It goes without saying that DIE HARD 2 is no DIE HARD, just as Renny Harlin is no John McTiernan: Harlin brings workmanlike skill, but not much style, and he replaces his predecessor’s cleverness with pure violence, resulting in action that’s almost shockingly bloody at times, though still effective and well choreographed. It’s unfair to expect the sheer greatness of the original, though, and despite its flaws and sometimes desperate attempts to relive the glory of the original, 2 is a solid action flick that I always love to revisit. And I’ll never forget the joy of seeing the teaser trailer for this in the theater; it made my teenage self almost explode with anticipation.