The old debate whether Die hard Is a Christmas movie or not will probably never be settled, but for those who do categorize Bruce Willis‘ 1988 action adventure as a holiday classic, they will need to accept that another of the actor’s movies also fits the description – and this is not Die Hard 2. Although Bruce Willis returned to direct others Die hard films, The legendary actor also starred in a sci-fi movie that deserves to be labeled as a Christmas film. Just like the first two Die hard Stories.
The movie in question is widely regarded as one of Bruce Willis’ best sci-fi movies. Despite arguably being known for more explosive franchises than these Die hard The series, Willis’ litany of action heroes are not the only characters that have allowed the actor to enjoy success. One of Willis’ sci-fi projects stands out for several reasonsAnd while the time of year it’s set in isn’t really one of its biggest selling points, it certainly informs a huge part of the story.
12 Monkeys wouldn’t make sense if the 1996 scenes weren’t set during the holidays
Bruce Willis’ James Cole is trying to save the world at Christmas in 12 Monkeys
Despite being set at Christmas time, Die hard Doesn’t particularly feel like a traditional festive adventure. One of the strongest arguments that it belongs to this category is the fact that the story unfolds during the holidays, with many fans suggesting that the movie would not have happened at all if it was not set at that particular moment. While this may be true, large parts of the timeline in the 1995s 12 monkeys The movie also takes place in December – and for an equally important reason.
The sequences set in 1996 in 12 monkeys Take place in December because that’s when the virus that forces humanity underground was first scattered.
The sequences set in 1996 in 12 monkeys Take place in December because that’s when the virus that forces humanity underground was first scattered. While the movie’s time travel rules prevent changes to past events, Bruce Willis’ James Cole is tasked with gathering information about the virus so that a cure can be developed in the future. Although the movie’s timeline also highlights other eras of human history, most of 12 monkeysHistory is obviously set in December 1996.
Because of the release date of the virus, there is no other point in the timeline that would work as the main focus of the story. Apocalyptic viruses aside, The narrative circumstances are very similar to those of Die hard. So, if the iconic action movie meets the holiday movie criteria for the Christmas-based reasons, then 12 monkeys You also need to be included in the same conversation.
12 Monkeys’ John McClane reference seemingly acknowledges the heavy Christmas connection
Die Hard 3 was also released in 1995
12 monkeys Can’t seem to resist a sly nod to his leading man’s biggest action franchise. During the movie, Cole is pulled back from 1990 and into 2035. For those in 1990, It appears that Willis’ character has disappeared from a locked room. A sarcastic theory from one of the doctors who arrived is that he escaped through the air ducts. For those who have never seen Die hardThis reference may slip through the cracks, but it is a clear attempt 12 monkeys To confirm it knows that there are similarities between the two Christmas-esque movies.
“Then you’re trying to tell me that a fully sedated, fully restrained patient somehow slipped the vent, replaced the grill behind him, and is wriggling his way through the ventilation system?”
The joke about James Cole replicating John McClane’s passing method couldn’t have come at a better time. 12 monkeys was released in late 1995. earlier that same year, Die Hard 3 Also premiere. Although the second sequel did not share the same holiday setting as its predecessors, it still seems a little too continental that 12 monkeys Would confirm these Die hard franchise in such a blatant way, and so soon after the release of the third movie.
The premiere date of 12 Monkeys is much closer to the holidays than the hard
The hard was released in the summer
A huge part of what gives a holiday movie its authentic feel and a certain level of magic is what time of year it’s first released. Much of the world turns over December to celebrate the festival, so watching a movie that suits the aesthetic can compound the Christmas cheer. Because of this, Die hard‘s release date puts a sizable tick in the column arguing against its Christmas movie status. Arriving at the height of summer in July 1988, it’s hard to believe the movie’s marketing team wanted it to be seen as a festive story.
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12 monkeysThe release date was much more appropriate for two reasons. With a release date of December 29, 1995, those watching at the time would have taken in a fictional, unstoppable, world-ending event that would take place one year in the future. Plus, the premiere was much better with when most of the movie was set. Sure, most of the festivities have passed by the time of December 29, but this Bruce Willis Movie does a much better job of matching its setting to its release date than Die hard did.