Seen on: January 3, 2008

Edition: 2-Disc Unrated Collector's Edition

The players: Director: Len Wiseman, Writer: Mark Bomback, Cast: Bruce Willis, Timothy Olyphant, Maggie Q, Jeffrey Wright, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Facts of interest: "Live Free or Die Hard" is the only "Die Hard" film with a PG-13 rating.

The plot: This time, John McClane (Bruce Willis) hunts down a group of ruthless criminals threatening to crush the U.S. eceonmy and virtually shut down the country via high-tech computers.

Our quick thoughts: This latest installment in the series might not beat its predecessors, but Bruce Willis proves he's still got the moves to take on bad guys and save the world. Directed with skill by Len Wiseman, the movie offers two hours of fully-loaded action that takes implausibilty to a whole new level. Willis delivers a bunch of cynical lines and supplies his viewers with some good laughs, while simultaneously eliminating everybody who dares to step in his way. Most of the horde of stunts and action sequences look sharp and work well, but the film's only major weakness is a disappointing performance by Timothy Olyphant as the villain. He just never fully convinced me. The special features section on the DVD includes two behind-the-scenes look, a director's commentary and a music video.

Freaky quote: "Mai? Asian chick, likes to kick people? Yeah, last time I saw her she was at the bottom of an elevator shaft with an SUV rammed up her ass. " - Bruce Willis

The final word: "Live Free or Die Hard" may not be the best action movie of the year, but it delivers enjoyable entertainment, serving as a wonderful evening diversion with friends. It's good to have Willis back kicking solid butt.