Mario’s Musings (Christmas Edition): Die Hard
It’s the holiday season, so let’s look at some great Christmas movies!
And since this is a column of semi-hot takes, let’s look at the one movie that causes a debate as to whether or not it’s even a Christmas movie: Die Hard.
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Yes, absolutely, it’s a Christmas movie, and let me tell you why.
The story of Die Hard is simple: Detective John McClane is traveling to Los Angeles to visit his wife and kids, who’ve moved out there after his wife secured a high level position in the Nakatomi Corporation. Unfortunately, while getting changed in his wife’s office bathroom, twelve terrorists have taken over the building, and it’s up to a half dressed John McClane to stop them. But how is this film a Christmas movie?
Let’s look at the evidence. First, the story takes place on Christmas Eve, at the Nakatomi Corporation’s Christmas party. Second, the entire soundtrack is filled with Christmas music: Christmas in Hollis by Run-DMC is the first song that’s played (“This IS Christmas music!”), while “Let It Snow” closes the movie out in the ending credits. The score throughout the movie samples that song as well as “Winter Wonderland”. Third, John McClane’s wife name is HOLLY (fa la la la la, la la la la). And last but not least, the entire point of the movie is about being with family during the holidays, and what’s more important than that?
It’s not Christmas Eve until you see Alan Rickman make this face.
So in closing, yes, this is a Christmas movie, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You don’t need those Grinches’ negativity in your life.