I’m in the minority in that I find the last two Die Hard films almost completely worthless. Well, most people will agree about the last one but even the third film does little for me. Especially as a Die Hard film. Though the films are notorious for taking books or magazine articles and recycling them under the Die Hard brand the third film is the only one not based on existing media [correction: it was, but I made the mistake of trusting IMDB], which makes it all the more odd that it doesn’t feel like a Die Hard movie. It’s not a horrible movie, but it’s a loud and overcooked concept and whoever though John McClane needs a sidekick character (an idea used again to shitty effect in the fourth movie) ought to be shot with a rubber bullet.
What I’m saying is that Die Hard is not really a premier franchise. It may cost tentpole dollars and make tentpole dollars globally, but where it once at least had the perception of being a Big Thing… in reality it’s become just another bland action franchise. It’s actually taken on the form of the old “Die Hard in a __________” pitch of yesteryear with little else to offer.
So it’s no surprise there’ll be a Die Hard 5. It’s also no surprise that the director who will be running the show is a name either we’ve never heard of or doesn’t get the adrenalin pumping.
Here’s the progression:
John McTiernan. Hell yes!
Renny Harlin. OK, I’m still listening.
John McTiernan. Hell Yes!
Len Wiseman. I’m worried.
Noam Murro. What’s wrong with my eyes?
Per THR: Noam Murro is an acclaimed commercials director as well as the man who brought the REALLY high concept action flick Smart People to an unsuspecting public. He may be a delight. He may be a human who won’t get in the way as a star and studio try and make one last cash grab on a sinking franchise.
I hope in two years we’re listing Noam Murro in our dream projects as a gifted big movie filmmaker we want to be in the running for all the projects set for summer season. Because, you know Marvel is getting tired of opinionated filmmakers with their own mind. I hope he’s great.
But…
8 comments
Just to be totally annoying, With A Vengenace was based on Simon Says, which has been around for, like, ever. Not that I’m suggesting that basing movies on children’s games is in any way a good idea, obviously.
The only good that came from “Smart People” is that it provides a quick link from Sarah Jessica Parker to Dennis Quaid in the Kevin Bacon game.
So… basically Willis will be directing.
Even the first Die Hard was based on a recycled script for Commando 2 from what I heard.
The last Die Hard was horrible, but the third one wasn’t half bad. They need to STOP making Die Hards. Especially with the horrid PG13 rating.
What’s really funny is that Willis has already said that Die Hard 5 won’t be the last. He apparently blurted out in a couple of interviews a few weeks back that he wants the series to reach SIX entries and then after that he will finally throw in the towel. Anyway, I think we can still get a decent Die Hard movie. We need to stop worrying about the director though. What Die Hard 5 needs to be a good sequel is the following…
1. Bruce Willis actually playing John McClane. He wasn’t John McClane in the last one. He was “Bruce Willis action star post-90s”.
2. A strong villain with an interesting agenda.
3. A solid screenplay with actual characters.
The action isn’t a problem. I have no doubt that they will hire an excellent action-oriented 2nd unit and a great choreographer. We just need a good screenplay and for Bruce to actually care. If those two fall into place, so will an interesting cast and a good movie. Say what you will about Die Hard With A Vengeance, but at least it has Jeremy Irons and Willis was actually playing John McClane.
Also, bring back Bonnie Bedelia. Bruce keeps saying how wonderful it would be to have her back, but if he really does mean it than it shouldn’t be too hard to make it happen this time.
hard drinking. hard cursing. fking people up. thats what die hard needs. Die hard one and robocop had some of the most awesome gore i remember for the time. WHAT HAPPENED?
DH3 was LEAGUES better than the abysmal DH2.
Comments are shown as archived from the original site; new comments are closed.