Die Hard 4.0 (AF)

Stars: Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant, Maggie Q, Kevin Smith, Cliff Curtis, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Director: Len Wiseman

While hes lost his hair in the 12 years since he last played one-man-army John McClane, Willis has lost none of his charisma and dominates this belated but hugely welcome sequel as, with a little help from nerdy cyber-expert Long, he saves his daughter from death and saves the US from Olyphant and his fellow computer geniuses who intend to topple the nation through cyber-chicanery.

If the prospect of a plot dependent on knowledge of computer-speak chills you as much as it does me, dont worry. Like all the best thrillers and this is one of the recent best technology is simply an excellent McGuffin. What really counts here are the plentiful action set pieces, sizzling stunts and driving suspense delivered with adrenaline-surging skill by Willis and director Wiseman in a hugely exciting thrill-a-minute show that starts fast (Willis blazes away in a spectacular shootout with five villains in an apartment) and then rarely relaxes up to the memorable climax which finds McClane saving the day by leaping onto a speeding truck and engaging in close combat with a fighter plane.

Credibility isnt its strongest point, but so what? Willis makes an ideal avenger, hard-as-nails (the preview audience rightly cheered when he fought Martial Arts murderess Q to a bloody standstill) but ever-ready with an apt wisecrack (I was out of bullets is his response to Longs plaudit You just killed a helicopter with a car). Much of the time, McClane makes 007 resemble a wuss could you really ask for more?

Alan Frank

USA 2007. UK Distributor: 20th Century Fox. Colour.
129 minutes. Widescreen. UK certificate: 15.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 0, Violence/Horror 2, Drugs 0, Swearing 1.

Review date: 02 Jul 2007