Die Hard 2 - 3/5

This movie suffers hard from sequelitis. Despite having several similar scenes, and even commenting on the repetition in the dialog, it is unlike the first Die Hard is all the important respects. The characters are shallow and forgettable, the interpersonal drama is forced, and the plot seems to know where it’s going before the characters do. The only good part is the action, which is executed quite well despite its contrivances. For all its faults it manages to avoid making any aspect too bad and lets the action ride out the runtime, which the film seems to know is why we’re all watching in the first place.

Closest Comparison: It’s like The Rock by way of Snakes on a Plane.

Setting: Action
Plot: Action
Tone: Action

Die Hard (1988) - 5/5

What can I say about this quintessential action movie? The action takes a back seat to the plot, only presenting itself when relevant. The characters are vibrant and engaging but not overbearing enough to bog down the narrative flow. It’s fun and funny without undercutting the tension, it’s believable enough to pass muster without relying on needlessly boring realism as a countermeasure. It’s a classic for a reason.

Closest comparison: It’s somewhere between Commando and John Wick.

Setting: Action
Plot: Action
Tone: Action