The Next Reel Film Podcast

Does Renny Harlin amp this sequel up appropriately or does it go too far? Should John McClane be this unlikeable? And do the bad guys really ‘die harder’? Tune in to this week’s show to find out!

Show Notes

"We are just up to our neck in terrorists again, John!"

Joel Silver was never a producer to shy away from giving the audience more of what they wanted. For the sequel to his 1988 action hit Die Hard, he tapped into director Renny Harlin and together, they pushed for more action, more humor, more stunts and… more of everything else the audiences got in the first film. But does that make a good sequel? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Die Hard series with Harlin’s 1990 film Die Hard 2.

We talk about the overall tone of the movie, what works with it and what doesn’t, and what may be forgivable in context of this being an over-the-top action film. We chat about how McClane is largely more unlikeable in this film and blame the writers with taking him down this road. We discuss the nature of terrorist films as summer entertainment – something John McTiernan had issue with when making the first film – and ponder if this film really kicked off a trend that made this kind of violence more okay for summer popcorn fare. We laugh at some of the more nonsensical plot elements scattered throughout this film and debate where the line is for one’s suspension of disbelief in a movie like this. And we praise Michael Kamen’s use of music throughout, even when he has to bring John Sibelius’ ‘Finlandia’ in for the parade of planes.

It’s a film that is full of problems that may or may not bother you – we certainly don’t come to any consensus here – but it’s still a fun entry into the Die Hard franchise. Check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Film Sundries

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel


Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Check out our MERCH PAGE for TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more!

Visit our ORIGINALS PAGE to buy books, comics, plays, or other source material for the movies we've talked about on the show. By doing so, you get to find your next book to dig into and help us out in the process as a portion comes back our way. Enjoy!

Star your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try Transistor today!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:
We spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?
Become a Member here: $5 monthly or $55 annually

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

The Next Reel team has been dedicated to reviews, news, and commentary on world film for a decade. This podcast is The Next Reel master feed including all the episodes of The Next Reel, Trailer Rewind, The Film Board, The Speakeasy, and the other shorts, interviews, and specials we've produced over the years.