Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'A Good Day To Die Hard' & '56 Up'

(KCBS) – KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews "A Good Day to Die Hard", starring Bruce Willis, the latest installment in the long-running series which features protagonist John McClane looking for his son in Russia. Also reviewed: "56 Up", the latest in an ongoing documentary series from director Michael Apted that has followed a group of individuals from Brita.

KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:

____________________________________________________

A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (R)

This movie is a reminder that the first film in a series, in this case Die Hard, is usually the best. But, there is always reason to hope since Bruce Willis surprises us with good character acting, recently Moonrise Kingdom.

Action movies can be great, from The Fugitive to Argo and Zero Dark Thirty. Action can also be fun - think Stand Up Guys. But, A Good Day To Die Hard misses on all fronts. The screenplay is badly written, the casting - aside from Willis - is dull, plus the car crashes and stunts are unbelievable. The only good thing about this is that it is not long.

One hat, and wait for DVD

____________________________________________________

56 UP (NOT RATED)

This unusual, ongoing documentary begins in 1964. Director Michael Apted interviewed children from diverse British backgrounds, asking them about their dreams and lives. A new movie allows viewers to revisit them every few years. Now, the subjects are in their fifties.

Apted knows how to tell a story - giving us disappointment, joy, and surprise in a way we relate to in our own lives. This director has given us feature films like Coal Miner's Daughter and Gorillas in the Mist.

Three hats.

____________________________________________________

Movies To See Right Now: Quartet, Stand Up Guys, Les Miserables, Silver Linings Playbook, Lincoln & Argo

Home Viewing/DVD: Skyfall, Best In Show (restored), On the Waterfront (restored)

You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)