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'Die Hard 4.0 (2007)' is enjoyable in a different way to the prior titles in the series. It's a much more glossy action flick, still fun despite being heavily watered down and featuring a protagonist who's almost indestructible. Still, it essentially captures that 'Die Hard' spirit for most of its run-time and is rather entertaining throughout. 7/10

I have to say, I'm not usually a big fan of belated sequels to films made years ago - but I have to make an exception here as Die Hard 4 offers an amazingly good time and is surely the best of the sequels - possibly even the best Die Hard film period! The film is almost completely made up of relentless and heart pumping action sequences, and while it might not be life-affirming stuff, you wont care about much else while you're watching it - so it's safe to say that the third Die Hard sequel more than does it's job! As you would probably expect since this is the first Die Hard movie of this millennium, the plot this time round focuses on the internet. Most of the USA is controlled by computers, so naturally they find themselves with a big problem when someone hacks into the system and begins a 'fire sale' - in which all the essential elements of the USA (transport, communication, power etc) are systematically shut down to create confusion and chaos. Detective John McClane is dragged into this plot when he's sent to pick up a computer hacker wanted by the police.

One of the things I loved most about this film is the fact that it's just a straight action thriller and doesn't ever pretend to be anything that it isn't. There's no false patriotism or sentiment - it's all very straight up, just the way it should be! The film is directed by Underworld director Len Wiseman and it's clear that the man knows his way around an action sequence, as this film features plenty! The stunts involve all sorts from the standard trucks and cars to helicopters and fighter jets! It's not just the vehicles involved either that makes these scenes great to watch; someone has actually put some thoughts into them so they're not just merely the same old stuff. You've really got to hand it Bruce Willis too; he's 52 but fit as a fiddle and never looks out of place running round and fighting bad guys. He is joined by Justin Long, who is likable as the computer hacker who spends most of the movie running around with Willis, and Timothy Olyphant who is a surprisingly effective lead villain. Overall, so long as you don't go into Die Hard 4 expecting substance, there's no reason why this movie can't be enjoyed by all. Its pure action and entertaining throughout, and you really can't ask for any more than that! Just make sure that you see it in cinema.

Die Hard 4.0 (2007)-

In some ways it feels that there has been too much time since the last film and as a result I didn't quite feel as connected to the character, like I needed a catch up of what he had been doing in the mean time.

It does have similarities to the third instalment though. As with that one, John has a civilian tagging along and I have to say I enjoyed the way that they bounced off of each other. Farrell gives John the knowledge to complete the task and John keeps Farrell alive to save the world.

There is also another team of experts back in an office trying to keep a grip on the situation and failing, so once again it does come across a bit like an episode of '24' (2002-10).

I did have to wonder if I was reading the map wrong though? How did McClane, a New York cop end up in Washington DC and then get to West Virginia and back to Baltimore and then DC again so quickly? It seems like it would take a lot longer than the time they had.

There's also a lot going on and if you're a bit technophobic, it's very easy to get lost. My advice would be to try and forget the jargon and just enjoy the action. I got completely set adrift, but still enjoyed the journey, despite some of the stunts being quite hard to believe, but that's the style of the film at the end of the day. However, it's also getting harder still to believe that McClane is the only one that can save the day.

With all of that said, I totally wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was, what with the 12 year interlude and it being a third sequel. I thought that I would be playing solitaire or sudoku half way through out of boredom due to repetition and a lack of interest. It's still got the fast pace though and you can't help but like the hero, despite and somewhat because of his faults.

The threat has been brought up to date even if John is still "Old School", but yet it still feels like something the character would react to.

If it wasn't for the technology, you could easily believe that the film was made more recently, as it hasn't really aged, but I suppose that could be said for the other 3 as well.

I really liked it. It's just what you want from an action film and with an established character that you know will win the day.

665.69/1000.

I think the criticism this movie has received is a little unfair. Personally I think it's great.

Are there plot holes? Sure. Does everything seem to magically work out? Yes. Does that take away from the entertainment value? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

I love that you have low-tech, luddite, badass John McClane trying to solve a technology based terrorism plot. McClane and the tech whiz kid playing off each other is wonderfully hilarious.

Stop thinking too hard and just enjoy the sarcastic quips and pretty awesome action sequences.

The fourth installment of the infamous Die Hard franchise caused quite a split between the fans in terms of opinion. Many liked it, others loathed it. Here's why Live Free or Die Hard is actually a good action flick -

1. It's shot and edited very well. The man behind the camera did a great job and the film is entertaining as hell to watch because it's relentless. 2. The action. Now, many complained heavily that this movie turns John McLane into a superhero. Even though the degree of realism gets close to crossing the line sometimes, it's nothing short of pure entertainment. Every Die Hard movie broke certain conventionalities for the purpose of making a fun scene. All Die Hard movies twisted reality a little bit to spice up the action a bit. This one does have more of it, but at least for me it was awesome. Also, the stunts are amazing! Very impressive stuff! 3. Plot. Everyone runs out of ideas. Eventually, even the die hard audience of Die Hard would get tired of John McLane trying to stop baddies from breaking into a vault and stealing money. I like the idea of an old McLane being surrounded by all the technology that he doesn't understand. It also creates another difference between him and the bad guy, which adds more meaning to their rivalry. 4. The character of John McLane. Just as always, Bruce Willis is great as John McLane, it's obviously a signature role. He is just as great in this one as he was in the previous three. His witty remarks about the current situation always make you chuckle and his sarcastic attitude is always relevant.

The only thing that makes this an 8, not a 10, is the continuity errors that were painfully noticeable and lack of the bad guy on screen. Otherwise, this is the definition of an action movie done right. To me, it's not as good as 1 or 3 but better than 2.