McGee's Movie Moments: It might be time to retire
John McClane is a God among
men — there is no denying that fact.
He's saved an entire office building
from bad guys, saved some
schoolchildren in New York City
and saved the world from hackerinduced
anarchy. But there is
another fact about John McClane
that is undeniably true: he is old.
Bruce Willis, the man who has brought to life the seemingly immortal John McClane for the past 24 years, is getting up there in age. He is, in fact, close to 60 years old. So too is the character he plays. At some point, Mr. Willis went from being a young man in his prime to a middle-aged man who was still in incredible shape to an older gentleman. It has happened to all other action stars that came before him and it is certain to happen to all those who come after. Don't get me wrong, I realize that Bruce is still in fantastic shape, but I just feel like it's time for him to ask himself, should I consider retirement?
Take a look at other actors of his generation. One of two things happen to them: they either quietly remove themselves from the action-hero spotlight, à la Jackie Chan, or they keep plugging along and become parodies of themselves, à la Sylvester Stallone and Steven Segal. One of these options seems to be a lot more appealing than the other.
When movies like The Expendables come out, sure, they're a lot of fun to watch, but they're also making fun of themselves in the most basic way. Action stars seem to know when they are getting too old to get the job done. They seem to have a sixth sense about them that says “make one last good movie then just slip away... maybe do some dramatic work for a while.”
The release of the newest Die Hard flick has got me thinking that maybe it's time Bruce Willis had this conversation with himself. Don't misunderstand me here — I love Bruce Willis! And that's exactly why I want him to realize when it's his time to retire. I love Bruce so much that I want him to remain glorious, and not turn into an aged action star who is in such bad physical health he can no longer do his own stunts or even some of his own voice work. Yes, I'm looking at you, Segal. I don't want Bruce Willis to become a joke like Stallone or Jean-Claude Van Damme.
So, to Bruce Willis, and all those who stand beside him as the great action stars of his generation, I say to you, please think about retiring before you get worn out, used up and nobody loves you anymore.
Though, I have to hand it to the filmmakers and Mr. Willis just one last time... the new Die Hard was pretty badass!
Bruce Willis, the man who has brought to life the seemingly immortal John McClane for the past 24 years, is getting up there in age. He is, in fact, close to 60 years old. So too is the character he plays. At some point, Mr. Willis went from being a young man in his prime to a middle-aged man who was still in incredible shape to an older gentleman. It has happened to all other action stars that came before him and it is certain to happen to all those who come after. Don't get me wrong, I realize that Bruce is still in fantastic shape, but I just feel like it's time for him to ask himself, should I consider retirement?
Take a look at other actors of his generation. One of two things happen to them: they either quietly remove themselves from the action-hero spotlight, à la Jackie Chan, or they keep plugging along and become parodies of themselves, à la Sylvester Stallone and Steven Segal. One of these options seems to be a lot more appealing than the other.
When movies like The Expendables come out, sure, they're a lot of fun to watch, but they're also making fun of themselves in the most basic way. Action stars seem to know when they are getting too old to get the job done. They seem to have a sixth sense about them that says “make one last good movie then just slip away... maybe do some dramatic work for a while.”
The release of the newest Die Hard flick has got me thinking that maybe it's time Bruce Willis had this conversation with himself. Don't misunderstand me here — I love Bruce Willis! And that's exactly why I want him to realize when it's his time to retire. I love Bruce so much that I want him to remain glorious, and not turn into an aged action star who is in such bad physical health he can no longer do his own stunts or even some of his own voice work. Yes, I'm looking at you, Segal. I don't want Bruce Willis to become a joke like Stallone or Jean-Claude Van Damme.
So, to Bruce Willis, and all those who stand beside him as the great action stars of his generation, I say to you, please think about retiring before you get worn out, used up and nobody loves you anymore.
Though, I have to hand it to the filmmakers and Mr. Willis just one last time... the new Die Hard was pretty badass!
