couldn't happen at ANY TIME of year as they drove on snowmobiles and there was a line at the end when the police officer tore up John's parking ticket and said What the hell, it's Christmas!!
@@sumnerhayes3411 #2 tried to recycle essentially the same plot over again. That's why it's so poorly regarded. #s 3 & 4 are terrific, while #5 is execrable.
1. Karl/Alexander Godunov(RIP) also played in "The Money Pit" with Tom Hanks and "Witness" with non Indiana/Solo Harrison Ford. He had a very interesting story. 2. Robinson/Paul Gleason(RIP) seems to always play buttheads. I.e. "Trading Places" and "The Breakfast Club". 3. John got a place to sleep😍😋 4. Another fun Willis movie that have similar events is "The Last Boy Scout". They drop more F-bombs than you can shake a stick at. Including a little girl.
I love movies where an 'everyman' type guy can be the hero. Super super hero movies are cool, and other genentic altered superhumans, but honestly a guy just wanting to protect his loved ones is what makes this so special.
McClain could never have hidden the pistol if he didn't have the Christmas tape to attach it to his back. If it had been a 4th of July party in Nakatomi Tower, John and Holly would have been completely screwed. Totally a Christmas movie. All arguments will be met with a beatdown.
I LOVE watching young people watching this for the first time. I watched it 30 years ago, peeping through a crack in my parents bedroom, my dad didn't want me seeing it. Such a great movie, launched some of the most iconic 80's movies.
Christmas brings John to LA. He finds illumination of his redemption in the bathroom scene. Al discovers he can still contribute and do his duty. Argyle grows beyond tips and finds his courage. Holly finds forgiveness to take back John, and Motherlyness over her children being exploited. And the stuntment found the joy of concession candy. The Ghost of Christmas Future would approve.
It’s not just the material connection with the Christmas trees and music. It most importantly has the spirit of giving presents which John Mclane 🎅 have sent to the bad guys on numerous occasions, AND THAT IS WHY it’s a Christmas movie 👌.
Die Hard is a christmas movie by every measurable metric. Christmas is vital to the plot. Without the nakatomi christmas party there is no setting. John surviving is a christmas miracle.
Also, Alan Rickman does some very Awesome villains. His first roll vs Bruce Willis solidified it, but if you've never seen it, he played the Sheriff of Nottingham vs Kevin Costner's Robin Hood of Loxley, w/ sidekick Morgan Freeman. Another great 90s film!
@@davelister2961 oh come now, no love for the scenery and locations? And you can't leave Morgan Freeman out of the accolades for this film. Plenty of folks hate the Bryan Adam's infused chick flick aiming to draw in the male audience. But, at least it's more enjoyable that First Knight w/ Richard Gere, another 80s film aimed at the female demographic while trying to cater to the male audience as well. It was a strange film era.
Watching you get anxious over so many of the scenes made me wish I could watch this again for the first time! One of my fave movies ever. Your reaction to Ellis was spot on 🤣
This movie puts me right into the mood for eggnog and Beretta Model 92s. Dear Santa, I want an ambulance, some C4, an H&K P7, six MP5s, a Steyr AUG, 20 boxes of Federal 115 grain 9mm, 10 boxes of 55 grain 5.56mm FMJ, and about $640M in negotiable bearer bonds. Oh, I almost forgot, and a pony. Thanks.
It is an action movie, and it's a Christmas movie. Not all Christmas movies have to be It's a Wonderful Life. It has a Christmas party, Christmas music.
Really good reaction, Addie. It was apparent that you really enjoyed the film, especially the relationship between officer Powell and John. I watched one of your earlier reactions and I was critical of your style in the comments. I figured it was one of your first videos, so I thought I'd check and see how you were doing. You really seem more relaxed and confident. The good thing is that your sweet nature still shines through and you are really entertaining. Good job, Addie!
Saw it for the 1st time in Xmas 2018 when I was 16. I’ve been obsessed w/ this masterpiece ever since. It’s now become both my favourite action and my favourite Xmas movie. My best guess on why ppl say it isn’t a Xmas movie is cuz it takes place in LA, which rarely (if ever) gets any snow, so maybe that’s why they made the papers fall from the building at the end 🤷♂️
It's set at Christmas time so that is why it is considered that. Watch Lethal Weapon with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. It is a buddy cop movie that is set at this time of the year, so it has the holiday theme going and there is this same debate about it. It came out a year before Die Hard
Han's face when falling from the building is one of my favorite parts of the movie. I hear that the director purposely started filming/released Rickman a second early to surprise him. The look on his face makes it more impactful. "I am not supposed to be falling!" or "What is happening?" He played that role so well I still expected him to have a thick accent and be cold-hearted when I saw him in another Christmas movie many years later, Love Actually.
Addie and the rest of the community here, I hope you, your families, and friends have a great holiday and I hope the community grows to 10k before new years
I say it's a.Christmas movie. There can be movies that are set at Christmas but are not Christmas movies. Christmas is just something going on in the background. But in Die Hard it's interwoven through the whole film. It's in the dialogue, the props, the music...the movie never lets you forget it's Christmas. If Kevin McCallister can spend a whole movie facing off 2 bad guys and *that's* accepted as a Christmas movie with no question, why not when John McClane does it with 12? Yes, Die Hard has a lot of action, violence, and blood...but through the whole movie we are not only rooting for John to kill all the bad guys, but for a family to be together at the end. We get the happy ending...that's also a very Christmas movie type thing. 😁 Best Regards and Happy Holidays!
Trivia: Alexander Godunov (Karl) was previously a Russian ballet star and a contemporary of fellow dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. Godunov was tabloid fodder due to his relationship with actress Jacqueline Bisset but he passed away in 1995 at age 45.
okay, so this is 100% the best Christmas movie ever. Well it's not the best Christmas movie ever, but the best non Santa Claus Christmas movie ever. The great thing about this is every dude on the planet loves this movie for reasons that are obvious. but every time a woman sees this movie / forced to watch this movie they're like yeah whatever die hard. they're like well that was fun, exciting but it was action with romance in the story and I really liked it. I've watched a number of women react to this movie on the UA-cam machine. And they all say the same thing. that was fun It was enjoyable and the romance and they got together. which is exactly what you did. That's why this is one of the greatest films ever. Addie You're awesome. ❤️💚☘️
Not every dude. My husband doesn’t like it. I watch it alone every Christmas Eve, because I love it. Best action movie ever, and a solid Christmas movie, as well.
Just starting it, and I realized when the hacker was shutting down the building and closing the security gates, he also stopped the escalators. "Oh no! The escalators aren't running! How will we get to the bottom?" 🤣
John is so efficient at light weapons and hand to hand combat that it looks like he's having a hard time but it's really because he's so good at his job
In the scene where Bruce Willis fires his gun from under the table. As a result Willis lost 60% of his hearing in one ear due to firing the gun so close to his head. The scene where Willis jumped off the tower was actually shot on top of a 5 story parking garage with explosives. The force of the explosion nearly caused Willis to miss the air bag on the street below and almost wound up with a serious or near fatal injury to his head.
I can see why some people say it's not a Christmas movie, but Plex ended the debate for me when it added a section on my homepage that says "Tis the Season" and in addition to my Hallmark Christmas movies, it added automatically Die Hard, Batman Returns, Edward Scissorhands, and the movie Peppermint. So if a computer thinks it's a Christmas movie, it's a Christmas movie.
Hey Addie! First off, I loved your reaction to Die Hard. It’s one of my all-time favorite action films. So here is why I consider it a Christmas movie. It takes place on Christmas Eve during a Christmas Party, you have a father trying to get home to his family for the holidays, you have the ultimate grinch-like villain in Hans Gruber, and you have so many Christmas references. There are also classic Christmas themes such as love and forgiveness (John and Holly), and friendship (John and Al). Then the film ends happily with Frank Sinatra’s “Let it Snow Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” as papers come down like snow from Nakatomi Plaza (aka, Fox Plaza). I also personally enjoyed all the references to iconic Western/Cowboy heroes played by legendary actors such as John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Gary Cooper.
"I don't know how in the _world_ he grabbed that ledge..." Yeah, out of everything in this movie, that always struck me as pretty unreasonable. He'd need _insane_ grip strength for that to have worked like it did!
@@jono3665 HAH! That's great. Now I finally have an answer to tell my brain during this shot when it harps on at me that that couldn't possibly happen. Only part of the movie that hurts me right in my suspension of disbelief area. I've always really wished he managed to grab the first ledge, it would have been way more plausible.
@@mattp6089 Funnily enough, that's actually what was meant to happen, but during filming the stuntman missed the first ledge, and they decided to keep it in the movie.
It really isn't though, people can and _do_ catch themselves when they are falling. When the alternative is falling to your death, people can do some incredible things.
It's an action movie (one of the best) that takes place during Christmas, but isn't a "Christmas movie" IMO. Just like Lethal Weapon. And I'm sure some will bring up FOX saying that it is a Christmas movie, but they just did that to keep the internet argument going. It makes the movie more popular, thus more sales.
Addie I love your videos and the movie studio said this is a Christmas movie. An I think the second one is a Christmas movie too. The first song in the video is called Christmas Rappin by Run DMC from the 80’s.
If you have Netflix, there is a series called Movies That Made Us. I HIGHLY recommend it. There is an episode on Ghostbusters and Die Hard. Behind the scenes, how it's made, etc.
"It seems more like an action movie" It is, and is still a Christmas Movie. It is a Christmas Action movie. Just like you can have a Christmas comedy movie, Christmas Drama movie, Christmas Animated Movie. Christmas Romance Movie (there's a whole channel dedicated to that).
Christmas setting...Christmas decorations...christmas music...Christmas references...family values...happy ending All the ingredients for a Christmas movie. I watch this movie every year on Christmas eve, a tradition in my family 🙂
The book wasn't about Christmas, the Director said it's not, Bruce Willis said it's not, the author said it's not, and not about Christ, so no, it's not a Christmas movie.
@@rightwired and yet, the setting, the music, the theme all say Christmas movie. It's a non traditional Christmas movie, but Christmas movie it still is.
Die Hard was released in July of 1988 as a Summer blockbuster, the week after the 4th of July, which is why many people debate whether or not it's a Christmas movie. The movie is set during Christmas Eve, but the Christmas setting is mostly decorative and incidental and not really necessary to the plot. The original novel it was based on was not set during Christmas.
The plot of the movie (as opposed to the book) actually is centered around the meaning of Christmas. It's a commentary on the commercialization of the holiday, as embodied in the quote: "You throw quite a party. I didn't realize they celebrated Christmas in Japan. Nakatami President: Hey, we're flexible. Pearl Harbor didn't work out so we got you with tape decks." The climactic trick that saves John comes when he spots a Christmas present wrapping station. And, of course, it ends with Argyle's quip.
It is necessary for the plot that it takes place at least during a holiday, so that the building is empty with the exception of the Nakatomi staff for Gruber's plan to work as smoothly as possible. So the office Christmas party was a perfect opportunity. Also, if it hadn't been Christmas, John wouldn't be there. It wouldn't have worked a month earlier or later. It takes place during Christmas, Christmas plays a vital role for the plot and lots of people watch it as a Christmas tradition = It's a Christmas movie! And the release date has nothing to do with if it's a Christmas movie or not. This was settled way back in June 1947 when Miracle on 34th Street (one of the most Christmassy movies ever, according to some) premiered.
Welcome to the party pal! This is in my Holiday play list. This was Bruce expanding from romcom to action. I love the terrorist looking around before he gets his candy bar. Holly and John have more marital problems in the future but they get together this year. Powell got a TV series "family matters". Hans got a lifetime of memories as Prof. Snape. Bruce became a big-time action guy. God bless them every one. Happy holidays!
The greatest moment of acting in this film is when McClain gets free of that fire hose just in time. I remember I started shaking when he made that face. Anyone else say, "Bless You" when she sneezed? Just curious.
The main plot, including McLane being there in the first place, depends on it being Christmas. The party is the reason every one is at Nakatomi, and the heist was planned round it being Christmas Eve. Plus, the set dec, soundtrack, themes of family and (if you stretch your imagination to the scenes in the vault) opening "presents". 100% a Christmas movie.
That was a ton of fun, watching with you! It is not a "real" Christmas movie, although it takes place during the Christmas season. It is coincidentally a Christmas movie, I suppose. But, the way they work in the music is clever enough (and the dead Terrorist with the Santa hat). But, fun stuff! Addie, you are too adorable! Have you seen "It's a Wonderful Life" yet? Please watch that this year, if not!
Regarding the guy in the lobby at the start, he knew people were on the 30h floor but he doesn't know who. If he sent John up there and who he was looking for wasn't thre, the guy wouldn't have been doing his job. The computer answered John's question because the man couldn't... Oh and it was also a way to let John know she was going by her maiden name. And it is a Christmas movie. His wife is named Holly for a reason.
Fun fact: When Alan Rickman is dropped from the window, the stunt coordinator told him they would do it on three… but instead dropped him early so the look on his face is of genuine shock/surprise
If Christmas movies are about miracles, then Die Hard has a lot of them throughout. Every step of the way, John could've been killed, his wife and other hostages could've been. The fact that he was able to get through on the radio to just one willing cop on the ground to believe him - who also successfully shoots down the last terrorist, saving more lives, the first time he fired his weapon in years. John McClane got through every step of the way as if he had a guardian angel watching over him. Miracles on Christmas Eve.
It's the themes too. A partly-estranged family trying to reunite for Christmas. The trials they face making it happen. The common ground they find, new friends they make along the way and their happy ending. Sure those trials happen to be murderous thieves, belligerent FBI guys and an absolutely despicable reporter in this case but hey....
Christmas movies are about Christ. He didn't make an appearance. The book wasn't about Christmas, the Director said it's not, Bruce Willis said it's not, the author said it's not, and not about Christ, so no, it's not a Christmas movie.
10:45 What's really funny is that the notorious Japanese bootleg release of this film infamously advertised that John McClane has to fight the villains off, but he had no shoes.
I ran a game of Starfinder that was basically Die Hard on a casino spaceship. the party found the bombs and failed repeatedly to disarm them, so the Space Hans Gruber got away and the ship blew up. this was several years before Rick and Morty did the Die Hard episode. good times.
This was my first introduction Alan Rickman. I was just the opposite of you in my regards of him later appearing as a good guy. It took some effort for me to shake this character of Hans when watching him in latter films. A nice movie for the season, if you haven't seen it, is A Christmas Story. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Producers legally had to offer Frank Sinatra the lead role- Frank played Det.Joe LeLand in 1968' s "The Detective" & the sequel novel was written 10 yrs later, & movie made 10 yrs after that!- so Frank was too old , turned it down& enter Bruce Willis- Joe Leland became John Mclane.
It's a Christmas Movie, just not your traditional Christmas movie. But it has a lot of Christmassy themes. Reunion, friendship, regret, redemption, family. Just in a very action movie way. As Theo said: Merry Christmas. And Hans says "Relax Theo it's Christmas, it the time of miracles..."
Good reaction. Its def a Christmas movie for me, and the best action movie ever. The movie also boosted the careers of Bruce Willis (before this he was seen as just a comedian) and Alan Rickman (this was his first Hollywood role, before he was a stage actor).
A lot of people do say it isn't a Christmas movie, but here's the thing: the entire plot of the movie happens *only* because it's Christmas. People assume a Christmas movie has to be cheery and family friendly. They're thinking 'Christmas Spirit' movies.
I feel so old when so many reactors say, "Professor Snape is in this movie?".
1) John knows who has been naughty and nice = Santa
2) John drops a Lump of C-4 down an elevator shaft which is a metaphor for coal and chimney.
3) John's wife is named Holly.
4) you see where this is going... it's definitely a Christmas movie
One thing I do really like is that while they made Ellis slimy and self-serving, they specifically didn’t make him the worst as he covered for Holly and didn’t give up her and John’s connection.
That's because he wanted Holly for himself. He was actively trying to get John killed thinking he was the only obstacle keeping Holly from accepting his advances.
@@thebkg He wasn’t, tho
Ellis wasn't a monster. He was just an arrogant dickhead who thought he could resolve the situation with his slick business skills.
@@thebkg How though? What does he do that puts John in any danger at all?
Yeah, it added some nuance to the scene and to the movie as a whole. Great storytelling.
This movie came out around the time a ripped Sylvester Stallone and an equally buff Arnold Schwarzenegger were making movies. It broke the mold on that cliche and showed a very realistic "everyday Joe" being a hero. Even someone who talks to themselves while dealing with a crisis ("Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs...").
'Now I know what a TV dinner feels like."
This movie really is the template for all the films that would come after it. From Batman with Michael Keaton, to The Rock with Nick Cage, the age of the "everyday Joe" hero of modern cinema really begins here. Of course, there were plenty of those kinds of heroes that came before. But this was the film that broke up the "muscle bound heros" of Arnold and Sly and Van Damme and brought the relatable hero back.
@@InedibleMattman Also what makes McClaine a notable departure from that type is he can be hurt. Sure Rambo, Arnie characters can get shot or cut...but for them, in the words of Gov. Ventura 'I aint got time to bleed.' or Dillion in Roadhouse 'Pain doesn't hurt.' Sure. Well for John it does, movie still very likely unrealistic about how much punishment he can take and still funtion; but it moves closer to human and further from demi-god. Neither is necessarily good or bad, but it made for a refreshing change.
@@witchking8497 absolutely! I love how McClain is never sure what to do next. He’s not just on a killing spree. He’s trying to get the authorities involved, hide from the bad guys, and actively save people. What a REAL cop would do in that situation! He genuinely worried for his life, and even runs away when Takagi is killed because he’s scared. John McClain is insanely relatable.
"Why didn't you stop 'em, John? Cuz then you'd be dead too, a**hole!"
Fun Fact: The scene where Hans falls, Alan Rickman was told by the stunt team they'd count 1-2-3 and drop him. When they did it however, the count only went to two. So that terrified look on his face when he started falling, it was all real.
I heard the count was only 1.
It's such a cool movie. One of, if not THE, best action films ever. The best part was that they took a regular guy and made him the hero. No giant muscles, he isn't perfect, he gets beat up all the time, but he comes through. Love it.
Bruce Willis is the most legitimately badass actor ever. Change my mind.
Also, as far as straight-up action movies go, I would say this is by far the best. The Rock with Nicholas Cage and Sean Connery is a distant second, and I don't even know what I'd put at third.
I think "Die Hard" works so well because it's a damn good action thriller that gets two things right: the hero and the villain... in all fairness, it's not like Bruce Wills invented a character, there had been wisecracking average Joes as hero in the past... Bogart and McQueen weren't muscles of mountain and there have been suave sophisticated villains too, "Die Hard" had these two factors combined plus the concept... and that's the thing it did invent. As for the whole Xmas or no Xmas once again its lne of these things that make the film special like the hero bekng barefoot all through the film but no one really cared if it was a Xmas film or not... it was just one of the best action films if not the best.
For me the Holy Trinity of action movies are Terminator 2, Die Hard and Aliens.
Hero and villain were great. As far as the humor... none of it was stupid and all the jokes landed. It could be deadly serious and funny (when appropriate). Some movies just have cheesy one liners at bad times.
And the action sequences are far more realistic as in any Stallone or Schwarzenegger movie.
It's a Christmas Action movie. Sure, the action plot is the main focus, but the character subplots deal with themes usually associated with Christmas: family, friendship, redemption, and sacrifice. It has Christmas music. It was intended to be a Christmas movie (though I think it came out July 15th which is about as far from Christmas as you can get). It takes place at a Christmas party. If Love Actually and Home Alone are Christmas movies, and I think most people agree they are, then this is too.
Some people argue that it doesn’t have to be Christmas for the plot to work, but to that I say this: the events have to take place on Christmas Eve - the staff are all gathered in one place and are various levels of intoxicated, making it very easy to take them all hostage, and there were only 2 security guards as the rest were given the night off to be with their families. Speaking of families, that’s the reason John is there, to spend Christmas with his family.
@@CoffeeMatt10 You could also point out that pretty much the only significant plot point in Home Alone that actually depends on Christmas is that the crooks are specifically targeting the houses of families that are traveling for the holiday. Aside from that, the references to Christmas are pretty trivial to the plot.
I said it once and I'll say it again, I think HOME ALONE 1& 2 are more violent than Die Hard
@@WillsonT011 And it will still be an incredibly stupid and untrue statement no matter how many times you say it.
@@elijahfoster4380 the only reason you think that is because the two robbers are superhuman in their ability to take punishment. So I'm going to stick with my statement
I believe this is Alan Rickman's first film. It's also considered to be a perfect script as far as pacing and plot structure.
He was a stage performer before Die Hard, which makes the line when John finds Hans near the roof rather apt: “you should be on TV with that accent”
@@CoffeeMatt10 I think he may have had some tv roles as well. RIP Alan.
First and most iconic role. By far
Not a bad role for a first movie.
Rickman is actually the protagonist. McClane is the antagonist here.
When I still had my Mom and Dad with me, we would watch this together on Christmas Eve right after we opened our presents. THAT'S why this is a Christmas movie to me, because of my folks. We were the O.G. "It ain't Christmas 'til Hans Gruber falls off of Nakatomi Plaza" kind of people. MERRY CHRISTMAS, ADDIE!!! :)
I love it. My ritual is to watch it while I stuff stockings. I watch it alone, because the rest of my family are “Die Hard isn’t a Christmas movie” people. 😢
@@6li8storm40 sounds like you should be stuffing coal
@@chrismedina3429 I wouldn’t do that to my kids. I’m hoping they come to the light one day.
Alan Rickman is also a bad guy in "Quigley Down Under" and "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves."
He is such a great bad guy.
John and Holly learned the true meaning of Christmas: The Love one has for family and friends. The bad guys were there just for the money and it killed them, they never learned why Christmas is so special.
Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
Thanks for your reactions, I had fun, it looked like you did as well.
This is absolutely a Christmas movie. And not just cause it takes place during Christmas, but because of the themes of redemption, coming together as friends and family. A husband and wife are having a rocking patch in their marriage and they go through a bonding experience to see what's more important in life than the petty squabbles that broke them up. A new life long friendship is formed between strangers because of a shared experience over the holiday. If that isn't Christmas I don't know what is.
It isn't Christmas in my house until Hans Gruber falls from the top of the Nakatomi building. 😎 🎄
Fun Fact: Alan Rickman nearly passed up the role of Hans Gruber, which ended up being his first film role. He had only arrived in Hollywood two days earlier and was appalled by the idea of his first role being the villain in an action film. To a degree, Rickman was right to be concerned considering his performance as Hans Gruber was so hailed that the actor had to struggle being typecast as a player of villains for much of his career.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves comes to mind.
Gruber was a fantastic actor, RIP
Well at least it was a fact still waiting for the fun part.
Well he was great as Sir Alexander Dane in Galaxy Quest.
@@lordofchaosinc.261 He was evil _and_ funny there. :)
We've seen plenty of great action movies since Die Hard, but I can't even explain how amazing it was to see this in a packed theater with an unruly crowd back in 88. It was pure joy.
For us older viewers, when we say Harry Potter we said, "That's Hans Gruber."
Great reaction. This is definitely a Christmas movie. One of my favorite movies of all time. Fun fact this was Alan Rickman first movie role. Until that point he was a stage actor.
There is an old saying. It's not Christmas until Hans Grubber falls of the Nakatomi building. Keep up the grest reaction you're awesome. 😁
John's pistol and the submachine guns all shoot the same cartridge, the 9mm NATO, so they are equal in power. Hans Gruber's pistol is also a 9mm.
excellent point
Exactly, they just have a higher rate of fire and larger mags. Also better fire control (due to having a butt stock) but other than that they deal the same damage
I can confirm that the "walk around barefoot on the rug and make fists with your toes" thing actually works. Have been doing it since the first time I saw "Die Hard".
The stuntman really did miss the catch in the elevator shaft. They kept the shot anyway.
13:59 Yeah, Argyle has come a long way since he tried to pinch that Strat from Ray's Music Exchange.
Alan Rickman was perfect as Snape, because up until then he had always been type casted as the bad guy in his movies so people expected Snape to be one as well. Because of how well he did in this one, his first movie.
There are two types of people in the world, those who think die hard is a Christmas movie and those who are wrong.
The only way John was there to save the day, is because of the Christmas party.
"At least he has a bigger gun now" Actually John's handgun (a Beretta 92) shoots the same caliber bullet (9mm) as the terrorists machine guns (H&K MP5s). Karl's gun (a Steyer AUG) is the only different caliber, which is 5.56.
Well , even if it's the same caliber, to me a machine gun is a "bigger gun" than a handgun, isn't it? 🤓😎
So you don't know what a gun is?
The machine gun hold more rounds though, so it is a "bigger gun."
Actually, Die Hard 2 is also a Christmas movie and it briefly includes the Police officer that talked with John during this movie. It also has the reporter that Holly punched and if you react to it you will know the connection when they are in the same area.
True, but Die Hard 2 is also a terrible movie. The franchise follows the same pattern as Indiana Jones: amazing, genre-defining first movies, very bad sequels, good to very good third installments, and then a long break before extremely poor attempts to reboot them.
@@sumnerhayes3411 I disagree about 2 being terrible. It has the reporter and Al, the police officer in it as well as the news that John is now with the LA police force and it is once again at Christmas. It also includes the ICONIC line from John although almost at the very end this time. And later one of the movies involves Hans' brother as the Villain.
It’s harder to argue the case for Die Hard 2, it doesn’t rely on Christmas for the plot to work, it could happen at any time of year, whereas Die Hard relies on it being Christmas Eve for the plot to work - Christmas party with all the staff in one place and drinking, easy to take hostage, only 2 security guards on duty as the rest are given the night off to be with their families for Christmas.
@@CoffeeMatt10 It couldn't happen at ANY TIME of year as they drove on snowmobiles and there was a line at the end when the police officer tore up John's parking ticket and said What the hell, it's Christmas!!
@@sumnerhayes3411 #2 tried to recycle essentially the same plot over again. That's why it's so poorly regarded. #s 3 & 4 are terrific, while #5 is execrable.
1. Karl/Alexander Godunov(RIP) also played in "The Money Pit" with Tom Hanks and "Witness" with non Indiana/Solo Harrison Ford.
He had a very interesting story.
2. Robinson/Paul Gleason(RIP) seems to always play buttheads. I.e. "Trading Places" and "The Breakfast Club".
3. John got a place to sleep😍😋
4. Another fun Willis movie that have similar events is "The Last Boy Scout". They drop more F-bombs than you can shake a stick at.
Including a little girl.
Alan Rickman’s performance helped make this film.
Wouldn't have been the same without him or Bruce Willis imo.
One hell of a movie debut.
I love movies where an 'everyman' type guy can be the hero. Super super hero movies are cool, and other genentic altered superhumans, but honestly a guy just wanting to protect his loved ones is what makes this so special.
"Wait, THEE Professor Snape?"
When Harry Potter first came out...there were a lot of people who saw him and said, "Wait, THEE Hans Gruber?"
27:10 I am convinced it was not scripted and the actor was surprised by the thorns on the rose bush for real. And they liked it and kept it in:)
Rest in peace, Clarence Gilyard Jr. (Theo). Great actor, as well as a great professor. What a life.
Best part of Walker.
Merry Christmas, Alan Rickman was dropped early to give him the legit look of fear when he falls. Love the reactions.
McClain could never have hidden the pistol if he didn't have the Christmas tape to attach it to his back. If it had been a 4th of July party in Nakatomi Tower, John and Holly would have been completely screwed.
Totally a Christmas movie.
All arguments will be met with a beatdown.
I LOVE watching young people watching this for the first time. I watched it 30 years ago, peeping through a crack in my parents bedroom, my dad didn't want me seeing it. Such a great movie, launched some of the most iconic 80's movies.
This was the movie that launched Alan Rickman's career. He had been in a few things before, but this one got him noticed...and well deserved!
Christmas brings John to LA. He finds illumination of his redemption in the bathroom scene. Al discovers he can still contribute and do his duty. Argyle grows beyond tips and finds his courage. Holly finds forgiveness to take back John, and Motherlyness over her children being exploited. And the stuntment found the joy of concession candy. The Ghost of Christmas Future would approve.
That same stuntman was killed by Mel Gibson in Lethal weapon.
@@JayM409 Al Leon has one of the longest filmographies a stuntman can have.
It’s not just the material connection with the Christmas trees and music. It most importantly has the spirit of giving presents which John Mclane 🎅 have sent to the bad guys on numerous occasions, AND THAT IS WHY it’s a Christmas movie 👌.
I drive past “Nakatomi Plaza” every day to and from work. I still get a kick out of it.
It is a Christmas Action Movie... like Die Hard 2, Lethal Weapon, the Long Kiss Goodnight.
Batman Returns
"Oh, Alan Rickman is the bad guy!?" Yeah, what did you expect him to be? Santa?😂
1:05 your reaction to the intro 'fists with your toes' guy is the best ive ever seen.
Die Hard is a christmas movie by every measurable metric. Christmas is vital to the plot. Without the nakatomi christmas party there is no setting. John surviving is a christmas miracle.
Also, Alan Rickman does some very Awesome villains. His first roll vs Bruce Willis solidified it, but if you've never seen it, he played the Sheriff of Nottingham vs Kevin Costner's Robin Hood of Loxley, w/ sidekick Morgan Freeman. Another great 90s film!
Rickman was the only good thing in Robin Hood. If only he was in the later Crowe remake.
@@davelister2961 oh come now, no love for the scenery and locations? And you can't leave Morgan Freeman out of the accolades for this film. Plenty of folks hate the Bryan Adam's infused chick flick aiming to draw in the male audience. But, at least it's more enjoyable that First Knight w/ Richard Gere, another 80s film aimed at the female demographic while trying to cater to the male audience as well. It was a strange film era.
Watching you get anxious over so many of the scenes made me wish I could watch this again for the first time! One of my fave movies ever. Your reaction to Ellis was spot on 🤣
This movie puts me right into the mood for eggnog and Beretta Model 92s. Dear Santa, I want an ambulance, some C4, an H&K P7, six MP5s, a Steyr AUG, 20 boxes of Federal 115 grain 9mm, 10 boxes of 55 grain 5.56mm FMJ, and about $640M in negotiable bearer bonds. Oh, I almost forgot, and a pony. Thanks.
I'll skip the pony. But want the briefcase for the MP5.
It is an action movie, and it's a Christmas movie. Not all Christmas movies have to be It's a Wonderful Life. It has a Christmas party, Christmas music.
Really good reaction, Addie. It was apparent that you really enjoyed the film, especially the relationship between officer Powell and John. I watched one of your earlier reactions and I was critical of your style in the comments. I figured it was one of your first videos, so I thought I'd check and see how you were doing. You really seem more relaxed and confident. The good thing is that your sweet nature still shines through and you are really entertaining. Good job, Addie!
Perhaps the best action film ever. And yes a Christmas movie. Alan Rickman's Hans Gruber is the best film villain ever.
Die Hard and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation are my 2 must watch movies at Christmas. Just wouldn’t be Christmas to me without them.
42:31
Nice punch by Argyle - knocks him out with one punch.
That is called the "Argyle sock".
This movie came out in the middle of summer, but it occurs at a Christmas party. So over the years people have started to play it at Christmas.
My favorite part is when holly punches the reporter 😂 definitely a christmas movie 🎄
The Nakatomi building is played by the Fox Plaza building in L.A.
Saw it for the 1st time in Xmas 2018 when I was 16. I’ve been obsessed w/ this masterpiece ever since. It’s now become both my favourite action and my favourite Xmas movie. My best guess on why ppl say it isn’t a Xmas movie is cuz it takes place in LA, which rarely (if ever) gets any snow, so maybe that’s why they made the papers fall from the building at the end 🤷♂️
It's set at Christmas time so that is why it is considered that. Watch Lethal Weapon with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. It is a buddy cop movie that is set at this time of the year, so it has the holiday theme going and there is this same debate about it. It came out a year before Die Hard
"lethal weapon" is another great action film that takes place at christmas time.
you should react to another great christmas movie, Lethal Weapon, starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover!
Han's face when falling from the building is one of my favorite parts of the movie. I hear that the director purposely started filming/released Rickman a second early to surprise him. The look on his face makes it more impactful. "I am not supposed to be falling!" or "What is happening?"
He played that role so well I still expected him to have a thick accent and be cold-hearted when I saw him in another Christmas movie many years later, Love Actually.
Addie and the rest of the community here, I hope you, your families, and friends have a great holiday and I hope the community grows to 10k before new years
I say it's a.Christmas movie.
There can be movies that are set at Christmas but are not Christmas movies. Christmas is just something going on in the background.
But in Die Hard it's interwoven through the whole film. It's in the dialogue, the props, the music...the movie never lets you forget it's Christmas.
If Kevin McCallister can spend a whole movie facing off 2 bad guys and *that's* accepted as a Christmas movie with no question, why not when John McClane does it with 12?
Yes, Die Hard has a lot of action, violence, and blood...but through the whole movie we are not only rooting for John to kill all the bad guys, but for a family to be together at the end.
We get the happy ending...that's also a very Christmas movie type thing. 😁
Best Regards and Happy Holidays!
Trivia: Alexander Godunov (Karl) was previously a Russian ballet star and a contemporary of fellow dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. Godunov was tabloid fodder due to his relationship with actress Jacqueline Bisset but he passed away in 1995 at age 45.
Loving watching these reaction videos, thanks Addie!
Lol...your reactions are hilarious. "OMG his feet he has no shoes thats not good" you're so funny. Love it .
okay, so this is 100% the best Christmas movie ever. Well it's not the best Christmas movie ever, but the best non Santa Claus Christmas movie ever. The great thing about this is every dude on the planet loves this movie for reasons that are obvious. but every time a woman sees this movie / forced to watch this movie they're like yeah whatever die hard. they're like well that was fun, exciting but it was action with romance in the story and I really liked it. I've watched a number of women react to this movie on the UA-cam machine. And they all say the same thing. that was fun It was enjoyable and the romance and they got together. which is exactly what you did. That's why this is one of the greatest films ever. Addie You're awesome. ❤️💚☘️
Not every dude. My husband doesn’t like it. I watch it alone every Christmas Eve, because I love it. Best action movie ever, and a solid Christmas movie, as well.
Just starting it, and I realized when the hacker was shutting down the building and closing the security gates, he also stopped the escalators.
"Oh no! The escalators aren't running! How will we get to the bottom?" 🤣
John is so efficient at light weapons and hand to hand combat that it looks like he's having a hard time but it's really because he's so good at his job
In the scene where Bruce Willis fires his gun from under the table. As a result Willis lost 60% of his hearing in one ear due to firing the gun so close to his head. The scene where Willis jumped off the tower was actually shot on top of a 5 story parking garage with explosives. The force of the explosion nearly caused Willis to miss the air bag on the street below and almost wound up with a serious or near fatal injury to his head.
I can see why some people say it's not a Christmas movie, but Plex ended the debate for me when it added a section on my homepage that says "Tis the Season" and in addition to my Hallmark Christmas movies, it added automatically Die Hard, Batman Returns, Edward Scissorhands, and the movie Peppermint. So if a computer thinks it's a Christmas movie, it's a Christmas movie.
Hey Addie! First off, I loved your reaction to Die Hard. It’s one of my all-time favorite action films. So here is why I consider it a Christmas movie. It takes place on Christmas Eve during a Christmas Party, you have a father trying to get home to his family for the holidays, you have the ultimate grinch-like villain in Hans Gruber, and you have so many Christmas references. There are also classic Christmas themes such as love and forgiveness (John and Holly), and friendship (John and Al). Then the film ends happily with Frank Sinatra’s “Let it Snow Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” as papers come down like snow from Nakatomi Plaza (aka, Fox Plaza). I also personally enjoyed all the references to iconic Western/Cowboy heroes played by legendary actors such as John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Gary Cooper.
"I don't know how in the _world_ he grabbed that ledge..." Yeah, out of everything in this movie, that always struck me as pretty unreasonable. He'd need _insane_ grip strength for that to have worked like it did!
It's a Christmas miracle
@@jono3665 HAH! That's great. Now I finally have an answer to tell my brain during this shot when it harps on at me that that couldn't possibly happen. Only part of the movie that hurts me right in my suspension of disbelief area. I've always really wished he managed to grab the first ledge, it would have been way more plausible.
even if he had the strength, pretty sure his fingers would have just ripped off.
@@mattp6089 Funnily enough, that's actually what was meant to happen, but during filming the stuntman missed the first ledge, and they decided to keep it in the movie.
It really isn't though, people can and _do_ catch themselves when they are falling. When the alternative is falling to your death, people can do some incredible things.
1:42 I remember when you could smoke in the mall, not in the stores but in the mall itself they had ash trays all around.
It's an action movie (one of the best) that takes place during Christmas, but isn't a "Christmas movie" IMO. Just like Lethal Weapon. And I'm sure some will bring up FOX saying that it is a Christmas movie, but they just did that to keep the internet argument going. It makes the movie more popular, thus more sales.
Addie I love your videos and the movie studio said this is a Christmas movie. An I think the second one is a Christmas movie too. The first song in the video is called Christmas Rappin by Run DMC from the 80’s.
The song is called "Christmas in Hollis", not "Christmas Rappin'", because that's a Kurtis Blow song, not Run-DMC.
If you have Netflix, there is a series called Movies That Made Us. I HIGHLY recommend it. There is an episode on Ghostbusters and Die Hard. Behind the scenes, how it's made, etc.
"It seems more like an action movie" It is, and is still a Christmas Movie. It is a Christmas Action movie. Just like you can have a Christmas comedy movie, Christmas Drama movie, Christmas Animated Movie. Christmas Romance Movie (there's a whole channel dedicated to that).
But let's not talk about the only, and very SPECIAL, Christmas sci-fi movie.
@@The2realistic Just... Don't... Getting vietnam flashbacks.
This is a delightful Christmas movie about family and forgiveness overcoming all, including thieves pretending to be terrorists.
Christmas setting...Christmas decorations...christmas music...Christmas references...family values...happy ending
All the ingredients for a Christmas movie. I watch this movie every year on Christmas eve, a tradition in my family 🙂
The book wasn't about Christmas, the Director said it's not, Bruce Willis said it's not, the author said it's not, and not about Christ, so no, it's not a Christmas movie.
@@rightwired and yet, the setting, the music, the theme all say Christmas movie. It's a non traditional Christmas movie, but Christmas movie it still is.
@@rightwiredChristmas movies have to be about Christ?
I love that line “You did not bring me around for my charming personality.”
Die Hard was released in July of 1988 as a Summer blockbuster, the week after the 4th of July, which is why many people debate whether or not it's a Christmas movie. The movie is set during Christmas Eve, but the Christmas setting is mostly decorative and incidental and not really necessary to the plot. The original novel it was based on was not set during Christmas.
The plot of the movie (as opposed to the book) actually is centered around the meaning of Christmas. It's a commentary on the commercialization of the holiday, as embodied in the quote: "You throw quite a party. I didn't realize they celebrated Christmas in Japan. Nakatami President: Hey, we're flexible. Pearl Harbor didn't work out so we got you with tape decks." The climactic trick that saves John comes when he spots a Christmas present wrapping station. And, of course, it ends with Argyle's quip.
It is necessary for the plot that it takes place at least during a holiday, so that the building is empty with the exception of the Nakatomi staff for Gruber's plan to work as smoothly as possible. So the office Christmas party was a perfect opportunity. Also, if it hadn't been Christmas, John wouldn't be there. It wouldn't have worked a month earlier or later. It takes place during Christmas, Christmas plays a vital role for the plot and lots of people watch it as a Christmas tradition = It's a Christmas movie!
And the release date has nothing to do with if it's a Christmas movie or not. This was settled way back in June 1947 when Miracle on 34th Street (one of the most Christmassy movies ever, according to some) premiered.
One of my all time favorite movies. Al Powell who helps John is American favorite TV dad Carl Winslow from Family Matters.
Welcome to the party pal! This is in my Holiday play list. This was Bruce expanding from romcom to action. I love the terrorist looking around before he gets his candy bar. Holly and John have more marital problems in the future but they get together this year. Powell got a TV series "family matters". Hans got a lifetime of memories as Prof. Snape. Bruce became a big-time action guy. God bless them every one. Happy holidays!
The director has said, this is a christmas movie!
The greatest moment of acting in this film is when McClain gets free of that fire hose just in time. I remember I started shaking when he made that face. Anyone else say, "Bless You" when she sneezed? Just curious.
The main plot, including McLane being there in the first place, depends on it being Christmas. The party is the reason every one is at Nakatomi, and the heist was planned round it being Christmas Eve. Plus, the set dec, soundtrack, themes of family and (if you stretch your imagination to the scenes in the vault) opening "presents".
100% a Christmas movie.
That was a ton of fun, watching with you! It is not a "real" Christmas movie, although it takes place during the Christmas season. It is coincidentally a Christmas movie, I suppose. But, the way they work in the music is clever enough (and the dead Terrorist with the Santa hat). But, fun stuff! Addie, you are too adorable! Have you seen "It's a Wonderful Life" yet? Please watch that this year, if not!
Regarding the guy in the lobby at the start, he knew people were on the 30h floor but he doesn't know who. If he sent John up there and who he was looking for wasn't thre, the guy wouldn't have been doing his job. The computer answered John's question because the man couldn't... Oh and it was also a way to let John know she was going by her maiden name.
And it is a Christmas movie. His wife is named Holly for a reason.
Fun fact: When Alan Rickman is dropped from the window, the stunt coordinator told him they would do it on three… but instead dropped him early so the look on his face is of genuine shock/surprise
What's Up Addie, This Is One Of The Best Christmas-Action Films Ever Made
If Christmas movies are about miracles, then Die Hard has a lot of them throughout. Every step of the way, John could've been killed, his wife and other hostages could've been. The fact that he was able to get through on the radio to just one willing cop on the ground to believe him - who also successfully shoots down the last terrorist, saving more lives, the first time he fired his weapon in years. John McClane got through every step of the way as if he had a guardian angel watching over him.
Miracles on Christmas Eve.
It's the themes too. A partly-estranged family trying to reunite for Christmas. The trials they face making it happen. The common ground they find, new friends they make along the way and their happy ending.
Sure those trials happen to be murderous thieves, belligerent FBI guys and an absolutely despicable reporter in this case but hey....
"You wanted a miracle, I give you the F-B-I."
Christmas movies are about Christ. He didn't make an appearance. The book wasn't about Christmas, the Director said it's not, Bruce Willis said it's not, the author said it's not, and not about Christ, so no, it's not a Christmas movie.
There are two kind of people in the world. Those who think die hard is a christmas movie, and those who are wrong.
This has to be my favorite reaction cause Addie, you get 👏👏👏🧑🎄
Great! I have found another reactor who doesn't use vulgar language!
Happy to subscribe!
10:45 What's really funny is that the notorious Japanese bootleg release of this film infamously advertised that John McClane has to fight the villains off, but he had no shoes.
I ran a game of Starfinder that was basically Die Hard on a casino spaceship. the party found the bombs and failed repeatedly to disarm them, so the Space Hans Gruber got away and the ship blew up. this was several years before Rick and Morty did the Die Hard episode. good times.
This was my first introduction Alan Rickman. I was just the opposite of you in my regards of him later appearing as a good guy. It took some effort for me to shake this character of Hans when watching him in latter films.
A nice movie for the season, if you haven't seen it, is A Christmas Story. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Producers legally had to offer Frank Sinatra the lead role- Frank played Det.Joe LeLand in 1968' s "The Detective" & the sequel novel was written 10 yrs later, & movie made 10 yrs after that!- so Frank was too old , turned it down& enter Bruce Willis- Joe Leland became John Mclane.
I think one of the greatest scenes in this movie was reaching for that Nestle's Crunch bar. Who would not have done that?!
It's a Christmas Movie, just not your traditional Christmas movie. But it has a lot of Christmassy themes. Reunion, friendship, regret, redemption, family. Just in a very action movie way. As Theo said: Merry Christmas. And Hans says "Relax Theo it's Christmas, it the time of miracles..."
Good reaction. Its def a Christmas movie for me, and the best action movie ever. The movie also boosted the careers of Bruce Willis (before this he was seen as just a comedian) and Alan Rickman (this was his first Hollywood role, before he was a stage actor).
And Reginald VelJohnson's performance impressed the producer of Family Matters so much, he was given the role of Carl Winslow on the sitcom.
A lot of people do say it isn't a Christmas movie, but here's the thing: the entire plot of the movie happens *only* because it's Christmas. People assume a Christmas movie has to be cheery and family friendly.
They're thinking 'Christmas Spirit' movies.
I think this movie works because the hero and villain are on par with each other, and are both epic.