An iconic movie: this was Alan Rickman's first movie (he was a British stage actor), launching his long career of movie villainry. Bruce Willis was only known for TV rom-coms until this movie launched his career as an action star
Fun fact, when Hans fell at the end his facial reaction is genuine because they pulled him down sooner than what they said they would. Glad you finally saw this iconic film. Feel better!
And this was Alan Rickman's first big movie role. He was a complete unknown... and he KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK. This was the movie where Bruce Willis became Bruce Willis, but it's also the movie that showed us just how awesome Alan Rickman was.
Die Hard is the touching story of how Christmas magic rekindles a police officer's spirit and taught him to shoot people again. (Love this movie, watch it every year)
@@Greybeardmedic - Of COURSE it's a Christmas film. Anyone who denies it that status, just ask whether they think 'Home Alone' is a Christmas film. They're basically the same movie, except that 'Home Alone' is geared towards a younger audience. In both films, the lone protagonist has been separated from their family. They spend Christmas Eve fighting against criminals bent on committing a heist. Both set various traps and obstructions to foil the robbers. Both are fighting for their lives and hoping to make it to Christmas day and reunite with their families.
One of my favorite movies ever. I was 17 when this came out and it has become a Christmas Eve tradition for me to watch this movie. It's not Christmas until I see Hans Gruber fall off the Nakatomi Building. Speaking of Alan Rickman, a couple other films in which he played a great villain are Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Quigley Down Under. Quigley Down Under is a western set in 1860 Australia and is a great movie.
Cool reaction! For the record, I'm friends with the writer of Die Hard, and he sent me a list of reasons why it is a Christmas movie (which was always his intention...).
The most iconic Rickman role is the Sheriff from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Absolutely classic. You also mentioned his voice a couple times so that means watching Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. His other comedies are galaxy Quest and Dogma - both worth it. I also think his performance in Rasputin is VERY underrated.
What I love about this film is how it keeps on ratcheting up the tension and the stakes while remaining almost-completely grounded. Also every element that is introduced has a payoff, from the advice on the plane to take off his shoes to this becoming a pain later on, to the expensive watch from Ellis the douche which goes down with Hans in the end, it’s rightful owner when his time was up. The script is so well written (by grown ups) and it treats its audience like they are smart and mature. I love it, I love it, I love it and it only gets better with each new decade.
It's also doing (1988) a lot of clever subversion of 80s action movie tropes. I'd credit the high bar it set and it's discrediting of so many staple action trops with being a big factor in the death of low budget action movies, along with the rise of FPS games eviscerating the market for mass-produced shooter films.
You can view Die Hard as a Christmas story more thematically in terms of a protagonist with failing family and personal relationships, who combats antagonists who consist not only of terrorist groups (greed, selfishness, vengeance), but also incompetent other law enforcement, realizes what was truly important to him (loving and supporting his wife), and saves not only their lives, but his own marriage. How is that not the spirit of Christmas..? 🎄
"Good kids get rewarded, bad kids get punished" ... totally the christmas spirit (except the "punishment" gets ignored these days, because it is more in the form of "not getting presents"). John, Al, Holly and Argyle all get their "rewards" and get to do something satisfying in the end. People who think this isnt a christmas movie have been completely taken over by the Hallmark propaganda movie spirit and cant look beyond that horizon.
How is Die Hard any different than Home Alone? Both protagonists spend Christmas Eve fending off bad guys trying to commit a robbery. In both cases the protagonists were not expected to be there, and not part of the thieves' plans. Both use their wits and available tools to foil the heists and eventually overcome them. Both wish to be reunited with their families and hopefully spend Christmas with them.
I was 16 when this movie came out. At first, people were laughing at it. An action movie with Bruce Wilis?? That Moonlighting guy? Are they serious?? Bruce Willis was indeed known as a comedian; this would be like Steve Martin or Adam Sandler in a wild action movie. And then the rumors started up: this movie was GOOD. Interviews with the cast and crew had them remarking how they'd watched the final cut of the movie and given each other high fives; they were shocked by how well the movie worked. So, my family and I saw it. We walked out wide-eyed, rubber-legged staggering. We couldn't believe what we'd just seen. We knew then this was one of the best movies we'd seen in a long, long time. It still is. Merry Christmas!!
10:05 "Nobody has a more iconic voice than Alan Rickman." I submit for your consideration: James Earl Jones Morgan Freeman Sean Connery Anthony Hopkins Jeff Goldblum Samuel L. Jackson Christopher Walken Gilbert Gottfried And perhaps the granddaddy of all amazing distinctive voices: Vincent Price Honorable mention must go to the guy who has done more voices and voice-overs in Hollywood history: Mel Blanc edit: Apparently, Vaughn Monroe has a more iconic voice than Alan Rickman. Or at least equally iconic. He's the guy singing Let It Snow during the credits when you asked "is that Alan Rickman singing? I'm convinced it is." (41:30) Monroe recorded that song the same year Rickman was born.
7:33 "Nice Amish man." Alexander Godonuv first came to Hollywood as a dancer (he danced with the Moscow Classical Ballet), but instead found work as a heavy in several hit films.
Carl survived the hanging because, if you notice, he managed to slip his hand under the chain tightening around his neck. By doing so, moreover, he clung to the chain, preventing it from breaking his neck. Probably, he had in mind to buy some time to strike at a more opportune moment, and that's what he did, actually.
I never questioned how he survived. My big question is, why did the paramedics bringing him out of the building let him keep the freakin' machine gun!?!
Great reaction, Madison. 100th film, what a great Christmas present! I hope that you and your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, all the best for 2024, may it bring you all that your hearts desire.
Argyle was played by De’voreux White. He has very small parts in two movies that are must-see. The first is “The Blues Brothers,” a musical comedy starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. The other is “Places in the Heart,” a serious drama starring Sally Field (with a supporting performance by Ed Harris) set in Texas during the Great Depression.
Die Hard was based on the 1979 novel 'Nothing Lasts Forever' by Roderick Thorp, which was a sequel to an earlier novel Thorpe had published in 1966 called 'The Detective,' which had been adapted into a 1968 film by 20th Century Fox starring Frank Sinatra as the main protagonist, former police officer turned private detective Joe Leland. After watching the film, The Towering Inferno, in 1975, author Roderick Thorp went home and fell asleep, and had a dream of seeing a man being chased through a skyscraper by men with guns. He woke up and later took that idea and turned it into The Detective sequel, Nothing Lasts Forever. Since Frank Sinatra was too old to reprise his role of detective Joe Leland, Fox decided to have Nothing Lasts Forever rewritten into a standalone film, retitled 'Die Hard,' with the protagonist now being called John McClane. The role was offered to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Richard Gere, Don Johnson, Paul Newman, and Al Pacino, all of whom either turned it down or were unavailable to do the film. Bruce Willis initially declined the role due to his commitment to the television series Moonlighting with Cybill Shepherd, but he was ultimately able to take the role while the show was on hiatus during Shepherd's pregnancy.
There's a brief scene that takes place during the fifth and last season of Moonlighting where Bruce Willis is talking to Cybill Shepard in front of a video rental store, and in the background is a poster promoting Die Hard...
@@fday1964 Yep, I remember that scene. 😂But it was actually Maddie's cousin, played by Virginia Madsen, who was with Bruce Willis' character, David Addison, in front of a billboard with a Die Hard poster on it.
And the 2nd Die Hard movie was based on the book 58 Minutes. My stepfather insisted on me reading the book and he rarely did something like that. It's a good book.
@@44excaliburPlenty of classic films are from original screenplays. On the other hand, there are plenty of crap novels no one ever hears about. Your comment makes no sense.
Congratulations on 100 reactions, Madison. If you're interested in more Alan Rickman bad guy goodness you should watch him as the Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1991 version of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves if you haven't already. Hope you're feeling better soon - Merry Christmas.
When Bruce Willis fires the pistol under the table, the echo under the table was very severe. It was so bad it caused permanent hearing loss in one of his ear's, to the point where he lost hearing in that ear. Scenes like that have been done before, but never under a table before. The stunt with "Willis" in the vent shaft is kept in from a failed stunt. The stuntman was suppose to reach and grab onto the vent, but lost his footing and fell. He catches the next vent down in the fake shaft that was built, but it was so impressive they decided to keep it in the film. I hope you have a fantastic Christmas, and have a great New Years Eve. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.
Die Hard has and always will be a Christmas movie, even the director and screenwriter have confirmed this. It has the music, the tree, the gifts, the decorations, the Grinch character in Rickman. Some people don't think it is because of the action, same can be said for almost every Christmas movie out there. Home Alone is a good example where most think it's a Christmas movie because it takes place during Christmas, but it's about a kid being left home and two bumbling burglars. lol But that movie has similar parts of Christmas Die Hard has, including the family coming together at the end of the movie. It's A Wonderful Life was released in January, after Christmas and is widely considered one of the best Christmas movies ever. That list can go on and on and on. lol It really depends on each person's criteria and what they would consider a Christmas movie. Good reaction, glad you're feeling better.
Yes, William Atherton also played the part of the environmental agent in the first "Ghostbusters" movie. The very first movie I ever saw Atherton in, is the Steven Spielberg, theatrical debut, action-packed "The Sugarland Express" (1974) ..... Starring: A very young Atherton, and an even younger Goldie Hawn. It is a movie you should definitely review, before putting an end to any Spielberg reaction library that you may start.
Welcome to the Die Hard is a Christmas movie camp! It not only has a Christmas setting and music but it also embraces the spirit of the holidays with thematic elements of family, togetherness, reconciliation, and new friendships. And what's Christmas without punching a jackass in the face?
6:30 This was an unintentionally hilarious deduction from a singular context clue (Ellis sniffing). Never mind we join Ellis as he wipes the residue off the desk and applies it to his gums. Never mind Takagi makes it a point to emphasize John's occupation as a "police officer" Never mind that the first thing John said to him was "you missed some," prompting Ellis to wipe the residual powder off his nose. Nope. He was "sniffing." lol
He IS the one in Ghostbusters. And that is Alan singing at the end. Die Hard 2 also has him singing at the end, and it is ALSO a Christmas movie! 😉😉👱♀👱♀👗👗👠👠❤❤
It's not Christmas until Hans Gruber is tossed from the Nakatomi Tower! ... Bruce Willis with hair... Alan Rickman (RIP) is best known for his sinister roles, but he played some strong comic roles as well, such as Galaxy Quest, January Man, and Blow Dry. I hope you fully recover soon, and look forward to the next movie.
Thanks Madison. Great movie and the usual great reaction. I believe Die Hard is a Christmas movie by the fact of the time of year setting. The fact that it's an employee Christmas party. Puts it in the seasonal spirit category.
Something you mentioned in your commentary at the end... where Hans (Alan) was 'just a bank robber'. In the book, the antagonists WERE terrorists vs. thieves, and why they put in the line early in the movie where Rickman says, "Who said we were terrorists?". Always enjoy this time of year and reactors watching this movie at Christmas time. I so love the debate over whether it is or isn't a Christmas movie. 🙂
Before this movie Bruce Willis was best known for playing a wise-cracking private detective on the TV show Moonlighting. This movie, and his performance in it, single-handidly made him a movie star.
24:00 "That hacker is so arrogant, so cocky, I want him to get his." Funny you should pick him. By the time you read this it won't be a spoiler - that guy (Theo) is the only one who does NOT get killed in this movie. In fact, at the end of the movie, he could probably just walk out and go home, right after he wakes up. Little guy like Argyle punching him awkwardly through a vehicle window couldn't leave him unconscious for more than a minute or two, and he's dressed like an ambulance driver, and there's about a hundred of those all over the place. I always thought it would have been cool for John McClane to bump into that guy in a later movie in the franchise. They wouldn't recognize each other because they never saw each other in this movie. It would just be funny to see them pass each other in a revolving door, or standing next to each other in an elevator, or some such thing.
Great review, Madison. If you are looking for more Alan Rickman films, try Truly, Madly, Deeply, an offbeat fantasy/drama/romance. By the way, the singer at the end was Vaughn Monroe, also kown as Old Leather Lungs, who had numerous hit singles in the 1940s and 1950s. I remember him as a kid because he sang cowboy songs, too, including Ghost Riders in the Sky, a favorite cowboy anthem.
Perry Como sings Let It Snow at the end. Bruce's first action film, to compete with Arnold. You should see the later Die Hard films. Reminds me of Bruce, Arnold, Stallone and Demi Moore traveling around for the grand opening of their Planet Hollywood restaurants.
Nice reaction Ms Madison. Another cultural thing that you probably missed: At the end, where McLane says, "Happy Trails, Hans," after he shoots him, that's a call out to the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans show. At the end of each show, Roy & Dale would sing, "Happy Trails" over the end credits. (shows my age). First line: "Happy trails to you, until we meet again."
You were wondering who was singing at the end of the movie , it wasn't Alan Rickman , it was Vaughn Monroe . He was a popular singer back in the '40's and '50's , my grandma was a fan of his .
Hi Madison. Merry Christmas. Great reaction. Great series of movies too. The drop of Hans at the end was genuine reaction. The stunt man who was actually holding his wrist was told to let Alan go on 3. Then the director told the stuntman to let go on 1. Alan was really afraid of heights and the surprise of the sudden fall ellicited the reaction perfectly. Oh and the ending song (Let it snow) was a recording from back in the 40s or 50s by Vaughn Monroe. Madison, have a wonderful Christmas and I wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
Madison, do yourself a great big favor and watch Quigley down Under. If you love Westerns and Alan Rickman, and I know you do, then this movie will right up your alley. 👍🏼
Before his acting career took off, Bruce Willis worked for a while as a bartender. So the line "he could be a bartender for all we know" is a reference to/joke about that.
Maybe taking the fun out of the debate. Just saw an interview of film historian Jeremy Arnold on his book ‘Christmas in Movies’. ‘Die Hard’ ticks all the boxes for a Christmas movie and joins the ranks of films like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’.
Not only is this an iconic role for Alan Rickman, but it is also his breakout role in the silver screen. He was a stage actor before this. Also, this was Bruce Willis' breakout role as well. He always did comedies on TV before this. He was the leading man in Moonlighting.
Madison, Congratulations and a big Yippie Kai Yay on film 100! That was Vaughn Monroe singing at the end. There’s more Die Hards to watch so prepare yourself. Maybe call it Die Hard Friday or something for the next several weeks. I’m glad you’re recovering so you should be fine by Christmas.
Thank you Madison! I wanted to watch a reaction to this film. I started watching another reactor for this movie, but she just couldn't shut up. Talking over everything and missing so much. Then I saw you recently posted this reaction and I was like "YES"! You do such a great job, thanks again.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves! Alan Rickman was great as the melodramatic Sheriff of Nottingham. Co-starring Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Thank you for a fun reaction to this all time great action movie! Bruce Willis makes for a great hero and Alan Rickman is a genius, creating one of the greatest villains in the history of movies. Glad you are feeling better, Merry Christmas!
Glad to see you up and about, dear. I have watched numerous reaction videos. Haven't figured out the way you attract me to your site. Your bright comments with emotion! Usually, you don't equate intelligence with emotion. What I'm trying to say is I enjoy your company.
Bruce stated LOUDLY that this is not a Christmas movie. That would make this herculean film effort secondary to a circumstantial setting that really just explains why John is travelling to visit Holly and the kids.
The writer said it was a Christmas movie. And you forgot Bruce’s punchline (he was joking). He said “It’s not a Christmas movie, it’s a Bruce Willis movie”.
It was interesting when they were promoting this film they didn’t use Bruce Willis’ name and face much cause they thought people would look at this movie as a comedy cause of his tv work on Moonlighting. 39:47 that look on his face was 100% real. They told him they’d drop him on 3 and they dropped him on 1. 40:52 I think when they blew the roof it knocked the chain loose that was holding him. 41:24 yes that was Peck from the EPA. Alan Rickman almost didn’t do this movie. This was his first movie and he had only been in Hollywood for a couple days when he was offered the role. He thought it wouldn’t be a great idea for his first film to be a villain role. He made the right choice to do it. The way he said “Ho Ho Ho” was perfect.
41:00 "How was Karl not dead? He was strangled to death from that chain." Not quote "to death" it would seem. The movie got it right: death by strangulation for a healthy athletic man takes about 4 minutes. Karl was dangling-n-strangling for less than 2 minutes before the roof exploded. That explosion set him free because those chains were attached to the exploding roof. He fell about 10' which could have injured his leg but he didn't. He was right next to a support wall so when the roof collapsed, it did so in the middle of the room, not next to the walls. It took John McClane a while to deal with Hans and eventually get down to the street. It took Karl a while to wake up, climb out from the rubble, find his gun, and make his way down to the street. It's all quite plausible, really. Except for the fact that the explosion would have been a shaped charge that expanded downward into that room and incinerated him before blasting upward through the roof of the building. So, you were right, he should be dead. But not from strangling but rather from being ripped to shreds and incinerated in that blast - you probably couldn't find a piece of him bigger than a cherry and burned to a crisp.
I know what a fan of westerns you are. I hope you have seen Alan and Tom Selleck in "Quigley Down Under". Alan is just as dastardly in that as he is in this. Great review. Glad we could expand your world a touch with a little Christmas chaos.
Dear Madison, just had an epiphany watching your reaction. I finally understand the movie totally. Its the supreme Christmas movie because Xmas movies are about families 'getting together'. The Japanese businessman sends the limo to get Bruce Willis because in his way of thinking, as an Oriental, the bedrock for success is family. He spoils his employees because it makes them loyal and work harder and he himself - as we are told by Alan Rickmann - is a father of five. Thanks so much for noticing lots of things I didn;t catch onto myself, which lead me to my conclusion. Merry belated Xmas and a happy new year!!
Other reactors also call the terrorists ‘The Hair Squad’! I first saw actor James Shigeta (Mr. Takagi) in the 1968 film ‘Manila, Open City’, a huge Filipino production of the liberation of Manila where about 100,000 Filipino civilians died, many massacred by Japanese troops. A young James Shigeta made a lasting impression, as a Japanese officer who disobeyed orders and tried to save a nun from his own drunken soldiers. When she died of her injuries, U.S. troops accused him of killing her. Shigeta did not defend himself and accepted their judgement and his execution. I’ve been a fan ever since. It is always hard to see him die here, but ‘Die Hard’ has become a regular watch for the family during Christmas, alongside other Christmas movies like ‘While You Were Sleeping’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, and every incarnation of ‘A Christmas Carol’.
LOVE This Film It Has EVERYTHING!! Great Action Scene's Superb Acting Great Direction (John Mctiernan) & of Coarse a Wonderful Catchphrase Yippee-Kay-Yay!! Still Cheesed Off That BOTH Bruce Willis & Alan Rickman Did NOT get an Oscar for Both Leading & supporting Actor THEY DESERVED IT!! Glad You Enjoyed This It's a Christmas CLASSIC (WELCOME TO THE PARTY)
I pray that Bruce Willis finds some way for his mind to come back. Dementia on hos frontal lobe is what he has going on Maybe Nureo link helps. But as of right now he cant even remember his baby momma, may God help him deal with his illness Merry Christmas to everyone Peace be within everyone's heart and lets not forget why there is A Christmas
A Christmas movie has: 1) Takes place around Christmas time. 2) Has themes relating to peace on Earth and goodwill towards all. 3) Does not concern people being brutally murdered. 3) Is suitable for the whole family. Based on this, "Die Hard" is NOT a Christmas movie. Labeling "Die Hard" as a Christmas movie just sets the bar too low for what qualifies. Some good examples of Christmas film and TV programs are "It's a Wonderful Life," "Miracle on 34th Street," any version of "A Christmas Carol," "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." You will note that none of these film and TV programs feature anyone being shot to death.
"It's a Wonderful Life" has an attempted suicide and a poisoning. "Die Hard" has the redemption/awakening of George Bailey divided between Al and Holly, with John playing the role of Clarence.
Fantastic reaction! This is my fifth favourite movie, and favourite Christmas film (i'm pleased you you agree it is one). I agree it has a lot in common with The Towering Inferno, one thing you didn't mention is they both involved helicopters being destroyed by an explosion as they went to the roof.
Welcome to the Party Madison!
😂
🤣
😂🤣😂😂
She always looks like a boxer who's corner put too much vaseline on her. 👊
Yippee-ki-yay, Mo-Fos
The guy who plays the limo driver was in The Blues Brothers. He was the kid who tried to steal Ray Charles's guitar.
An iconic movie: this was Alan Rickman's first movie (he was a British stage actor), launching his long career of movie villainry. Bruce Willis was only known for TV rom-coms until this movie launched his career as an action star
He was worried if he took the role he'd get type cast as a villain. Good foresight there heh.
Fun fact, when Hans fell at the end his facial reaction is genuine because they pulled him down sooner than what they said they would. Glad you finally saw this iconic film. Feel better!
Alan Rickman was in real life afraid of heights. He had to be talked into doing that stunt himself. The look of terror when he fell was real.
They told him they would drop him on the count of 5... They dropped him on 3
True that.
He was pissed, too
And this was Alan Rickman's first big movie role. He was a complete unknown... and he KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK. This was the movie where Bruce Willis became Bruce Willis, but it's also the movie that showed us just how awesome Alan Rickman was.
The antagonist in _Die Hard_ is the guy on the plane who tells McClane to take off his shoes. That guy is responsible for about half the trouble.
Die Hard is the touching story of how Christmas magic rekindles a police officer's spirit and taught him to shoot people again.
(Love this movie, watch it every year)
Much like "It's a Wonderful Life"!
Lol savage! 😂😂😂
@@rcrawford42😂😂😂😂😂
And YES, it is a CHRISTMAS MOVIE!
@@Greybeardmedic - Of COURSE it's a Christmas film. Anyone who denies it that status, just ask whether they think 'Home Alone' is a Christmas film. They're basically the same movie, except that 'Home Alone' is geared towards a younger audience. In both films, the lone protagonist has been separated from their family. They spend Christmas Eve fighting against criminals bent on committing a heist. Both set various traps and obstructions to foil the robbers. Both are fighting for their lives and hoping to make it to Christmas day and reunite with their families.
One of my favorite movies ever. I was 17 when this came out and it has become a Christmas Eve tradition for me to watch this movie. It's not Christmas until I see Hans Gruber fall off the Nakatomi Building. Speaking of Alan Rickman, a couple other films in which he played a great villain are Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Quigley Down Under. Quigley Down Under is a western set in 1860 Australia and is a great movie.
If i tiebreaker was ever actually needed... wife's name is "Holly"... it IS a Christmas movie!
Cool reaction! For the record, I'm friends with the writer of Die Hard, and he sent me a list of reasons why it is a Christmas movie (which was always his intention...).
The most iconic Rickman role is the Sheriff from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Absolutely classic. You also mentioned his voice a couple times so that means watching Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. His other comedies are galaxy Quest and Dogma - both worth it. I also think his performance in Rasputin is VERY underrated.
Totally agree with this guy, I've never seen Rasputin, I'll have to look that one up Happy New Year
GALZXY QUEST is a MUST!!! You can't miss it.
What I love about this film is how it keeps on ratcheting up the tension and the stakes while remaining almost-completely grounded. Also every element that is introduced has a payoff, from the advice on the plane to take off his shoes to this becoming a pain later on, to the expensive watch from Ellis the douche which goes down with Hans in the end, it’s rightful owner when his time was up. The script is so well written (by grown ups) and it treats its audience like they are smart and mature. I love it, I love it, I love it and it only gets better with each new decade.
It's also doing (1988) a lot of clever subversion of 80s action movie tropes. I'd credit the high bar it set and it's discrediting of so many staple action trops with being a big factor in the death of low budget action movies, along with the rise of FPS games eviscerating the market for mass-produced shooter films.
You are right. The writer of the book got the idea for this story after watching The Towering Inferno.
You can view Die Hard as a Christmas story more thematically in terms of a protagonist with failing family and personal relationships, who combats antagonists who consist not only of terrorist groups (greed, selfishness, vengeance), but also incompetent other law enforcement, realizes what was truly important to him (loving and supporting his wife), and saves not only their lives, but his own marriage. How is that not the spirit of Christmas..? 🎄
"Good kids get rewarded, bad kids get punished" ... totally the christmas spirit (except the "punishment" gets ignored these days, because it is more in the form of "not getting presents"). John, Al, Holly and Argyle all get their "rewards" and get to do something satisfying in the end.
People who think this isnt a christmas movie have been completely taken over by the Hallmark propaganda movie spirit and cant look beyond that horizon.
How is Die Hard any different than Home Alone? Both protagonists spend Christmas Eve fending off bad guys trying to commit a robbery. In both cases the protagonists were not expected to be there, and not part of the thieves' plans. Both use their wits and available tools to foil the heists and eventually overcome them. Both wish to be reunited with their families and hopefully spend Christmas with them.
I was 16 when this movie came out. At first, people were laughing at it. An action movie with Bruce Wilis?? That Moonlighting guy? Are they serious?? Bruce Willis was indeed known as a comedian; this would be like Steve Martin or Adam Sandler in a wild action movie. And then the rumors started up: this movie was GOOD. Interviews with the cast and crew had them remarking how they'd watched the final cut of the movie and given each other high fives; they were shocked by how well the movie worked. So, my family and I saw it. We walked out wide-eyed, rubber-legged staggering. We couldn't believe what we'd just seen. We knew then this was one of the best movies we'd seen in a long, long time. It still is.
Merry Christmas!!
10:05 "Nobody has a more iconic voice than Alan Rickman."
I submit for your consideration:
James Earl Jones
Morgan Freeman
Sean Connery
Anthony Hopkins
Jeff Goldblum
Samuel L. Jackson
Christopher Walken
Gilbert Gottfried
And perhaps the granddaddy of all amazing distinctive voices:
Vincent Price
Honorable mention must go to the guy who has done more voices and voice-overs in Hollywood history:
Mel Blanc
edit:
Apparently, Vaughn Monroe has a more iconic voice than Alan Rickman. Or at least equally iconic.
He's the guy singing Let It Snow during the credits when you asked "is that Alan Rickman singing? I'm convinced it is." (41:30)
Monroe recorded that song the same year Rickman was born.
7:33 "Nice Amish man." Alexander Godonuv first came to Hollywood as a dancer (he danced with the Moscow Classical Ballet), but instead found work as a heavy in several hit films.
I appreciate the channel variety. I like that you do both classic and modern films.
Carl survived the hanging because, if you notice, he managed to slip his hand under the chain tightening around his neck. By doing so, moreover, he clung to the chain, preventing it from breaking his neck. Probably, he had in mind to buy some time to strike at a more opportune moment, and that's what he did, actually.
I never questioned how he survived. My big question is, why did the paramedics bringing him out of the building let him keep the freakin' machine gun!?!
@@ronaldjeffrey8712 he probably was hiding it somehow under the blanket
Great reaction, Madison. 100th film, what a great Christmas present!
I hope that you and your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, all the best for 2024, may it bring you all that your hearts desire.
Thank you, Adam! Merry Christmas to you!🎄
@@MadisonKThames Thank you, Madison. Take care and much love from the U.K.
Argyle was played by De’voreux White. He has very small parts in two movies that are must-see. The first is “The Blues Brothers,” a musical comedy starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. The other is “Places in the Heart,” a serious drama starring Sally Field (with a supporting performance by Ed Harris) set in Texas during the Great Depression.
I only know him from the TV show Head of the Class.
In "Blues Brothers" he gets shot at by Stevie Wonder. He may be the only person who can say that.
@@rcrawford42 It was Ray Charles.
Die Hard was based on the 1979 novel 'Nothing Lasts Forever' by Roderick Thorp, which was a sequel to an earlier novel Thorpe had published in 1966 called 'The Detective,' which had been adapted into a 1968 film by 20th Century Fox starring Frank Sinatra as the main protagonist, former police officer turned private detective Joe Leland. After watching the film, The Towering Inferno, in 1975, author Roderick Thorp went home and fell asleep, and had a dream of seeing a man being chased through a skyscraper by men with guns. He woke up and later took that idea and turned it into The Detective sequel, Nothing Lasts Forever.
Since Frank Sinatra was too old to reprise his role of detective Joe Leland, Fox decided to have Nothing Lasts Forever rewritten into a standalone film, retitled 'Die Hard,' with the protagonist now being called John McClane. The role was offered to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Richard Gere, Don Johnson, Paul Newman, and Al Pacino, all of whom either turned it down or were unavailable to do the film. Bruce Willis initially declined the role due to his commitment to the television series Moonlighting with Cybill Shepherd, but he was ultimately able to take the role while the show was on hiatus during Shepherd's pregnancy.
There's a brief scene that takes place during the fifth and last season of Moonlighting where Bruce Willis is talking to Cybill Shepard in front of a video rental store, and in the background is a poster promoting Die Hard...
@@fday1964 Yep, I remember that scene. 😂But it was actually Maddie's cousin, played by Virginia Madsen, who was with Bruce Willis' character, David Addison, in front of a billboard with a Die Hard poster on it.
And the 2nd Die Hard movie was based on the book 58 Minutes. My stepfather insisted on me reading the book and he rarely did something like that. It's a good book.
@@The_Dudester Yep. I was glad that the producers used literary influences and didn't just hire hack screenwriters to make something up on the spot.
@@44excaliburPlenty of classic films are from original screenplays. On the other hand, there are plenty of crap novels no one ever hears about. Your comment makes no sense.
Congratulations on 100 reactions, Madison. If you're interested in more Alan Rickman bad guy goodness you should watch him as the Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1991 version of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves if you haven't already. Hope you're feeling better soon - Merry Christmas.
When Bruce Willis fires the pistol under the table, the echo under the table was very severe. It was so bad it caused permanent hearing loss in one of his ear's, to the point where he lost hearing in that ear. Scenes like that have been done before, but never under a table before.
The stunt with "Willis" in the vent shaft is kept in from a failed stunt. The stuntman was suppose to reach and grab onto the vent, but lost his footing and fell. He catches the next vent down in the fake shaft that was built, but it was so impressive they decided to keep it in the film.
I hope you have a fantastic Christmas, and have a great New Years Eve. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.
You should check out Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Absolute genius.
A spoon, cousin?
A guy regaining his ability to kill again is a funny character arc
Not only is this a Christmas movie...this is THE Christmas movie!!! 😭
Amen! 🎄🎁🎅🏻
Die Hard has and always will be a Christmas movie, even the director and screenwriter have confirmed this.
It has the music, the tree, the gifts, the decorations, the Grinch character in Rickman. Some people don't think it is because of the action, same can be said for almost every Christmas movie out there. Home Alone is a good example where most think it's a Christmas movie because it takes place during Christmas, but it's about a kid being left home and two bumbling burglars. lol But that movie has similar parts of Christmas Die Hard has, including the family coming together at the end of the movie. It's A Wonderful Life was released in January, after Christmas and is widely considered one of the best Christmas movies ever. That list can go on and on and on. lol It really depends on each person's criteria and what they would consider a Christmas movie.
Good reaction, glad you're feeling better.
He was trying to get a second chance with gifts to rekindle his family on Christmas. It is a Christmas movie 💯
Sorry I couldn’t join everyone for the live premiere. I hope you all enjoyed episode 100 as much as I enjoyed editing it. Onward and upward in 2024!!
Yes, William Atherton also played the part of the environmental agent in the first "Ghostbusters" movie. The very first movie I ever saw Atherton in, is the Steven Spielberg, theatrical debut, action-packed "The Sugarland Express" (1974) ..... Starring: A very young Atherton, and an even younger Goldie Hawn. It is a movie you should definitely review, before putting an end to any Spielberg reaction library that you may start.
Welcome to the Die Hard is a Christmas movie camp! It not only has a Christmas setting and music but it also embraces the spirit of the holidays with thematic elements of family, togetherness, reconciliation, and new friendships.
And what's Christmas without punching a jackass in the face?
I got my parents to take me to see this when I was 8,they were awesome. It came out in the middle of July but I still think it’s a Christmas movie
6:30 This was an unintentionally hilarious deduction from a singular context clue (Ellis sniffing).
Never mind we join Ellis as he wipes the residue off the desk and applies it to his gums.
Never mind Takagi makes it a point to emphasize John's occupation as a "police officer"
Never mind that the first thing John said to him was "you missed some," prompting Ellis to wipe the residual powder off his nose.
Nope. He was "sniffing." lol
“Quigley Down Under” please. Western, Rickman and Selleck. Right up your alley Madison. 😊
I hope you're feeling better, Madison! I'm sure you appreciate the cowboy references. 🙂
He IS the one in Ghostbusters. And that is Alan singing at the end. Die Hard 2 also has him singing at the end, and it is ALSO a Christmas movie! 😉😉👱♀👱♀👗👗👠👠❤❤
It's not Christmas until Hans Gruber is tossed from the Nakatomi Tower!
... Bruce Willis with hair...
Alan Rickman (RIP) is best known for his sinister roles, but he played some strong comic roles as well, such as Galaxy Quest, January Man, and Blow Dry.
I hope you fully recover soon, and look forward to the next movie.
This movie, while not a masterpiece, somehow never gets stale.
Thanks Madison. Great movie and the usual great reaction.
I believe Die Hard is a Christmas movie by the fact of the time of year setting. The fact that it's an employee Christmas party. Puts it in the seasonal spirit category.
This is one of the best action movies I ever watched! And yes I consider Die Hard a Christmas movie.
Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁🎅🏻
Something you mentioned in your commentary at the end... where Hans (Alan) was 'just a bank robber'. In the book, the antagonists WERE terrorists vs. thieves, and why they put in the line early in the movie where Rickman says, "Who said we were terrorists?".
Always enjoy this time of year and reactors watching this movie at Christmas time. I so love the debate over whether it is or isn't a Christmas movie. 🙂
Yep, McTiernan felt that it couldn’t be fun if it was about terrorists, so he had that changed. Thanks for pointing this out.
Christmas is elemental to the story. It's the only reason John is there in the first place.
Before this movie Bruce Willis was best known for playing a wise-cracking private detective on the TV show Moonlighting. This movie, and his performance in it, single-handidly made him a movie star.
Not only is the movie during the Christmas season, it even has Christmas music not only in the soundtrack, but even in the limo ride.
Christmas movie, "Donovan's Reef" with John Wayne & Lee Marvin takes place from December 7th through Christmas day.
24:00 "That hacker is so arrogant, so cocky, I want him to get his."
Funny you should pick him.
By the time you read this it won't be a spoiler - that guy (Theo) is the only one who does NOT get killed in this movie.
In fact, at the end of the movie, he could probably just walk out and go home, right after he wakes up.
Little guy like Argyle punching him awkwardly through a vehicle window couldn't leave him unconscious for more than a minute or two, and he's dressed like an ambulance driver, and there's about a hundred of those all over the place.
I always thought it would have been cool for John McClane to bump into that guy in a later movie in the franchise.
They wouldn't recognize each other because they never saw each other in this movie.
It would just be funny to see them pass each other in a revolving door, or standing next to each other in an elevator, or some such thing.
After this incident, Theo went straight, changed his name to Jimmy Trevete, joined the Texas rangers, and teamed up with Chuck Norris.
Merry Christmas Madison. Welcome to the party gal. You've gotta be here for New Years 🥳
Great review, Madison. If you are looking for more Alan Rickman films, try Truly, Madly, Deeply, an offbeat fantasy/drama/romance. By the way, the singer at the end was Vaughn Monroe, also kown as Old Leather Lungs, who had numerous hit singles in the 1940s and 1950s. I remember him as a kid because he sang cowboy songs, too, including Ghost Riders in the Sky, a favorite cowboy anthem.
I *love* _T, M, D!_
Yup. it's not Rickman nor is it Perry Como, as others have said here.
Perry Como sings Let It Snow at the end. Bruce's first action film, to compete with Arnold. You should see the later Die Hard films. Reminds me of Bruce, Arnold, Stallone and Demi Moore traveling around for the grand opening of their Planet Hollywood restaurants.
That's not Perry Como. That's Vaughn Monroe.
Nice reaction Ms Madison. Another cultural thing that you probably missed: At the end, where McLane says, "Happy Trails, Hans," after he shoots him, that's a call out to the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans show. At the end of each show, Roy & Dale would sing, "Happy Trails" over the end credits. (shows my age). First line: "Happy trails to you, until we meet again."
Die Hard 2 also takes place during Christmas.
DH 2, 3 and 4 are all good in their own way, and hope you get to them in time.
"HO-HO-HO" is the best of Alan Rickman's deliveries ...
I hope you and the family have a great Christmas. Thanks for taking us along the ride for your movie adventures
You were wondering who was singing at the end of the movie , it wasn't Alan Rickman , it was Vaughn Monroe . He was a popular singer back in the '40's and '50's , my grandma was a fan of his .
Hi Madison. Merry Christmas. Great reaction. Great series of movies too. The drop of Hans at the end was genuine reaction. The stunt man who was actually holding his wrist was told to let Alan go on 3. Then the director told the stuntman to let go on 1. Alan was really afraid of heights and the surprise of the sudden fall ellicited the reaction perfectly. Oh and the ending song (Let it snow) was a recording from back in the 40s or 50s by Vaughn Monroe. Madison, have a wonderful Christmas and I wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
The guy singing Let it Snow at the end is Leon Redbone, famous for his version of Sittin on the Dock of the Bay
"Come on out, have a few drinks, oh yeeah."
Madison, do yourself a great big favor and watch Quigley down Under. If you love Westerns and Alan Rickman, and I know you do, then this movie will right up your alley. 👍🏼
The guy with the long blonde hair (who was also in Witness) is Alexander Godunov, a world famous star of the Bolshoi Ballet. He passed away in 1995.
The hacker guy was also Tom Cruise's replacement backseater in the original "Top Gun".
Before his acting career took off, Bruce Willis worked for a while as a bartender. So the line "he could be a bartender for all we know" is a reference to/joke about that.
Maybe taking the fun out of the debate. Just saw an interview of film historian Jeremy Arnold on his book ‘Christmas in Movies’. ‘Die Hard’ ticks all the boxes for a Christmas movie and joins the ranks of films like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’.
Not only is this an iconic role for Alan Rickman, but it is also his breakout role in the silver screen. He was a stage actor before this.
Also, this was Bruce Willis' breakout role as well. He always did comedies on TV before this. He was the leading man in Moonlighting.
He made a movie called Blind Date with Kim Basinger directed by Blake Edwards - they were big names at the time.
Yes, the reporter who was punched in the face was in Ghostbusters and most recently played the Mayor of New York in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”.
People watching Die Hard: "Oh! Snape!"
Me watching Harry Potter: "Oh! Hans Gruber!"
Madison, Congratulations and a big Yippie Kai Yay on film 100! That was Vaughn Monroe singing at the end. There’s more Die Hards to watch so prepare yourself. Maybe call it Die Hard Friday or something for the next several weeks. I’m glad you’re recovering so you should be fine by Christmas.
I saw Die Hard before I saw Witness, and all through Witness I eyed the character played by the actor who played Karl in this with great suspicion.
'Now I have a machine gun, Ho ho ho'
Thank you Madison! I wanted to watch a reaction to this film. I started watching another reactor for this movie, but she just couldn't shut up. Talking over everything and missing so much. Then I saw you recently posted this reaction and I was like "YES"! You do such a great job, thanks again.
🙏🏻❤️
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves! Alan Rickman was great as the melodramatic Sheriff of Nottingham.
Co-starring Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
In my house it ain’t Christmas until Hans Gruber falls from Nakatomi tower.
Really good reaction! I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone that didn’t enjoy this movie! Love your channel and keep up the good work!🙂💯
Thank you for a fun reaction to this all time great action movie! Bruce Willis makes for a great hero and Alan Rickman is a genius, creating one of the greatest villains in the history of movies. Glad you are feeling better, Merry Christmas!
Nice one, Madison. This is such a fun movie! Thanks for sharing this one with us. 🙂 Merry Christmas! 🌲
Thanks, Jeff! Merry Christmas!🎄
Thank you, Madison. Love your reactions. Merry Christmas!
Glad you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas!🎄
That was Vaughn Monroe singing "Let It Snow" at the end.
Glad to see you up and about, dear. I have watched numerous reaction videos.
Haven't figured out the way you attract me to your site. Your bright comments with emotion!
Usually, you don't equate intelligence with emotion. What I'm trying to say is I enjoy your company.
Bruce stated LOUDLY that this is not a Christmas movie. That would make this herculean film effort secondary to a circumstantial setting that really just explains why John is travelling to visit Holly and the kids.
The writer said it was a Christmas movie. And you forgot Bruce’s punchline (he was joking). He said “It’s not a Christmas movie, it’s a Bruce Willis movie”.
It has as much to do with Christmas as "It's a Wonderful Life".
Hope you stay healthy Madison. Yes William Atherton, the reporter in this movie also plays the man without a dick in Ghostbusters.
It was interesting when they were promoting this film they didn’t use Bruce Willis’ name and face much cause they thought people would look at this movie as a comedy cause of his tv work on Moonlighting. 39:47 that look on his face was 100% real. They told him they’d drop him on 3 and they dropped him on 1. 40:52 I think when they blew the roof it knocked the chain loose that was holding him. 41:24 yes that was Peck from the EPA. Alan Rickman almost didn’t do this movie. This was his first movie and he had only been in Hollywood for a couple days when he was offered the role. He thought it wouldn’t be a great idea for his first film to be a villain role. He made the right choice to do it. The way he said “Ho Ho Ho” was perfect.
41:00 "How was Karl not dead? He was strangled to death from that chain."
Not quote "to death" it would seem.
The movie got it right: death by strangulation for a healthy athletic man takes about 4 minutes.
Karl was dangling-n-strangling for less than 2 minutes before the roof exploded.
That explosion set him free because those chains were attached to the exploding roof.
He fell about 10' which could have injured his leg but he didn't.
He was right next to a support wall so when the roof collapsed, it did so in the middle of the room, not next to the walls.
It took John McClane a while to deal with Hans and eventually get down to the street.
It took Karl a while to wake up, climb out from the rubble, find his gun, and make his way down to the street.
It's all quite plausible, really.
Except for the fact that the explosion would have been a shaped charge that expanded downward into that room and incinerated him before blasting upward through the roof of the building.
So, you were right, he should be dead.
But not from strangling but rather from being ripped to shreds and incinerated in that blast - you probably couldn't find a piece of him bigger than a cherry and burned to a crisp.
Yeah. First they just pass out. It takes some time. People get choked out all the time in MMA and Jujitsu. They're fine afterwards.
Enjoyed your reaction very much!
Yppieeekayaaaiiiiyyeee Madison! Yes, it`s an adult christmas movie! 😉
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Great Reaction To One Of My All Time Favorite Movie's 😊 , Congratulations 👏 & Merry Christmas 🎄
@Madison Thames ~ “Galaxy Quest”…Alan and the entire cast were super.
The Die Hard franchise is freakin awesome 👏🏾! Die Hard 3 is my all time favorite
I know what a fan of westerns you are. I hope you have seen Alan and Tom Selleck in "Quigley Down Under". Alan is just as dastardly in that as he is in this. Great review. Glad we could expand your world a touch with a little Christmas chaos.
Dear Madison, just had an epiphany watching your reaction. I finally understand the movie totally. Its the supreme Christmas movie because Xmas movies are about families 'getting together'. The Japanese businessman sends the limo to get Bruce Willis because in his way of thinking, as an Oriental, the bedrock for success is family. He spoils his employees because it makes them loyal and work harder and he himself - as we are told by Alan Rickmann - is a father of five.
Thanks so much for noticing lots of things I didn;t catch onto myself, which lead me to my conclusion. Merry belated Xmas and a happy new year!!
Bruce said in an interview it's not a Christmas movie. I think it is. Get well soon & Merry Christmas 🎄🌹🌹
You were right! That was William Atherton, aka Templeton Peck from Ghostbusters, as the obnoxious TV reporter! Good eye! ❤
Other reactors also call the terrorists ‘The Hair Squad’! I first saw actor James Shigeta (Mr. Takagi) in the 1968 film ‘Manila, Open City’, a huge Filipino production of the liberation of Manila where about 100,000 Filipino civilians died, many massacred by Japanese troops. A young James Shigeta made a lasting impression, as a Japanese officer who disobeyed orders and tried to save a nun from his own drunken soldiers. When she died of her injuries, U.S. troops accused him of killing her. Shigeta did not defend himself and accepted their judgement and his execution. I’ve been a fan ever since. It is always hard to see him die here, but ‘Die Hard’ has become a regular watch for the family during Christmas, alongside other Christmas movies like ‘While You Were Sleeping’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, and every incarnation of ‘A Christmas Carol’.
LOVE This Film It Has EVERYTHING!! Great Action Scene's Superb Acting Great Direction (John Mctiernan) & of Coarse a Wonderful Catchphrase Yippee-Kay-Yay!! Still Cheesed Off That BOTH Bruce Willis & Alan Rickman Did NOT get an Oscar for Both Leading & supporting Actor THEY DESERVED IT!! Glad You Enjoyed This It's a Christmas CLASSIC (WELCOME TO THE PARTY)
The blond guy you recognized from "Witness" is Alexander Godunov, a famous former ballet dancer.
I Love this movie and the hubby and I watch it every year!
Looking forward to this
I pray that Bruce Willis finds some way for his mind to come back. Dementia on hos frontal lobe is what he has going on
Maybe Nureo link helps. But as of right now he cant even remember his baby momma, may God help him deal with his illness
Merry Christmas to everyone
Peace be within everyone's heart and lets not forget why there is A Christmas
Loved watching this reaction.. If you want a great western with Alan Rickman as the villian, I would love to watch you react to Quigley Down Under!
A Christmas movie has:
1) Takes place around Christmas time.
2) Has themes relating to peace on Earth and goodwill towards all.
3) Does not concern people being brutally murdered.
3) Is suitable for the whole family.
Based on this, "Die Hard" is NOT a Christmas movie. Labeling "Die Hard" as a Christmas movie just sets the bar too low for what qualifies. Some good examples of Christmas film and TV programs are "It's a Wonderful Life," "Miracle on 34th Street," any version of "A Christmas Carol," "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." You will note that none of these film and TV programs feature anyone being shot to death.
"It's a Wonderful Life" has an attempted suicide and a poisoning. "Die Hard" has the redemption/awakening of George Bailey divided between Al and Holly, with John playing the role of Clarence.
Beautiful reaction. Thank you.
Fantastic reaction! This is my fifth favourite movie, and favourite Christmas film (i'm pleased you you agree it is one). I agree it has a lot in common with The Towering Inferno, one thing you didn't mention is they both involved helicopters being destroyed by an explosion as they went to the roof.