--- title: "Live Free or Die Hard" year: 2007 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/live-free-or-die-hard" fi1m_score: 65 critics_score: 68 critics_reviews: 21 published: "2026-09-19T15:34:41.339565+00:00" updated: "2026-09-19T15:34:55.830141+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Live Free or Die Hard (2007) Directed by Len Wiseman · 2h 08m · MPA PG-13 · Action, Thriller **Fi1m score: 65** · Critics 68 from 21 reviews *In a sentence:* McClane drives a car into a helicopter and then apologises for the language he no longer uses > John McClane returns after twelve years, older and quieter, to save the whole eastern seaboard rather than one building. Len Wiseman stages two or three set pieces with real skill and Willis is still good company, but the scale swallows the man. ## Synopsis It is the Fourth of July weekend. Detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) of the New York police, divorced and estranged from his daughter Lucy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), who is at college and using her mother’s surname, is sent to Camden, New Jersey, to collect a hacker called Matt Farrell (Justin Long) and drive him to the FBI in Washington. Someone else wants Farrell too, and arrives at his flat with guns. On the road south the traffic lights fail, then the stock market, then the television, and a man called Thomas Gabriel (Timothy Olyphant) tells the country from every screen that it is being switched off. At the FBI’s cyber division, Deputy Director Miguel Bowman (Cliff Curtis) tries to keep up. McClane has a car, a borrowed gun and a passenger who will not stop talking. ## Review Twelve years after *Die Hard with a Vengeance*, John McClane is back, and this time the enemy works from a keyboard. Thomas Gabriel (Timothy Olyphant) switches off America one system at a time, traffic first, then money, then power, and the only person in his way is a New York cop who has never heard of a firewall. That is the joke of Mark Bomback’s screenplay and it is a decent one. Len Wiseman, who came to this from the *Underworld* films, treats it as licence to go as large as the money allows. Released in Britain as *Die Hard 4.0* on 20 June 2007, at 128 minutes and a 15 certificate, it is a good action film and a middling [*Die Hard*](https://film.one/film/die-hard). The stunts are the reason to see it, and for an hour they are terrific. Cyril Raffaelli, as the henchman Rand, runs up walls and along ledges and through plate glass, and Wiseman keeps the camera far enough back that we can see a man is doing it. Maggie Q’s Mai Linh fights McClane through an office, down a lift shaft and into a car hanging by its cables, and Nicolas De Toth cuts it fast without losing us. Then McClane, out of bullets, sends a police car up a toll-booth ramp into a hovering helicopter. We laughed out loud and did not care for a second that it was impossible, because Wiseman had shown us the car, the ramp and the helicopter in one shot before he put them together. Willis’s explanation afterwards is the best line in the film. Willis is heavier, quieter and balder than he was, and he plays McClane as a man who is tired of this before it starts. It suits him. He barely raises his voice; the wisecracks come out sideways, half to himself, and the film is at its best when he is grumbling at Justin Long in a moving car. Long plays Matt Farrell as a boy who has never been hit, and the old formula, the cop and the civilian who cannot shut up, works well enough that we wanted the film to stay in the car. Olyphant is cool, clipped and slightly bored, which is a fair choice for a villain who does everything by remote, but it leaves the film without anyone to be frightened of. Cliff Curtis, as Deputy Director Miguel Bowman, spends the film in a glass room being told things too late. The trouble is scale. The first *Die Hard* was one man, one building, one night, and every floor mattered. Here the field is the whole eastern seaboard, the villain is in a lorry somewhere, and McClane spends the second half driving from one place to the next. After the ninety-minute mark a set piece pits an articulated lorry against a fighter jet, and we stopped believing a man had lived through it and started watching politely, the way you watch a cartoon. Patrick Tatopoulos’s sets, the glass FBI operations room, a power station of catwalks and blue light, are handsome and interchangeable. Simon Duggan shoots everything in steel grey and cold blue, so that Washington, New Jersey and a Virginia wood look like the same car advertisement. Marco Beltrami’s score is loud, capable and forgettable; it drives the chases and never gives us a tune to take home. And the film has been scrubbed. McClane swears perhaps twice in two hours, and his most famous line is cut off by a gunshot, which is either a joke or a flinch, and either way somebody decided the audience could not be trusted with the word. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, as Lucy McClane, has her father’s temper and about eight lines to show it. Kevin Smith turns up in a basement as a hacker called Warlock and gets more screen time than the joke can carry. See it for Raffaelli on the walls, Maggie Q in the lift shaft, the helicopter, and for Willis, who is still good company when he is allowed to be a man rather than an effect. Watch it at home, where the volume is yours and the jet looks less silly. Bring someone who loved the original; they will enjoy the first hour and spend the second explaining why it is not the same. *Fi1m score 65, published 19 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics come away entertained. Thirteen of the twenty-one reviews are positive, and the praise gathers around two things: the stunt work, with several reviewers noting how much of the vehicular carnage and free-running is done physically rather than in a computer, and Bruce Willis, who most agree is still credible as an older, quieter McClane. Justin Long’s hacker sidekick is repeatedly singled out as a good foil, and Timothy Olyphant’s villain gets a few approving mentions. The reservations cluster around scale and tone. Several critics feel McClane has been pushed into superhero territory, losing the everyman appeal of the earlier films, and that the sprawling plot, heavier effects and softer rating blunt the edge. Time Out and Slant both detect a reactionary streak beneath the fun. The spread is wide: three reviews are outright negative, with Digital Spy finding it tedious and derivative and Total Film calling it a teen-friendly dilution, and the harshest verdicts come mostly from British outlets. ### Reviews we read (21) - **Empire**, Angie Errigo (90/100, inferred): The film honours the Die Hard formula with fresh cyber-terrorism elements and delivers fantastic stunts and vehicular mayhem. Willis remains an unflappably indestructible everyman hero whose wisecracking resilience makes the preposterously fun popcorn movie entertaining. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/die-hard-40-review/) - **The Hollywood Reporter** (90/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a nonstop action spectacle that succeeds as a summer hit through its impressive practical stunts and Willis-Long chemistry. They single out the stunt work as among the best committed to film. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/live-free-die-hard-157978/) - **RogerEbert.com**, Richard Corliss (85/100, inferred): The critic hails the film as a throwback to great American action movies, praising its inventive car stunts and physical action sequences achieved with practical skill rather than heavy CGI. Willis is celebrated as the last true action hero, with the film delivering muscular, old-fashioned entertainment despite its PG-13 rating. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/live-free-or-die-hard) - **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (80/100, inferred): The critic calls it a slick and efficient piece of action entertainment that overcomes plausibility issues and length thanks to energetic stunts and a solid premise involving cyber-terror. Willis's performance and the supporting cast, along with Wiseman's pacing, are highlighted positively. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jun-27-et-diehard27-story.html) - **Radio Times**, Jamie Russell (4/5): Willis returns to form as McClane and forms an engaging odd-couple partnership with Justin Long's hacker amid explosive, over-the-top set pieces. It knowingly channels 1980s action nostalgia while remaining entertaining and polished. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-f1bw0s/die-hard-40/) - **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis (75/100, inferred): The review finds the film a satisfying, nerve-jangling action spectacle with Willis still effective as the battered hero, even if older and less foul-mouthed. It singles out the stunt work, including parkour sequences, and director Wiseman's handling of the mayhem for praise. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/27/movies/27hard.html) - **Evening Standard** (70/100, inferred): The fourth Die Hard is not clever but big, brutal and exciting, smartly updating the franchise to a post-9/11 world with an older, grimmer McClane. Wiseman keeps the pace flag flying through brio-filled set pieces including car crashes, lift-shaft fights and a truck-versus-jet duel. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/die-hard-with-a-bus-pass-7396352.html) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the film pure action silliness that is often enjoyable, with tremendous free-running stunts early on and a Zen-like quality to some of the mayhem. Willis is entitled to one more kick-ass outing but it should be the last. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/jun/29/brucewillis.actionandadventure) - **Sight and Sound**, Kim Newman (65/100, inferred): The film is mostly entertaining but feels rote and overlong, with Wiseman directing efficiently yet without flair. It updates the franchise formula with a generational angle but loses the tight focus and energy of earlier entries. [Read](http://old.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/review/3951) - **The AV Club**, Scott Tobias (C+): The review sees the film pushing McClane into superhero territory with ludicrous stunts, resulting in a swift but ridiculous thrill ride. It praises the cheerful ridiculousness reminiscent of Luc Besson films but notes the loss of the original everyman appeal. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/live-free-or-die-hard-1798202937) - **Screen Daily** (60/100, inferred): The film offers nostalgic thrills for fans of the series but feels overblown and less focused than earlier entries due to its sprawling plot and heavy reliance on effects. Wiseman stages the action reasonably well, and Willis remains a solid lead. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/die-hard-40-live-free-or-die-hard/4033324.article) - **Slant Magazine**, Nick Schager (60/100, inferred): The critic describes the film as an empty-headed but exuberantly rambunctious blockbuster that indulges in over-the-top action with tongue-in-cheek flair, though it veers into conservative and misogynistic territory. They highlight the director's skill in staging elaborate set pieces despite visual shortcomings. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/live-free-or-die-hard/) - **Time Out**, Ben Walters (3/5): The film exploits cyber-terror fears but falls back on an old-fashioned lone-hero solution and indulges reactionary spite alongside sappy sentimentality. Wiseman stages set-pieces with flair and tension, though the expanded scope dilutes the intensity. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/die-hard-4-0) - **Total Film** (30/100, inferred): The film is a mushy, teen-friendly dilution of the action formula with a dopey story, so-so script and mostly ordinary action that feels processed and harmless rather than thrilling. Willis's rugged sparkle is the main redeeming quality that makes it watchable. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/die-hard-4-0-review/) - **Eye for Film**, Merlin Harries (85/100, inferred): The critic praises the visually stunning and frenetic action sequences updated for the modern era, along with Willis's convincing return as McClane and strong supporting turns from Long and Olyphant. It stands out as leaps and bounds above other summer blockbusters. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/die-hard-40-film-review-by-merlin-harries) - **Den of Geek**, Matt Edwards (80/100, inferred): The film delivers as a solid, entertaining action sequel that fans will enjoy for its over-the-top set pieces and Bruce Willis's performance. It succeeds by embracing the franchise's formula of escalating absurdity while keeping the core appeal intact. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/die-hard-40-review/) - **/Film**, Peter Sciretta (7.5/10): The critic calls it a great popcorn action flick with Willis delivering strong one-liners and Long proving a perfect sidekick. The non-stop action is ridiculous but fun, though secondary characters feel lifeless. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/496520/movie-review-live-free-or-die-hard/) - **Paste**, Tim Basham (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the long-delayed sequel a surprisingly inventive and entertaining entry thanks to Willis's script selection. It earns a spot on the summer must-see list for its strong performances, especially Justin Long and Timothy Olyphant, and big action effects, despite being far-fetched. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/bruce-willis/live-free-or-die-hard) - **HeyUGuys**, Dave Roper (3.5/5): The critic finds the film curious and more formulaic than predecessors, with clever anachronism themes and well-helmed early action but far-fetched later set pieces and a tonal shift toward action comedy that lacks the franchise's earlier edge. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/die-hard-quadrilogy-blu-ray-review/) - **The Skinny**, Paul Greenwood (2/5): It is a pretty decent action film with satisfying traditional fisticuffs and gunplay from Willis, but it is not a great Die Hard movie due to overly silly set pieces, CGI excess, and some tonal issues. The trimmed rating and editing compromises hurt its edge. [Read](https://www.theskinny.co.uk/film/new-releases/die-hard-4-0) - **Digital Spy** (20/100, inferred): The movie is a woeful, uninspired mess that fails to recapture the spark of previous entries, with derivative stunts, weak quips, and a lack of tension or creativity. Only one standout set piece offers any relief in an otherwise tedious experience. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a64017/die-hard-40/) ## Details - **Director:** Len Wiseman - **Director:** Len Wiseman - **Screenplay:** Mark Bomback - **Story:** David Marconi, Mark Bomback - **Cinematography:** Simon Duggan - **Editor:** Nicolas De Toth - **Music:** Marco Beltrami - **Production design:** Patrick Tatopoulos - **Producer:** Michael Fottrell - **Cast:** Bruce Willis as John McClane; Timothy Olyphant as Thomas Gabriel; Justin Long as Matt Farrell; Cliff Curtis as Deputy Director Miguel Bowman; Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Lucy McClane; Jonathan Sadowski as Trey; Maggie Q as Mai Linh; Andrew Friedman as Casper - **Runtime:** 2h 08m - **Certificate (MPA):** PG-13 - **Release (the US):** 27 June 2007 - **Genres:** Action, Thriller - **Budget:** $110 million - **Box office:** $384 million ## Where to watch in the US - Apple TV: rent $3.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $7.99, uhd - Apple TV: buy $14.99, hd *Checked 2026-09-19.* Also available in: AE, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Die Hard* (1988), Fi1m 89: One building, one night, one man in a vest; still the template. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/die-hard.md) - *Speed* (1994), Fi1m 86: A bus, a bomb and Keanu Reeves; the lean physical panic this film loses on the motorway. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/speed.md) - *District 13* (2004): French parkour thriller with Raffaelli in it, made for pocket money and twice as quick. - *Sneakers* (1992): Hackers as a gentle heist crew; the computer plot here, said quietly and better. - *The Raid* (2011), Fi1m 83: Indonesian tower-block siege that does with fists what Wiseman does with lorries. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-raid.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/live-free-or-die-hard