Midweek Mention... Die Hard

Die Hard is the kind of “comfort violence” film that never gets old!It’s a Christmas film for structural reasons, not vibes. Christmas isn’t just background dressing. The party only happens because it’s Christmas, the building is half-staffed because it’s Christmas, McClane is only in LA because it’s Christmas, and Hans’ whole timing depends on a holiday lull. Remove Christmas and the plot collapses.McClane isn’t an action hero at the start — he becomes one. He’s scared, he bleeds, he’s improvising, and he’s basically running on stubbornness and spite. That’s why it’s satisfying: it’s competence earned under pressure, not superhero nonsense.Hans Gruber is the real blueprint villain. He’s calm, intelligent, funny, and actually seems like he has a plan. Rickman makes him feel like he’s doing theatre while everyone else is doing an action film. It’s why the film still plays now.Ellis is the most realistic character in the whole thing. Not “realistic” as in good, but realistic as in: give a coke-sniffing corporate gobshite a crisis and he’ll try to negotiate his way into being important. Then immediately get shot.The Powell/McClane friendship is pure genius. They barely share a scene, but it lands emotionally because it’s built on voice, trust, and the fact Powell is the only person treating McClane like a human being instead of a “situation.”And yes: a 24/7 Die Hard channel is basically the final form of Christmas television. Even if you don’t watch it, it’s reassuring that it exists, like a lighthouse for divorced dads and men in dressing gowns.You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out!We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at [email protected] or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads