Rating: ***
Cast: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Irons
This film returns to the basics and more closely follows the precedent set by the original "Die Hard" (1988). A mad bomber (Jeremy Irons) is blowing things up around town to get the attention of John McClane (Bruce Willis), who at this point has been reduced to a slobbering homeless alcoholic. The villain is Alan Rickman's brother from the first film, and he claims that he's out to avenge his brother's murder by putting McClane and the entire NYPD (and eventually Samuel L. Jackson) through a series of deranged bomb related puzzles. But in reality, he's using these games to divert attention away from what's REALLY going on, which is far deadlier. Action packed, with Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson both delivering strong and enjoyable performances. Sure it's ridiculous and over the top, but it's great mindless entertainment.
On a side note - the portable military bridge that was featured in the film was designed by an engineering friend of mine.