Die Hard

CHICAGO – The Dwayne Johnson formula is what it is, as it seems for about three to five films a year. A disaster strikes, but the Johnson character has loved ones among the victims, and in his background (military, police, mercenary) there is enough expertise to rescue them. “Skyscraper” is the latest.

LONDON – He lived in a show age when a classically trained British actor could also portray a German villain, an indecisive husband and one of the most memorable characters in the Harry Potter series. Alan Rickman was all of these, and he did it with a signature style. Rickman died in London at age 69 on January 14, 2016.

CHICAGO – Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy can’t be blamed for the deteriorating state of modern action films any more than Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” can be held accountable for commercializing American cinema. Yet the spectacular box office performance of Nolan’s terrific series has naturally caused studios to misinterpret the root of their success.

CHICAGO – The franchise has been in steady decline since the original “Die Hard,” quite simply one of the best action films of all time, but that still doesn’t prepare one for the truly horrendous “A Good to Day to Die Hard,” a complete waste of time on every level.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Gareth Evans’ “The Raid: Redemption” is a powerhouse kick to the gut of bored action movie fans. And the face. And the kneecap. And the balls. It’s an aggressive, adrenaline-fueled success in so many ways that it might make you like recent Hollywood action films less than you remembered. They weren’t this powerful, super-charged, or generally remarkable. For its target audience, I find it impossible to believe that “The Raid” won’t connect. In other words, if you like martial arts action movies, you have a new must-see.

CHICAGO – For a lot of action movie fans, “The Raid: Redemption” is going to be their favorite genre flick in years. It’s an incredibly accomplished martial arts film that feels like something inspired equally by John Carpenter and Jackie Chan. We’ll be back with a full rave review tomorrow but check out this interview with its soon-to-be-famous writer/director, Gareth Evans, as he details the incredible history of the movie, its most difficult stunts, and its inspirations.

CHICAGO – In our latest extra-special “get filmed by Fox” edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: DVD, we have 10 DVDs up for grabs from 20th Century Fox as part of the studio’s “Million Moments: Great Moments, Great Causes” tour!

CHICAGO – More than 23 years ago, New York cop John McClane was introduced to the world. Now, a release date, plot, and title has been set for the fifth film in the “Die Hard” series that will play in theaters almost 25 years after the first film was released.

CHICAGO – The bright star named Bruno, Bruce Willis himself, was recently in Chicago at a benefit event for the Foundation for Retinal Research. In his role as Global Brand Ambassador for Sobeski Vodka, Willis offered a toast for the foundation, in the same week as his cameo appearance in “The Expendables.”

CHICAGO – Actor, director and all-around Hollywood tough guy Robert Davi greets the HollywoodChicago.com camera at the premiere of his film “The Dukes” on Oct. 22, 2008 as part of the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival.