While attempting to gain access to the Nakatomi buildings vault, Theo says itll take a miracle to crack the final lock, to which Hans replies: Its Christmas, Theo. Its the time for miracles so be of good cheer. If you think about it, there are no shortage of miracles in the movie. I mean, could John McClane really clear airport security while wearing a shoulder holster and carrying a stuffed bear? Howd he even get on a commercial flight in the first place? Somehow able to take over a skyscraper in a matter of minutes, the bad guys also improvise a miraculous escape. When we see their truck early on in the movie, its empty, but near the end Theo is able to back an ambulance out of it. Then theres the most miraculous scene of all Karls resurrection. Being strung up by your neck is a pretty difficult fate to walk away from, and we know he wasnt faking because theres a later shot of his body hanging from the chain, limp and lifeless. The time for miracles, indeed.
Ian Watson is the author of 'Midnight Movie Madness', a 600+ page guide to "bad" movies from 'Reefer Madness' to 'Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead.'
