15. Another Rumble
Meanwhile, John has other things on his mind, as a vengeful Karl finally takes him on. Just as everything else is being slowly brought to the boil, so too are the fight scenes. Echoing Johns encounter with Tony (Karls brother), its a case of well-trained soldier vs. street brawler. You really feel the blows as they lay into each other and crash around. And then, almost unthinkably, Karl gets a shot off and takes a chunk out of Johns shoulder. Fragile already, you just dont expect a hero to take this much punishment. But he somehow prevails, drawing on the bravery and guts, and more than a little anger, to eventually string Karl up by his neck. Its a superb sequence, filmed at a distance that allows you to see and feel every kick, punch and gouge.
14. And, Yes, The FBI Guys Are Useless Too
Completing our useless authority figures, we have Agent Johnson and Special Agent Johnson. Of all the characters in the film, these perhaps border on the most formulaic but theyre just so funny that you can forgive that and enjoy their limited screen time. Robert Davi (later to be a pretty good Bond villain) in particular chews up the scenery, delivering stock macho lines, thinking they have the upper hand at all times, and generally doing stuff that plays right into Hanss hands (try saying that a few times). Its Die Hards final point that, against smart terrorists, the by the book authorities get nowhere, other than in the way. And as a result, we know whats coming. Finally taking to the skies in trademark helicopters, doing their best to wipe out John, they get their fiery comeuppance as Hans literally takes the roof off.
13. Classic Dialogue #9
And as the FBI helicopter, along with its occupants, rains down in thousands of pieces, a brilliantly delivered line swings us from the horror of the deaths, to the black humour that runs through the film
Dwayne T. Robinson: "We're gonna need some more FBI guys, I guess." I know its coming, but every time it makes me laugh. As I mentioned earlier, I could have put dozens more quotes from the film here, but I only had 50 things to talk about, so only my faves got in.
12. The Roof Jump
It doesnt come much bigger or more spectacular than this. John being chased by an armed chopper, a roof about to blow, he does the only thing he can do - improvise. Okay, its ludicrous when you think about it, but its a scene about a guy backed into a corner trying to save his own life. Its an awesome sequence, the build up, the slo-mo jump, the stunt work, the roof erupting, his bloodied feet staining the glass, and because it looks so real its genuine heart-in-the-mouth stuff. And the lovely little coda, John seemingly saved and then dragged to the edge of the building by the very thing that has saved him - the fire hose - is a great twist.
11. Argyles Fender Bender
Hes a figure of fun for most of the film, but limo driver Argyle even gets in on the act to help save the day. Once again, its about the little man taking on the bad guy and theres a real sense of delight, heralded by a perky little theme on the soundtrack, as he smashes head on into the getaway vehicle. The piece-de-resistance, his gleeful hop out of the car to fell Theo with one punch - something weve all been wanting to do since we saw him. Argyles mini-rebellion, complete with grin, gives us a little bit of hope.