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One Talkbacker interviews Another Talkbacker about Talkbacking on AICN... oh... and making LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD!

Published at:  Jun 20, 2007 9:41:04 PM CDT

Hey folks, Harry here with a fun little bit of talkback baiting... Two Black Box heroes - Kevin Smith and Bruce Willis talking about the film they're both in and about sailing into AICN's Talkbacks.

You can see the interview below in the original story... or click it here if you don't want to scroll all the way down: CLICK HERE


Now I've been asked why the Q&A with Bruce Willis ceased. Well, the second set of questions hit Bruce the day that the first set appeared. However, Bruce was smack dab in the midst of the Global marketing blitz that Fox set him out on. About 3 weeks ago, I got 5 of the 10 questions back answered, but didn't post them, as it wasn't the complete 10. Then 3 days ago, Bruce wrote me to ask for the last 5 questions - and he hasn't yet responded to those. Now - is there some conspiracy against answering your questions laid down by Fox... or did Bruce decide to relax in what little time he finds to himself whilst on a global marketing campaign?

Whatever the case - we should cherish the time we had with him.

As for the film? I know in the UK it was rated the same as DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE - so does that mean the MPAA has been jaded by films like HOSTEL and GRINDHOUSE that a film like DIE HARD 4 feels PG-13 by their changing standards? Or did the foreign cuts have the good stuff intact. I've been hearing good things about this latest DIE HARD - here's yet another review - I just hope JackNance - is right...




LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD REVIEW

Hey Harry, Moriarty, et al.,

I’ve been reading AICN for years but the only thing I’ve ever contributed prior to this was a talkback entry eulogizing the great Samuel Z. Arkoff when his final credits rolled a few years back. It was a touching recollection of how I won an Arkoff Award as a film student at Loyola, went to a screening at Sam’s hilltop home, guzzled brandy and smoked Cubans with the man in his library, then graciously stumbled to his backyard and PUKED MY FUCKING GUTS OUT all over his wife’s prize rose bushes.

Anyway, it was a fitting tribute to an American film giant. Unfortunately, when I tried to post it, I screwed up and repeated it five times in a row and other talk backers gave me shit and I was mortified and vowed through bitter tears of shame to become a lifelong lurker and never contribute again...

...UNTIL NOW. And all it took to drag me from my self-imposed exile was a screening of LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD. (Don’t ask me how. Can’t even go into it. People close to me could get hurt).

I’m no fan of Fox and what they’ve done to some properties, comic and otherwise, I’ve held dear. So I would be more than happy to report that they screwed the pooch with the latest installment of their 20 year old Die Hard series. But such is not the case. Maybe I’ve just grown old and soft and nostalgic. Or maybe I just can’t get me enough Bonnie Bedelia. But here’s the bottom line...

Bruce Willis has been running around telling anyone who’ll listen that this is the best DIE HARD since the first one. AND….he’s right. And I’ll tell you why, but tread lightly… there’s a nest of fuckin’ SPOILERS ahead.

An action hero is only as good as the villain, so I’ll start there. Timothy Olyphant is cool as tits as sarcastic cyber genius, Thomas Gabriel, a sour ex D.O.D. chief programmer turned super villain. After being fired and suffering public humiliation for criticizing the United States’ data defense system, Gabriel recruits 8 computer whiz kids to design and test the ultimate infiltration software. Once successful, Gabriel covers his tracks by having the web designers systematically executed.

The last survivor, Camden resident Matt Farrell, gets identified by the FBI. So NYPD detective John McClane, who happens to be at nearby Rutgers University, is enlisted by the agency to apprehend Farrell and transport him to Washington DC. McClane shows up at Farrell’s bachelor pad in time to wipe out Gabriel’s 5 man hit squad. After a balls out firefight and a smash em’ up Joe car chase, the two narrowly make it out of Jersey. (Thank God for that.)

Gabriel’s master plan of attack is a three pronged “fire sale” designed to cripple the East coast’s public transportation, telecommunications, and utility systems. Phase one goes off without hitch – gridlocking all the DC roads and subways just as McClane and Farrell arrive. In the most intense of the many action sequences, the two unlikely partners speed into a tunnel trying to avoid the lethal spray from one of Gabriel’s sharp shooting helicopters. Once inside, Gabriel redirects the flow of traffic directly towards them from both directions, and then cuts the tunnels power and lights for good measure.

Meanwhile, the Capitol building is subjected to a mass evacuation after Gabriel programs government computers to erroneously detect an Anthrax threat. Gabriel sends in a pseudo HazMat team, led by his unbelievably hot girlfriend, Mai Lihn, (played by Maggie Q - who should have a red chili pepper next to her name in the credits ‘cause she’s one sizzling Szechuan dish) into the “Woodlawn” building. Deep in the bowels of this place lie 3 super sized NSA computer servers where, in case of emergency, the entire nation’s financial data is temporarily stored. Gabriel creates utter civil panic by grounding all flights and disabling the cell phone and television satellites. With the authorities knee deep in shit, he’s free to siphon billions from the servers.

After Farrell predicts Gabriel’s next move, our heroes race to Middleton, Virginia’s utility power station to try and stop sexy Mai Lihn from cutting off the eastern sea board’s power supply. McClane and the kung fu cutie duke it out in the most brutal and bone crunching fight scene in the entire flick. But after the China doll’s gruesome death (I was sad to see her go and kept secretly wishing they would bring her back to life). Gabriel kidnaps his daughter Lucy and threatens to kill her if John doesn’t back the fuck off.

In the most hilarious scene in LFODH, Farrell and McClane burst into the basement sanctuary of uber cyber dude, “the warlock,” to get a fix on Gabriel’s location. Kevin Smith is in his element as the paranoid hermit geek laying low in a make shift command center under his mom’s house. Funny stuff. As is much of the witty banter throughout between Willis and Justin Long which rips mercilessly on the gap between the Walkman and the iPod generations.

Back to the story, a pissed off McClane hijacks an 18 wheeler and puts the petal to the metal after after Gabriel’s government van. Gabriel uses the “go code” protocols for an F-35 fighter jet patrolling the Washington skies to instruct the pilot to blow the shit out of McClane’s truck. And it does, laying waste to a freeway overpass and shredding the John’s big rig beyond recognition. The spectacular action finale is littered with top notch stunts and effects until Gabriel’s van screeches to a stop inside a runway hanger. He’s about to fly the coop when McClane crashes the party for a final good ol’ fashioned Wild West showdown.

Craggy faced man's man McTiernan isn't as sorely missed as director as I thought he would be and I have to begrudgingly pay respects to Len Wiseman for his solid direction. Yeah I liked the UNDERWORLD flicks but I'm easy pickings. Throw vamps and werewolves into anything and chances are I'm going to find a way to dig it (this excludes you, Stephen “Preppy Hack” Sommers.) With Wiseman it's just...I don't know...all this and Kate Beckinsale, too?! It's just not fucking fair.

What can I say about Bruce Willis? I'll start at the beginning. 20 years ago, I was convinced that Willis was THE COOLEST MAN ON THE PLANET! I mimicked his speech patterns. I wore wife beaters. I started carrying a fucking Zippo, for Christ’s sake! In the 2 decades that have passed, Willis and I have had our ups and downs. I have, at times, no...many times, taken him for granted. Other times, I've been extremely pissed that he wasted my time and money (STRIKING DISTANCE, HUDSON FUCKING HAWK, TEARS OF THE SUN ) but no matter how rocky things between us may be, we always make up and get back together when a new DIE HARD comes out. I LOVE THIS GUY IN THIS ROLE! John McClane is the backbone of the Willis oeuvre. It's the bedrock of the Willis appeal. And he seems to know it. Sure, you can bitch that DH or any long running franchise skews way heavy toward commerce over art but Willis doesn't skate. Just the opposite. Willis seems sharp and on his fucking game in LFODH.

On the downside, I could have done with less computer techno babble and as much as I enjoyed his partnership with Justin ‘I’m a Mac’ Long, I did sort of miss the Lone Wolf McClane mentality from the original. Oh, and much to my chagrin, no Bonnie Bedelia.

If you see this movie, it won’t change your life. But you’ll have a great YIPPEE-KAYEE MOTHERFUCKING TIME!

And now I fade back into the shadows…until I am needed again.

JackNanceRevenge


Ahoy, squirts! Quint here. Just got the heads up that there's a video interview of Bruce Willis by the one and only Kevin Smith up on Apple's quicktime site. They talk about DIE HARD 4 and name check AICN. What kind of backwards assed fucked up world is this where the manliest of action heroes ('80s and beyond) talks about interneting with a bunch of geeks like us?

Anyway, the interview is at the link below. Willis doesn't seem to want to talk much... but that could just be the result of the reality television-inspired editing of the interview. Smith is hilarious and it's pretty interesting that these two are some of the only celebrities that have come into the talkbacks directly to chat with the talkbackers and here they are talking about it as a piece of publicity for a huge summer tentpole movie... again, backwards assed world...

CLICK IT HERE YOU BLEEPIN' BLEEPERS!!!




    + Expand All

    Readers Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 8:49:12 PM CDT

    Yippie Kai Yea

    by milkyfresh

    Mother Truckers!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 8:53:08 PM CDT

    Give us an unedited version of that.

    by maxthesilent

    Because you know Smith would have him there for about an hour. Get rid off all the quick-cutting soundbite crap and just give us the full 'interview'.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 8:54:12 PM CDT

    Third?

    by wonkabar

  • Jun 20, 2007 8:54:46 PM CDT

    Proof in the pudding

    by jimmyandthetermites

    I'll wait to see it myself, but I can't think of one movie this summer that I was so psyched to see, and now a little apprehensive. I'll still see it, but...we'll see.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 8:56:45 PM CDT

    What about Ridley Scott's Monopoly movie?

    by bass bastardson

    Seriously. Ridley Scott has been approached to direct the Monopoly movie. Why is AICN ignoring this ridiculous project? Who are they going to get for the previously announced Trivial Pursuit movie? I'm itching to see what people have to say.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 8:59:41 PM CDT

    Hey Mc Clane!

    by alex trevelyan

    Somebody's about to have their SHIT pushed IN you mother(gunshot) by the HUGE ROBOTS. Enjoy your lill' box office.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:04:22 PM CDT

    So, I think AICN is (gunshot).

    by lost.rules

    (Gunshot) Kevin Smith. (Gunshot) Bruce Willis.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:08:30 PM CDT

    What? So Kevin Smith was here?

    by the artist fka vesuvio

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:10:59 PM CDT

    Oh, and as for this little quicktime clip... meh

    by bass bastardson

    They say absolutely nothing and the editing makes the conversation so choppy and unnatural it becomes kind of annoying to watch. I'm not really enthused for LFODH but I'm not dreading it either. I would be going to see it, but the only theater I have available to me right now constantly projects films out of focus and at half-bulb, so any film with a slightly dark cast to its look becomes unwatchable. The trailer for LFODH is so murky and dark, I can't even tell what is going on. I can't wait till I'm back in the big city, hopefully, if the movie is any good it will still be playing.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:13:19 PM CDT

    Yep. Kevin's still fat.

    by blackmantis

    What's up? I thought he was on some hard core liquid diet? Must be on the rebound.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:17:21 PM CDT

    Where's your Harry Potter review, Quint?

    by lost.rules

    I know you're in London. I know you'll get to see the movie before us. I want your review, NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Respectfully.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:17:26 PM CDT

    not gonna even watch the interview

    by sokitome

    why so they can try to sell me something that's suppose to be a diamond that is cubic zirconia at best

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:17:41 PM CDT

    Whatever you guys...

    by telf

    This is the closest we've had to a proper action movie since Casino Royale came out. I'd love to see exploding kneecaps and Fuck-bombs as much as the next guy, but I'm all over this regardless. That close combat headbutty fight looked great...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:28:10 PM CDT

    KS:"So do you see yourself jumping into McClane pants"

    by pound sand

    Bruce: "Not while you're already in there Kevin."

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:29:07 PM CDT

    I'M OFFICIALLY SICK OF THAT (gunshot) "I'M A MAC," GUY!

    by pound sand

    Go away, ya jaggov. You're just a poor man's Shia at this point....

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:31:12 PM CDT

    Fluffy Wuffy

    by lour reed luvs frank zappa

    Puffy Fluffy Wuffy Wuffy Fluff

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:31:47 PM CDT

    KEVIN SMITH: STILL ROCKING THE MAN-PRIS!

    by pound sand

    Kevin, enough already. Hire a stylist, or fire your current one. The "insane clown posse," enthusiast look died off quite awhile ago. (At least out on the coasts)

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:32:05 PM CDT

    But the car ejecting man with fence

    by lour reed luvs frank zappa

    That was pretty funny

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:33:10 PM CDT

    BRUCE WILLIS AND KEVIN SMITH ARE BARKING MELON FARMERS

    by pound sand

    And this clip show should'a ended with the obligatory, "made on a Mac." As if there was any doubt.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:36:06 PM CDT

    Hi, I'm a MAC. And I'm John McClane.

    by lost.rules

    I'm giant douchebag. And I can't say (gunshot) anymore. Wow. Why can't you say fuck anymore? Cause I want to really appeal to everyone. O.K. What about your true fans? Oh, well...(Gunshot) them (gunshots)!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:37:02 PM CDT

    Live Free with the Robots John...

    by alex trevelyan

    Hey McClane you Corporate (Gunshot)sucker!
    Why did you bother making this? Money? How much money do you need? We'll send it to you. No worries. Unfortunately this can't cant buy back your integrity. Malheursment. Je suis desolee pour Johhny.

    Nice pension Bubby. $30m plus points. Sweet! Now (gunshot)off buddy (with Wiseman) & bad mouth this SHIT SHOW in 3 years on a (GunSHOT) ANICtalkback for Tears Of The Sun 5. COWARD. Only when it suits you to bad mouth filmmakers or projects DICKHEAD in your marketplace do you enter forums like this.

    "I like being dared" -Bruce

    "I dare ya bitch. Talkback" -Alex

    The Harrier, Jump Jet, Looks (Gunshot) Stupid. Absolutely crap. Trues Lies 2. 100% PISS PAL. Thats not DH.

    The editing here is (Gunshot) appauling. Shockiin' BAD. Salesmen at FOX are embarrased. Smith is delighted. Starstruck!

    AICN plug. (FUCK OFF) Gunshot.

    Kevin Smith. CORPORATE PIMP.

    Corporate ORGY!!!

    NONSENSE.



    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:37:02 PM CDT

    Download & Save

    by wadi77

    http://tinyurl.com/2zvauf

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:41:45 PM CDT

    THAT CLIP WAS MORE ENTERTAINING THAN KEVIN'S LAST MOVIE

    by pound sand

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:47:40 PM CDT

    Techno bable kills movies

    by pjdon

    It's the fact that it is undramatic and always bullshit.Why can't they just portray computers in films the way they really are?Now wait there while I post this comment by bypassing the main encryption server through a back door worm program and download the evil virus onto the mainframe and then type the word 'hack' to get in.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:53:25 PM CDT

    you kids are funny..lol

    by bouncy x

    one person says something that might be funny, in this case the (gunshot) thing, and then you all jump on it and copy it and beat it to death....hilarious, no one can think for themselves, no wonder most of you hate or love the same things. maybe the should rename this Ain't It Lemming News.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:58:11 PM CDT

    (Gunshot) Bouncy X

    by pjdon

    your as bad as flames on optimus or nipples on batman, damn you micheal bay. pwnd.(Joking)

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:58:40 PM CDT

    POOR BRUCE

    by the knight

  • Jun 20, 2007 9:59:05 PM CDT

    weird

    by sokitome

    they got rid of the other talkback where i call for a boycott and call the review a plant, weird

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:00:07 PM CDT

    NO Bonnie Bedelia that sucks

    by eh nam1313

    I will see this but I hope it rocks as muck as Bruce thinks it does.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:02:35 PM CDT

    First 8 minutes online!!

    by wadi77

    http://tinyurl.com/23ebcw

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:03:09 PM CDT

    In Common? K.Smith and B.Willis Male Pattern Baldness

    by alice cooper stalker

    Okay, one thing that I noticed from this interview is that Kevin Smith is losing his hair in the back of his head. I'm not a big K. Smith fan so maybe this is something that everybody else saw and noticed prior.

    Regardless, I want to see this movie. I love Willis in this character and want to see them do him justice. I didn't care for DH3 so much. Redeem the franchise!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:06:58 PM CDT

    PLANT!

    by xannibal

    This reads like a press release. Props to Rutgers Camden, where I spent on misarable semester.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:09:46 PM CDT

    No F-word at all...

    by wadi77

    In a Die Hard movie?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:10:40 PM CDT

    DON'T YOU MORONS HAVE ANYTHING

    by the knight

    Constructive to say! aww fuck it, who am I kidding!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:11:41 PM CDT

    I'M CURIOUS

    by the knight

    I think my curiosity will lead me to buy tickets to this movie. This summer has been very dissappointing, I gotta have a decent movie to look forward to...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:16:49 PM CDT

    Hudson Hawk was awesome

    by zakari paolon

    I know even Bruce doesn't like it at all, I don't give a shit, I had SUCH a good time with it when it came out, and when ever I watch the DVD I have great time. It rules. It's no Die Hard, sure, but dammit, it rules.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:17:16 PM CDT

    They should have gotten

    by pjdon

    JJ Abrahms to direct this, he knows how to inject some fucking tension into action.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:18:53 PM CDT

    Is it broke?

    by the dum guy

    'Cause I can't watch it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:21:05 PM CDT

    I'd be happy for it to be Pg-13

    by pjdon

    if it was going to be good. I doubt it is going to be terrible but it will be very bland like Underworld.Casino Royale shows you can do violence without too much blood, Casino Royal actually comes accross as more violent.Even the fucks i can do without (if they leave the important one in) but i just wanted something apart from other action films.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:21:49 PM CDT

    phoenixmagi

    by the knight

    errr... It's either Wiseman or Bay... I think we're in a bit of a pickle!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:22:26 PM CDT

    "Cool as tits"

    by allnthereflexes

    Now, I'm the last person on earth to start screaming "plant", but didn't the last Fox plant say "cool as balls"? What's next, "cool as ovaries"?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:24:33 PM CDT

    At least Micheal Bay would have

    by pjdon

    made the film without bland techno babble and underwhelming action and he would have let Bruce say fuck all day long.Wiseman is a capable director he just is very average. There is not a single thing wrong with Underworld, just nothing memorable in it, he doesn't give his action scenes any urgency or tension.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:25:12 PM CDT

    I've got my Kool and the Gang cassette all ready

    by cherryvalance

    to play while I cherish my time with Walter B. *waves lighter*

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:27:40 PM CDT

    That interview was cut poorly

    by wolfmannards

    the abundance of sound edits, and jump cuts makes you crazy. The interview barely made any sense.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:28:29 PM CDT

    'Cool as clits'

    by pjdon

    and inside bits

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:28:59 PM CDT

    I hope Jack Nance is right....

    by sgt rock

    I am dying for something, anything to take me away from the green piratey spiderey and Michael Bayery summer that has and is still to be. Wisemen please don't disappoint Kate, make this movie rock, SGT Rock! Fingers crossed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:30:42 PM CDT

    pjdon

    by the knight

    Just curious... If Len Wiseman asked you how to inject action or tension in a scene, how would you break it down for him? PREACH IT... BROTHER!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:30:45 PM CDT

    I think the Bourne Ultimatum

    by pjdon

    might be the only good film of the summer.I don't think I remember being this let down by so many films in one summer before.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:34:35 PM CDT

    "cool as dicks"

    by allnthereflexes

    It just seems like a ham-handed attempt to "sound" like the average write-in reviewer - swear a lot, refer to genitalia and/or miscellaneous erogenous zones, and go off on plenty of tangents.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:35:54 PM CDT

    Cool as ass....

    by wonkabar

    hmmmm, that doesn't quite work does it?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:35:55 PM CDT

    pjdon...

    by allnthereflexes

    Knocked Up. First movie I've been totally happy with this summer. And I have a serious feeling I'm going to love Stardust.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:37:43 PM CDT

    phoenixmagi

    by the knight

    ahhh yesss... DAAAAAAAAAAAAMOOOON... I'm sure someone would have said his name that way eventually! I'll try to repress my curiosity, which will definitely be difficult... Can't wait for Greengrass and Damon to return... Forget the haters and their hand held camera hate...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:39:20 PM CDT

    Cool as Tits?

    by alonzo mosely

    I mean they are not even trying now...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:40:37 PM CDT

    cool as... appendices?

    by allnthereflexes

    Oh well. I'm still gonna go see it. I have to know.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:44:27 PM CDT

    sure beats cool as balls

    by sgt rock

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:44:52 PM CDT

    not to mention...

    by allnthereflexes

    that most "plant" reviews rarely actually give an opinion on specific aspects of a given film beyond "cool" or "good" - said reviews typically consist of little more than an extended plot summary Cliff's Notes version of the movie.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:45:34 PM CDT

    Look ahead to NEXT summer

    by dasher

    Iron Man, Indiana Jones 4, Speed Racer, John Rambo, The Dark Knight....that's a great roster to look forward to.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:46:53 PM CDT

    Also, The Incredible Hulk

    by dasher

    and Wall-E (new Pixar film).

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:49:10 PM CDT

    Cool as icehole

    by wonkabar

    try that one next time

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:49:27 PM CDT

    SUMMER 08'

    by the knight

    You got that right Dasher... Nolan and Spielberg love to have summer films out together... First with WOTW and BB now with TDK and INDY... Coincidence?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:50:30 PM CDT

    or...

    by allnthereflexes

    cool as vas deferens! ugh... I just grossed myself out.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:51:42 PM CDT

    remember last year around this time...

    by allnthereflexes

    When we were dreaming wistfully of Summer 07? Ah, the innocence of youth...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:53:01 PM CDT

    Fuck ths movie

    by kolchak

    Don't give FOX your money. Don't support this shit.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:55:34 PM CDT

    THE KNIGHT - I'd tell Len

    by pjdon

    that to have a good action scene you don't need cool stunts or effects (although they can help) all you need is a strong goal or threat for the hero and constantly keep the viewer aware of what that is and what is at stake.Strip away all complications, cutting between different locations and over complicated mcguffins.I thought that McClanes daughter would have been the perfect solution to this.Put all the terrorist plot aside and have the film concentrate on one simple thing - mcclane getting his daughter before time runs out.Underworld had cool effects and fighting but it all just felt like a dance in much the same way most of the action in the Matrix sequals did.Also I think having a comic sidekick strips away some tension as it's hard to keep up the reality of a dangerous situation when mcclane is making fun of mac guy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:57:37 PM CDT

    I think the movies being released in 2008

    by pjdon

    represent the studios taking more risks.The films this year seemed like sure fire success but people got complacent.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 10:59:19 PM CDT

    Die Hard 5 ?! They must be fu(GUNSHOT)ng crazy...

    by bill clay

    This won't be as bad as Grindhouse's numbers, but it'll probably do business like Ocean's 13. One mediocre week as a limp #1 and then drop like a rock. I would bet my house that it won't break $100 million domestic total.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:00:26 PM CDT

    (gunshot) you all

    by soup74

    I'm old enough to go to 'R' movies, so i enjoy my action movies to be 'R' i read this site religiously i surf the internet on a PC yet, for some reason, im still excited as balls for die hard 4. and i also thought that interview was fun. i think i may have to turn in my bitter, jaded, movie geek card.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:01:08 PM CDT

    Anyone want to tell me what

    by pjdon

    they say about AICN? Does Bruce mention me? He doesn't know me but I am cool as cum.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:05:57 PM CDT

    Since the stars Hang out here can Harry do the Followin

    by phategod2

    g. Add a freaking edit button, full use of HTML other codes, Sigs, Avatars. Anyone else got more request for updates.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:07:30 PM CDT

    Hey Silence - I'm hoping Cum(p)ston (ha!)

    by pjdon

    will do me a review of the season finale of LOST for our legendary LOST TB."Theres like a load of dudes and chicks on an island! But what the fuck is the island, it's awesome thats what, but fucking mysterious like in a totaly wierd way man. But then it isn't jack in the past it's like jack in the future doin his fuckin jack face all over a big beard and being like 'waaaaah, i'm sad and gay'. And then locke throws a knife and it fucks a chick in the back and then they call a big motherfuckin boat and it says LOST on the screen!"

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:07:30 PM CDT

    PJDON

    by the knight

    Makes perfect sense... The cutting between different locations does get annoying... RAIMI! But yea, I agree completely... Bruce Willis seems like a pretty cool guy, and because of that, I'm really pulling for the movie to do well... But then again, he is a producer on the film so he had a lot of control over the script and director, yet he chose to limit his mouth so the film can make more... money... Not sure what he saw in Len Wiseman's hyper kinetic style... I'm on the fence here... Tired of seeing MTV edited action sequences, but I don't want the movie to bomb because bruce seems cool...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:10:15 PM CDT

    FOX

    by kolchak

    is bankrolling "Fantastic 4" and "the Simpsons".

    There is no way they wouldn't make up any money they were afraid of losing with an "R" rated DH.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:12:26 PM CDT

    Die Hard 4 would have been the perfect

    by pjdon

    opportunity to combine the new hard hitting action styles seen in MI:III, Bourne and Casino Royale with the bloody excess of 80's action cinema.Instead we will probably get the pretty but uneffective MTV style flashy directing with too many pop culture jokes.Die Hard should never be aware of itself as a Die Hard film, it should be a hark back to the days before we where all post-modern savy and critical of everything we see.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:12:59 PM CDT

    what they say about aicn..

    by soup74

    (paraphrasing) kevin says "so uh, bruce, you even did something unheard of and went to the talk backs of aicn." bruce "yep" kevin "you even proved it was you with a picture on ichat" bruce "yep." kevin "whydjadothat?" bruce "because im that excited about the flim, and i think its as good as the first one." and thats it, so basically they say the same shit you already knew.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:14:30 PM CDT

    The execs

    by kolchak

    show complete and utter disregard for what the fans want...for some extra money.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:14:44 PM CDT

    Bruce and Kevin

    by sithscorp

    These two guys... got to love them.

    To me, Bruce seems like that one kick-ass uncle that everyone has and loves to hang with because they are just so badass.
    Kevin seems like the kind of older brother that we all wish that we had. A master geek and damn proud of it...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:22:36 PM CDT

    Bruce is a great guy

    by pjdon

    but he is not a writer or director, he doesn't really know specifically why some films are good and some bad.He probably thought a lot of films like Striking Distance would be as good as Die Hard and until he saw the finished package he couldn't understand why they wouldn't be.Wiseman keeps saying he let Bruce make a lot of the calls on set because he knew the character better than anyone else.It's not hard to capture the character, it is hard to make a genuinley exciting action film.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:30:45 PM CDT

    Just saw "the first 8 minutes" of LFODH and...

    by rollo tomasi666

    Shit. That's all I have to say. I'm really still holding on to the hope that it's good - but it just doesn't feel like a Die Hard film. I mean how hard is that to make? If you see the 8 minutes you will see - a blad McClane (strange to say the least) - that Mac kid (Short Round anyone?) - one of the badguys jumping across buildings that Nolan's Batman would think twice about leaping off of (remember the whole aspect of Die Hard that was great was the fact that all of these things seemed rooted in reality!) - and McClane has decided to trade in his trusty Berreta 92F for a Sig??!!??(not sure if it was a Sig butit's not the Beretta that's for sure) - now changing guns might seem very small and not worth talking aboutbut it may be a harbinger of the movie itself - come on...Do you really think that McClane would change his choice of carry after it saved his and countless lives many times before? I'm starting to get pissed here....And PG-13? So I'm guessing McClane gave up smoking as well right? Fuck - that's right - F U C K Y O U....

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:30:55 PM CDT

    Directing Action

    by the knight

    Is there even a general consenses among geeks as to who is the best modern day action director?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:31:16 PM CDT

    "cool as tits" "cool as balls" what's next?

    by ludmir88

    cool as armpits? i mean harry's armpits? oh ... and i think it's a plant too.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:31:45 PM CDT

    This interview really sealed the deal for me....

    by moto

    ... I'm there, 100%. Not because of anything that was said by Bruce or Kevin really. But because of the additional footage they offered up that had yet to be seen in trailers. The ONLY worry I had coming into it after watching the trailers was that they didn't showcase the wisecracking character of John McClane. It was all action... and that was fine and dandy... but the footage they showed really sold me. Nothing can be worse than DH3. Sorry. If it makes up for that piece of shit, then I'm in. DH3 only had a few moments of true Die Hard. Namely the seen in the elevator where McClane takes out four guys in about 10 seconds. THAT was Die Hard.

    Yeah, it looks like McClane in DH4 is all over the place, but at least there are plenty of times where he's enclosed in a building, elevator shaft, tunnel, etc.

    But if you haven't, you gotta download that interview because we see the John McClane that we keep coming back for. I say it'll do anywhere from $60-80 million. Nothing below that. Any of those numbers would be a success and you assholes out there who will compare it to Pirates or Spidey or Lord of the Rings are just idiots. It ain't going to break $100 million opening weekend. Studio doesn't expect it to. It's not the kind of pick that will pull in numbers like that. $60 million will be a huge success, and if this pops $180 million domestically... even $160 million, it'll be a success and I wouldn't doubt that there will be a DH5 coming. And I'm all for it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:36:00 PM CDT

    Question to anyone....

    by pjdon

    does he smoke in this film? Or is smoking bad for you compared to fighting terrorists?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:37:37 PM CDT

    I'll bet McClane gave up smoking and swearing....

    by rollo tomasi666

    ...and now he just likes to talk out his feeling with terrorists...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:37:50 PM CDT

    underworld 2 sucked...only

    by huggerorange

    underworld 2 sucked...only the first one was alright. Kate Beckinsale shouldve taken her clothes off in the 2nd one for us at least.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:38:49 PM CDT

    I've seen the first eight minutes...

    by moto

    On DVD burned by a computer geek friend today. Here's the thing. Too many people want a fucking retread. They want terrorists entering a building, John McClane visiting his wife, then the terrorists take over the building (or airport or whatever) and he's stuck in an elevator shaft. Bullshit.

    It feels awkward at first because we're so tuned into the first two DH movies. DH2 (I don't count DH3) came out in '90. That's 17 years ago! So yeah, it'll be weird to see a new incarnation of Die Hard.

    But it plays. It's only about eight minutes, so you can't judge either way on it, but it plays. It's a NEW Die Hard movie people. John McClane is 20 some years older than the guy we knew in DH. Can't wait to check it out.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:41:07 PM CDT

    THE KNIGHT - Not sure really

    by pjdon

    there isn't many around these days. It seems to be originally non-action directors doing the superhero films. JJ Abrahms impressed me with MI:III, it just seemed stripped down to the essentials of what an action thriller should be.There doesn't seem to be anyone making lots of action films that are succesful though. Martin Cambel i would have classed as a very dull action director until i seen Casino Royale.I think with action it is a case of good choreography, directing, script and editing are all needed to make it feel right. An average director can prob do brilliant action with the right team.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:44:11 PM CDT

    We don't want a retread...

    by rollo tomasi666

    We want the same "type" of film. A film that takes place in the same world. Not a world where badguys jump from building to building just to chase after McClane - I mean is that guys a Vampire or a Werewolf? What the fuck seriously...that may have killed it for me right there. That one three second sequence was more unbelivable and unmotivated than anything McClane did in any of the three other films...And that's just Badguy Number 2....

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:46:13 PM CDT

    DIE HARD 4-EVER

    by tinseltown terror

    I do hope this will be good. I am an 80's film Fanatic. And 90% of todays films are so fucking GAY! Go Mclane....FTW!!!!!!!! GIVE ME 80'S EXCESS OVER THE CURRENT GAY-MESS! Oh yea Transformers will be killer too!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:50:47 PM CDT

    PJDON/2nd Unit Directors

    by the knight

    Yea, for a first time directing a feature, if i'm not mistaken, JJ pulled out all the stop with MI3... I still don't get the hate... One of the things I seem to notice about modern directors, is that they let the 2nd unit Director direct most of the action sequences. I know 2nd unit saves time and money but come on! I'm getting really tired hearing Simon Crane directing all the action in X3 and did Mr. and Mrs smith if i'm not mistaken? Direct your own action Directors! Damn that makes me mad... I wonder if Len Wiseman let the 2nd unit handle most of the action?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:52:30 PM CDT

    BTW

    by the knight

    I know 2nd unit has been used a lot in past times but I meant that directors seem to rely on the 2nd unit too much.. I loved that Nolan shot everything himself on Batman Begins and didn't want a 2nd unit...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:55:45 PM CDT

    Bruce Willis has chosen iChat... Here's why...

    by i pwn teh suk and i pwn it well

    'Cos you're just sittin' there lookin' like Bruce Willis and that guy is like whoa!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:55:56 PM CDT

    The "riding on a jetfighter" scene did it for me....

    by bill clay

    It might as well be Roger Moore surfing on top of that plane with Richard Kiel chasing him. The scene looked so unbelievably ridiculous, it could have been lifted verbatim from an '80's Bond flick.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 20, 2007 11:57:34 PM CDT

    Yippee Ki Yay,Motherfuckers!

    by lamerz

    That's waht I'm talkin bout!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:01:45 AM CDT

    Nolan should use an action director

    by neo zeed

    because that random shakycam-fu sucked in Batman Begins.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:10:23 AM CDT

    McClane doesn't smoke in this one...

    by the dum guy

    Walter B. already said so.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:10:34 AM CDT

    Nolan should just not edit the shit

    by pjdon

    out of the action. It's all good keeping Batman in the shadows and tring to show the confusion that the bad guy would feel but it just isn't effective.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:12:45 AM CDT

    why I CANNOT watch this film in a theatre

    by maniaq

    As soon as that FUCKING ANNOYING "hi I'm a Mac" guy comes on I WILL BE WALKING OUT THE DOOR!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:12:48 AM CDT

    Everyone complains about Nolan's fights

    by the knight

    But i have never heard any complaints as far as Nolan's batmobile chase, and when Bale and Neeson were sliding down the hill... I guess he pulled off those sequences well ehh...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:12:49 AM CDT

    already alot of cool big

    by huggerorange

    already alot of cool big movies coming out next year..incredible hulk, batman:dark night, rambo 4, iron man..etc
    I guess thats what we said of this years flicks last year and so far the results have been from lukewarm
    to shit. Something has to be good this year.. and i hope its not another one of those fucking a mighty wind movies..

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:13:40 AM CDT

    Cool as prostate

    by and nicolas cage as fu manchu

    The Maggie Q spicy pepper comparison was a little strained. Well, at least he didn't refer to her as Countess Kimchi of the Kingdom of Kochu Garoo. Anyone remember that old NES game Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom? Now that is a property that begs to be reimagined. ^^;

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:14:46 AM CDT

    Nolan should hire a fight choregrapher as well

    by neo zeed

    as watching his edits. Embrace the action Nolan! Action is your friend.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:16:02 AM CDT

    He should start out the film

    by pjdon

    not swearing, drinking or smoking. He should have given them all up and settled down for his familys sake. Even gone to anger management classes.Then as the film goes on he should start swearing then find a pack of smokes and a hiip flask on a terrorist and say something like "Fuck discipline, discipline never saved the country" before flicking a ciggarette into some gas and blowing them all to hell.That's what John Die Hard would do.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:16:52 AM CDT

    Nite all

    by pjdon

    see u's next week

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:17:58 AM CDT

    whats so bad about the mac

    by huggerorange

    whats so bad about the mac dude?..you know whos really annoying and needs to go away for awhile..Dakota Fanning-come back in 6-7 years when youve grown some tits maybe then itll be Ok.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:40:47 AM CDT

    Don't forget that Die Hard 3 is cut in the UK...

    by scarranhalfbreed

    ...to get the 15 cert rating. And the tame Chronicles of Riddick was a 15 cert. 15 certificate doesn't mean anything. It's still PG-13. "The guy's a FLUNKY, not a psycho."

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:46:20 AM CDT

    PG-13 = FAT KIDS CHESTBUMPING

    by mogwai democracy

    white suburban thugz w/ their gum snapping hoscell phone yappin emo kidz ruining mcclanes flowPG-13 MEANS THE THEATRE IS A FUCKING ZOO... I'll wait for the DVD.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:46:43 AM CDT

    Geez, that Editing

    by birdys piano teacher

    Made me motion sick. 4 is still a "maybe" with me.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:47:52 AM CDT

    and i'm NOT READING THE SPOILERS!

    by mogwai democracy

    ENOUGH WITH THE FUCKING SPOILERS ALREADY!! DAMN!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:47:58 AM CDT

    "PG-13 MEANS THE THEATRE IS A FUCKING ZOO"

    by scarranhalfbreed

    Thankfully, not in England. Yippee kiyay motherfucker.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:48:26 AM CDT

    I believe that pure action movies involving

    by neo zeed

    non-stop gunfights and deaths should always go for the R-rating. Movies that deal with subject matter such as hitmen, vigilantes, or cops. Movies like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Long Kiss Goodnight, and movies of that sort. Mr. and. Mrs. Smith (even though it sucked) should've been R-rated. There are certain movies that can be PG-13 like superhero stuff(where they basically disarm their foes), or disaster pics (where people die but it's usually bloodless death of a crowd). However, the action always suffers on a PURE action film when it's watered down.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:49:29 AM CDT

    Sue me, I liked Die Hard 3

    by birdys piano teacher

    And didn't Bruce say that was the best one when he made it?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 12:50:23 AM CDT

    Fu(gunshot) off, plant.

    by napoleondynamite

    I'm not usually one to holler plant, but that was pretty fucking transparent. give it up, suits. We can already tell this thing is a turkey. It has McClane flying a car into a helicopter. Enough said. You can actually see the shark cage underneath the flight path of the car if you know what I mean.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 1:08:59 AM CDT

    Can anyone think of a more pointless piece of trivia...

    by i pwn teh suk and i pwn it well

    than this gem I found on Wikipedia: "Zeus Carver is the second black, former cab driver that has helped McClane in his struggles: Argyle, McClane's chauffeur in the first film, also used to be a cabbie before becoming a limo driver"???

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 1:25:10 AM CDT

    LFODH pwns teh suk.

    by man_of_stool

    That is all.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 2:24:30 AM CDT

    LEAKED TREATMENT FOR “ROB ZOMBIE’S SE7EN”!

    by i pwn teh suk and i pwn it well

    Jack Black plays a fragile young man whose stepfather abuses him. Consequently, Jack feels inadequate and begins to envy people with normal lives. He tattoos ENVY onto his forehead and takes steroids to beat that no-good stepfather's bitch-ass to death. The thrilling climax set at an abandoned nuclear test site sees Jack duke it out with Detectives Chris Rock (“how’s about that for nuclear disarmament yo’ muthafuckin’ preachin’ nut? I ain’t nuthin’ but a gunslinger, ya hear? A muthafuckin’ gunslinger! Don’t need no cop shit”) and Adam Sandler (“I’m Detective Davey and I’m gonna get me some my gravy yodel-hoo”), who mid-fight, becomes exposed to a high level of radiation and becomes wrath (we know this because he wears a t-shirt which says WRATH on it in large red spooky letters once he becomes like all radioactive and shit). WRATH kills ENVY (this is deeply symbolic and metaphorical). David Fincher plays the butler.

    Upon release, the film will no doubt hit number 1 at the box office breaking all previous records (no doubt a PG-13 too) and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse doth sharpen their instruments of doom. For the human race is a lost cause. Peace out.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 3:18:22 AM CDT

    Such a shame

    by fenton meiks

    This film is going to be so mediocre. Not good, not bad, just mediocre. I love Die Hard, and I love John McClane, but I really can't see myself going to the cinema see this watered down imitation. People can say as much as they like that the family friendly rating makes no difference, but it makes it immediately obvious that it's not the same world as the previous Die Hard movies. Still it could be worse... Nicholas Cage could be in it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 3:25:38 AM CDT

    Die Hard WAV was cut to shit to get it's UK rating.

    by grando

    What think you now of the rating?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 3:38:32 AM CDT

    phoenixmagi-nation

    by kaz oshay

    Nance's review doesn't say LFODH is better than the original. It says "it's the best Die Hard since the first one." Is that such an impossible standard to achieve given the quality of the last two?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 3:46:29 AM CDT

    Thanks Wadi77

    by filmfunk

    Quicktime never works for me and although the interview shed very little light I apreciate a working link.DH.4 looks at least as good as 3 which was Die Hard Lite so it's at least worth a trip out. Fingers crossed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 3:47:32 AM CDT

    Best action movie since Speed

    by affleckwasthebomb

    Well that's what a friend of mine says. I haven't seen it yet so I can't commment. Well I can comment, that's what talkbacks are about. talking about shit you don't know about. Awesome.
    Any way, yeah he said it was awesome and I do trust him..although I didn't really like speed. He did though..alot.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 3:51:21 AM CDT

    ATTENTION JUSTIN LONG

    by vern

    I've seen you on those Mac commercials talking about how you (as a Mac) are laid back and cool but your friend PC is a huge pain in the ass, etc. Although I like the nerdy guy better than you I did agree with your assessment of Macs. UNTIL A MONTH AGO when your pals sent out a security update of Quicktime that made it no longer work for somebody with a G4 and OSX.
    What I'm trying to say, pal, is that I cannot watch an interview with Bruce and it is your duty, as the walking metaphor for the Macintosh concept, to tell those fuckers to get off their ass and fix the god damn thing. Either that or you gotta start admitting in the commercial that you are as much of a pain in the ass as the PC guy and that instead of glorious Quicktime you might just see a question mark.
    By the way don't fuck up DIE HARD. Do it for Argyle. thanks buddy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 4:08:42 AM CDT

    Best action movie since SPEED?

    by motoko kusanagi

    Hmm, not really. I would say since BAD BOYS 2.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 4:23:41 AM CDT

    Just review the fucking movie

    by boogy110

    Jeesus christ, why does everyone insist on giving a play by play. Just review the film and tell us what you like and what you didn't like.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 4:23:54 AM CDT

    Bruce Willis doesnt have time for fans

    by memflixsformerboss

    I think we should all once again thank Stallone for his interaction with us.I mean look how busy he was but he made time.Willis used to be cool.Now hes just a wishy washy weenie.Bite me Bruce...If you have the time.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 4:24:17 AM CDT

    Today's great action directors are...

    by vern

    nobody. Looking at the best action movies of the last ten years I don't think any of the directors have been able to become a reliable creator of action movies. There's nobody who's made a DIE HARD *and* a PREDATOR.
    You got BLADE, but then Steve Norrington fucked up and made LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN and we never heard his name mentioned again until this talkback was written. You got BLADE 2, but Del Toro doesn't really do action movies. You got THE MATRIX, but the Wachowskis have done nothing but MATRIX movies since then, and everybody hates them now. I would say CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON but I don't expect Ang Lee to revive action movies. Maybe you wanna call PAYBACK an action movie, but Helgeland no longer shows signs of being the guy who made that movie.
    So then you gotta go to the next tier down. There is the TRANSPORTER 2 guy, he also did UNLEASHED which I kind of liked. But to compare him to a McTiernan is sad. People mentioned JJ Abrams, he did a good job with M:I3 but that's all we've seen of him. CASINO ROYALE guy, he also did a pretty fun Zorro movie, but I'm not exactly gonna see every movie he makes.
    Maybe the guy who directs Tony Jaa's movies? I think he's improving his chops but storywise I don't know what the fuck is going on. But as far as staging action scenes, he does have that craft down. Or actually Mel Gibson, after APOCALYPTO, I do have faith in him as a director of thrilling action movies. Unless some Jews come around and then he'll get all nervous and start fucking up.
    Meanwhile the old masters are in disarray. Frankenheimer died, Woo was replaced by a crappy lookalike who made WINDTALKERS, McTiernan made ROLLERBALL (Although he's making a new action movie, who knows.) George Miller is still working, but he can't seem to get the MAD MAX sequel off the ground. And if anybody thought Tony Scott was in the upper echelon, well he sure threw that status in a hole and took a shit on it, a shit named DOMINO. He's out of the club.
    Who am I forgetting? And don't you dare say Bay or his Basket Case lump twin Simon West.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 4:27:31 AM CDT

    oh yeah

    by vern

    Between KILL BILL and DEATH PROOF I think Tarantino has earned an action director badge. He would have to be my favorite of those listed, but I don't think we're necessarily gonna see more fights or chase scenes out of him in the near future. Hard to say.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 4:33:41 AM CDT

    Vern you forgot

    by memflixsformerboss

    Michael Bay and Brett Rattner.One more thing am I alone here in wanting to bang Bruces daughter?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 4:40:52 AM CDT

    tarintino IS NOT AN ACTION GUY

    by haitu

    AT ALL. FAR FROM being ACTION.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 4:41:11 AM CDT

    Vern

    by memflixsformerboss

    Kill Bill was over the top bad...and you cant be serious about Death Proof..action?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 4:42:12 AM CDT

    Vern

    by memflixsformerboss

    Kill Bill was over the top bad...and you cant be serious about Death Proof..action?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 4:55:53 AM CDT

    boys

    by vern

    KILL BILL is my favorite movie of the 2000s so far. I watch it over and over again and it works on so many levels it's hard to even describe. Even in the fucked up cable TV version if I happen to come across it I have to keep watching. There are so many things I love about it and somewhere near the top of the list are the BAD FUCKING ASS fight scenes. It is rare that you get such a perfect combination of choreography, design and story. You could have fights that great but they wouldn't be shot as well, or you wouldn't be invested in the characters, or in their goals at that point in the story... there are so many things that could have happened to make them not as good but they didn't happen. How do you get so many classic fights in one (well, two) movies? You wouldn't think it could be done, especially from a director who had never really done an action scene before, his movies were all about inaction. But damn did he pull it off.
    OR SO I THOUGHT. But if "MEMFLIXsFormerBoss" says it is "over the top bad" with no explanation then I guess I must've been wrong. Thanks for straightening me out on that one, you're a lifesaver.
    Like I said very explicitly, I don't think he's gonna continue to direct action movies. But if the guy who shot the badass fight between Elle Driver and Beatrix in the trailer (not to mention Beatrix vs. Vernita Green, Bride vs. O-Ren Ishii, House of Blue Leaves, etc. etc.) can't get a little credit from you then to be frankly honest I don't see what the point is in discussing action direction with you. Because come on dude. Be fucking serious here pal.
    And yes, DEATH PROOF is mostly about talking, but the car chase sequences are some of the best action sequences of recent years. Not that the competition is stiff, but they are up there.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 5:01:38 AM CDT

    Vern, how about Joe Carnahan?

    by julius dithers

    Blood Guts Bullets & Octane, Narc and Smoking Aces. And a BMW film with Clive Owen and Don Cheedle. Awesome visuals and strong dialogue. Oh, and Sam Raimi?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 5:12:24 AM CDT

    Vern, you forgot Yimou Zhang

    by thenorthlander

    Hero, House of Flying Daggers, Curse of the Golden Flower... And everybody don't hate The Matrix or The Wachowskis. Only people who don't like Cyberpunk.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 5:15:25 AM CDT

    DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE was trimmed in UK

    by chans

    In UK, DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE was trimmed ; some strong language was also overdubbed and replaced by the UK distributor. It explain why this movie could get 15 rating in UK.

    You can see more detail in here.
    http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0112864/alternateversions

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 5:56:05 AM CDT

    FUCK YOU BRUCE WILLIS

    by whataboutbob25

    YOU ARE A CUNT.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 6:24:51 AM CDT

    You're right, Chans . . .

    by themanwithtoomanynames

    DHWV was slashed to pieces for the UK, and what a terrible version it was - especially how the elevator scene was ostensively chopped. At one point, McClane and the henchmen are waving guns in each others' faces, and then the scene jumps to the elevator door opening and McClane crawling out. It felt like being donkey-punched by the censors. Fortunately, I did get to see the full scene intact when I took a trip to the US years later, but it still pisses me off to know what was cut out.



    It's not movie violence that could drive a man to murder, it's the outdated and flawed concept of censorship, and the hubris of its supporters.



    Honestly I can't stand parasites like Dr. Fredric Wertham and Mary Whitehouse. Don't worry, they're both worm-food now, so there's no chance of being sued for defamation, slander or libel. But I would love to dig up their corpses and defecate on them - except I'm too lazy. So it goes.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 6:28:45 AM CDT

    Reviewer lost all

    by fenrisulfr

    Reviewer lost all credibility when he said it was better than Die Hard. One big motherfucking plant.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 6:49:22 AM CDT

    (GUNSHOT)'S THIS YEAR LITTLE FLAMES CATCHPHRASE

    by the artist fka vesuvio

    nipples, Shia Lebouf.. damn you off the phone.. fucking destruction.. eh

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 7:08:13 AM CDT

    The Artist FKA Vesuvio

    by atari

    You forgot 'Taint'

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 7:10:38 AM CDT

    Basket Case lump twin

    by franklin t marmoset

    Jesus, that was funny, Vern. Simon West should put that on his business cards.Also, what a depressing thought about action directors. It's horrible to admit, but Bay is pretty much the top guy - purely by default. The younger guys (Wiseman, Wimmer) have turned out to be shit and the older guys (McTiernan) lost it a while back. James Cameron is returnin, though, so that gives me a glimmer of hope. He's beenunder the water for a while, however, so I hope he doesn't go all George Lucas on us. Fuck, that would really be depressing.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 7:14:08 AM CDT

    VIETFU(GUNSHOT)NAM

    by whataboutbob25

    iS MAN OF FIRE AN ACTION FILM?
    hell yeah.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 7:18:12 AM CDT

    REVIEWER IS A SACK OF CUNT JUICE

    by whataboutbob25

    A SACK OF CUNT JUICE

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 8:46:46 AM CDT

    Planty Plant Plant Plant

    by tonamania

    So formerly DH1 was by leaps and bounds the best action movie of all time. So now, this movie, DH4, with Kevin Smith & Apple kid, is even better. Then this movie must be a GOD!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 9:08:09 AM CDT

    jUST LIKE

    by whataboutbob25

    BRUCE WILLIES sAID ABOUT PART 2 AND PART 3.
    JUST LIKE THE PHILANDRING CUNT ARNIE SAID T3 WAS THE BEST ONE YET. bla bla bla.
    fuck youselves.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 9:32:52 AM CDT

    WOW........

    by stuntcock mike

    Every last detail. Now I really don't need to see it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 10:01:43 AM CDT

    Kill Bill sucks can I get a

    by memflixsformerboss

    Kill Bill sucks can I get a Hell(gunshot)

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 10:56:03 AM CDT

    New review - Is there hope?

    by jt styler

    http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/film/film-23337780-details/Die%20Hard%204.0/filmReview.do?reviewId=23401451

    Probably not but I am praying that this film marks a return to man-cinema. I miss the days of real men - John Matrix, John McClane, John Rambo, Martin Riggs - I salute you. Heroes who kicked ass and didn't apologise for doing so. Men who weren't afraid to be men. Am also hoping that as it is a 15 cert over here in the UK, we may get the full Yippi-Kay-Yay. I figure if Hot Fuzz can get away with it, why not McClane? The Style rhas spoken.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 11:25:29 AM CDT

    When my son is 10 or 11 or so...

    by abominable snowcone

    I will make him sit down and watch movies like Die Hard and Lethal Weapon and tell him, "This is how men conduct themselves."

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 11:37:02 AM CDT

    DO NOT PAY FOR THIS MOVIE

    by nepomukproebstl

  • Jun 21, 2007 11:37:38 AM CDT

    PAYING FOR IT MEANS SUPPORTING THE PG-13 DECISION

    by nepomukproebstl

  • Jun 21, 2007 11:39:03 AM CDT

    THIS PG-13 DIE HARD MUST FAIL

    by nepomukproebstl

  • Jun 21, 2007 11:39:33 AM CDT

    DON'T WORRY, THE PRODUCTION CREW IS ALREADY PAID

    by nepomukproebstl

  • Jun 21, 2007 11:39:59 AM CDT

    YOU WILL JUST HURT 20th CENTURY FOX

    by nepomukproebstl

  • Jun 21, 2007 11:40:26 AM CDT

    DO NOT SUPPORT THE GREEDY DECISION TO MAKE THIS PG-13

    by nepomukproebstl

  • Jun 21, 2007 11:40:52 AM CDT

    THIS WAS ONLY CUT DOWN TO PG-13 BECAUSE OF GREED

    by nepomukproebstl

  • Jun 21, 2007 11:41:21 AM CDT

    FOX DOES NOT CARE ABOUT QUALITY

    by nepomukproebstl

  • Jun 21, 2007 11:41:44 AM CDT

    FOX IS ONLY AFTER THE MONEY

    by nepomukproebstl

  • Jun 21, 2007 11:42:30 AM CDT

    DO NOT PAY FOR THIS VIOLATION OF A GREAT FRANCHISE

    by nepomukproebstl

  • Jun 21, 2007 1:06:12 PM CDT

    Awful, awful editing

    by henrydalton

    This interview has the worst editing I've seen in ages. Did they let the work experience kid do it??

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 1:50:24 PM CDT

    FUCK BRUCE WILLIESSS

    by whataboutbob25

  • Jun 21, 2007 2:11:55 PM CDT

    action director followups

    by vern

    Good call on Zhang Yimou. HERO is definitely a classic and I liked HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS too. Still, this is another guy who will never be primarily an action director. Maybe those days are gone. I mean of these people we're discussing most of them are doing sci-fi with action anyway, not straightahead action. Or they're doing martial arts. Both of which I like, but man do I miss the DIE HARD era.
    Sam Raimi - well, he does a good job with his action sequences, that's true. Still, I have a hard time thinking of Spiderman movies as action movies. At least half of the action scenes are animated. I wonder if we'll ever get the old Sam Raimi back. The guy that made EVIL DEAD and DARKMAN. And executive produced HARD TARGET. I still like him but not like I do when I watch those older ones.
    Tom Bodet, I know you don't really believe the things you post, you're just there pushing buttons to haunt me for my past sins, but come on. I wasn't talking about highest paid action directors, I was talking about the ones who make good movies or at least are good at constructing action sequences so you have hope for them to make future action movies. Obviously Michael Bay does not qualify for any of these things, so why would you have to insult us all by bringing him up? Show a little class there pal.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 2:27:13 PM CDT

    KEVIN SMITH!!!?!

    by c00l dud3

    Holy $HIT...I didn't know HE was in this...definitely gotta check it out now. That alone may make-up for the PG-13 nonsense...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 2:41:07 PM CDT

    Hey Vern what about Wayne Kramer

    by neo zeed

    Running Scared was pretty good!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 2:54:50 PM CDT

    Alejandro Jodorowsky should have directed Die Hard 4.0

    by jim bolo

    That would have been a movie to watch.

    Still, I'll be checking Len Wiseman's Die Hard 4.0 out first chance I get

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 3:01:09 PM CDT

    So Vern, when are you going to see Die *****?

    by trombone

    I'm getting disappointed already. Walter B really had my hopes up. But now....?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 8:41:27 PM CDT

    Edgar wright, simon pegg

    by mastashake

    hot fuzz, enough said.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 9:15:37 PM CDT

    best modern action directors,VERN I nominate..

    by zooch

    Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead, 300), Paul Greengrass (Bourne movies and United 93, though techically not an action movie but still damn good), and (can't believe no one mentioned yet) Robert Rodriguez.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 21, 2007 10:55:47 PM CDT

    you got robert rodriguez and

    by maluquiro

    you got robert rodriguez and edgar wright...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 22, 2007 12:51:05 AM CDT

    Kill Bill? Fav movie of the 2000s??? WTF???!

    by motoko kusanagi

    It was definitely Tarantino's worst. And most overrated. One big letdown. The fights were boring as hell just like the whole annoying movie.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 22, 2007 1:01:19 AM CDT

    Not a fan of Kill Bill either

    by neo zeed

    Tarantino should get back to his roots.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jun 22, 2007 3:19:53 AM CDT

    directors continued

    by vern

    Good choices. I was gonna add Robert Rodriguez too. Personally I think he's lost himself in all the cheesy digital effects and shit, but ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO struck a good balance (I didn't even notice the effects) and that wasn't too long ago. Plus, give him a medal for DESPERADO.
    Also I should add Verhoeven. He still has it, if he ever wants to use it.
    Zach Snyder I think still needs to prove himself some more, but he's got talent and it's nice that he's going the "too much slo-motion" route when everybody else is going in the opposite direction.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 04, 2007 6:13:44 PM CDT

    Live Free Die Hard

    by marysel61

    I had high expectations for this flick and it met them all. Die Hard series is one of my favorites and this most recent installment IMO is probably my fav of the 4. I did like #3 because I like Sam Jackson and WBW together. If you make another, I hope you will ask Sam back for another go round. I have to say I didn't mind spending the money to see this at the theater. Seeing at home on DVD for the first time would have ruined it for me. I'm gonna see it again.
    He may be a little more "grizzled" but he is still a great action star in my book, I hope he does make another one.

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