Die Hard 4.0 (3½ Stars)

"Die Hard 4.0", also known as "Live Free or Die Hard", is a 2007 action movie directed by Len Wiseman and starring Bruce Willis as John McClane.

The movie follows John McClane, a New York City police detective, who must stop a group of cyber terrorists who're targeting the USA's infrastructure and causing chaos throughout the country. The FBI sends McClane to pick up hacker Matt Farrell, played by Justin Long, who's being targeted by the terrorists because he unwittingly created a virus that they're using to complete their plan.

One of the strengths of "Die Hard 4.0" is its relevance to contemporary issues. The plot revolves around cyber-terrorism, a relatively new concept at the time, and the vulnerability of computer systems. The movie effectively showcases the potential damage that cyber-attacks can cause, from shutting down traffic lights and transportation systems to causing entire cities to go dark.

Bruce Willis delivers a solid performance as John McClane, portraying the character's tough, no-nonsense attitude while also showing vulnerability and humour. Despite his age, McClane remains a formidable opponent for the terrorists and is not afraid to take on the bad guys head-on. His interactions with Matt Farrell provide a good balance of humour and action.

Justin Long provides comic relief as the tech-savvy hacker. His character is initially reluctant to work with McClane, but as the two team up, they form a strong bond. Farrell's hacking skills are crucial to McClane's success, and his witty one-liners help to lighten the mood in what is otherwise a tense and action-packed movie.

Timothy Olyphant delivers a convincing performance as the movie's main antagonist, Thomas Gabriel. He's a former government agent who has turned to cyber-terrorism as a means of revenge against his former employer. Gabriel is intelligent, cunning and ruthless, and Olyphant portrays these qualities convincingly.

The action sequences in "Die Hard 4.0" are intense and exciting, with impressive stunts and special effects. Bruce Willis delivers a solid performance as McClane, portraying the character's tough, no-nonsense attitude while also showing vulnerability and humour.

The plot follows the traditional Die Hard formula of McClane being in the wrong place at the wrong time and having to fight against seemingly insurmountable odds to save the day. Some viewers may find this repetitive, but for fans of the franchise it's a familiar and enjoyable formula.

In conclusion, "Die Hard 4.0" is a solid addition to the Die Hard franchise, with exciting action sequences and strong performances from its cast. The movie effectively tackles the danger of cyber-terrorism. While the plot may not be particularly innovative, the movie still delivers an entertaining and engaging movie experience.

Success Rate:  + 1.5

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