Die Hard (1988)

Firepower, fistfights, and frenzied terrorists, Die Hard may just have every essential ingredient to an action movie.

Every man sees himself in John McClane, and that is the success of the character. Part of the reason for this is that before the chaos even begins, we are given insight into John's personal struggles, creating a relatability that may not otherwise exist. He is imbued with both background and motivation which perfectly suit him to his mission. Further characterizing John is his relationship with Al which is authentically depicted, largely through voice, with such conviction that the audience feels a part of the budding friendship too.

The performances are often excessive and loud, and this is appropriate as it matches the tone of the film already established by the presence of high amounts of action.

And where action is concerned, there is certainly no shortage on offer; firestorms of bullets, close combat, and an army's worth of armaments are all present. McClane is seen attempting to use an MP5 wedged into place as a counterweight as he dangles precariously over a ventilation shaft. This was not only inventive, but created a high amount of tension. Another moment which explosively stands out is when the armored car is fired upon and McClane sets off the C4. Every new obstacle and enemy McClane faces is an opportunity for creative destruction.

But the film has other tools in its belt, such as the comedic moment when our hero sends a corpse bearing the message "Now I have a machine gun". The humor is clear but the moment creates an excitement and suspense surrounding just what John is going to do with that gun. Another more light hearted moment is when we see Argyle, the driver, chatting on the phone happily and bopping his head to the music as pandemonium unfolds around him.

Die Hard is undeniably among the most powerful forces in the action genre that sees us rooting for our hero every step of the way: "Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker."