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Somehow we have managed to make it to episode 30 without discussing a pure action film, but this week we’re doing so in style by reviewing Die Hard with our returning guest Megan Heneke! We appreciate John McClane’s All-American charm, except for Charlie who seems to be in Hans Gruber’s corner. Did Gruber come up with the (almost) perfect plan? And speaking of perfect, is this the best action screenplay of all time? And most importantly, we weigh in on the eternal “is it a Christmas movie” debate.
Clarifications:
Nothing from this film makes AFI’s 100 Years 100 Movie Quotes list. (Would’ve if we made the list…)
We actually address the “Is Die Hard a Christmas movie” question in an episode of The Gobeski/Wallace Report. Charlie was definitely in the “pro” camp back then. And several critics agree, though Adam would like to state that the more interesting question is: “Is Batman Returns a Christmas movie?” Huh… I guess it stands to reason?
But enough about silly questions, here’s a Wikipedia article about bearer bonds!!!
Die Hard director John McTiernan is no longer in jail, but he was apparently put in for lying to the FBI about illegally wiretapping colleagues, although we think it’s probably more likely a punishment for being involved in 2002’s Rollerball remake.
We couldn’t help but leave in our reference to SNL’s “The Plucky Ninjas”.
And finally, an AV Club article in praise of Die Hard.
Movies We Reference:
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-Present)