It's DIE HARD on a battleship!
Phil and Liam take a deep dive into choppy waters as they analyze UNDER SIEGE (1992), one of the earliest (and best) action films to directly replicate the classic DIE HARD formula. In this instance, Steven Seagal stars as Casey Ryback, a former Navy SEAL turned ship’s cook, who springs into action when the USS Missouri is seized by traitorous terrorists looking to hijack its nuclear arsenal…and mayhem swiftly ensues! First off, the boys place this movie in its wider cultural context, noting how this big budget picture marked a departure from the grimy urban thrillers that had been Seagal’s stock and trade up to this point. Much of the credit for the film’s success must go to director Andrew Davis, who had collaborated with Tommy Lee Jones on his previous film THE PACKAGE (1989) and would do so again on THE FUGITIVE (1993), the movie that helped propel Jones from a respected supporting actor into a global movie star.
Given the film’s premise, there’s ‘Die Hard DNA’ all over the place, although the boys also discuss the fact that Ryback’s elite military background distinguishes him from ‘the everyman’ John McClane, in yet another notable variation of the ever-evolving action hero archetype. There’s also plenty of enthusiasm here for the extraordinary performances of Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Busey as charismatic villains Strannix and Krill, and another chance to play Phil’s favorite game: ‘Who’s Your Favorite Terrorist?’ Praise is also reserved for the subversive, satirical performance of Erika Eleniak as Playboy playmate Jordan Tate, who elevates a sexist, thankless role with her sly comedic choices. As always, the ‘Die Hard Oscars’ provide plenty of entertainment value, along with (Liam’s least favorite game) the ‘Double Jeopardy’ trivia quiz, which features a real DIE HARD doozy this week!
UNDER SIEGE TRAILER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcpyOMIUdYQ
At the time of release, UNDER SIEGE is streaming on Netflix in the UK and is available to rent or buy in the US through Amazon Prime Video, Apple/iTunes, YouTube, RedBox, Vudu, DirectTV and all the usual platforms.
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