52 in 25: #50 - 58 Minutes

I followed up the book that “inspired” Die Hard with its sequel.  No, not the books’ sequel, but the novel that “inspired” Die Hard 2.  This was 58 Minutes by Walter Wager.

This is a very, very loose interpretation of “inspired” (or as the cover says: “basis”).  About the only thing that this novel and the movie have in common is that terrorists takeover an airport.  In this, case, it is JFK Airport in New York, along with the others in the area.  They demand the release of seven political prisoners.  On the case is airport officials, the FAA, and the NYPD chief terrorist captain, Frank Malone, who just happens to be there because his daughter is flying in.  The plane she is on will run out of fuel in 58 minutes, hence the title.

It's fine, as these thrillers go.  It’s not necessarily a “page turner” but it’s not boring.  There are quite a few conveniences to make the plot happen.  One of my biggest pet peeves is that, at the end of the story, Malone is convinced that there was an inside person who helped it all happen, he and the others say they need to figure out who it is, and then they all live happily ever after.  Did the author not know who it was?  You can’t just leave that important piece dangling.  Maybe the author was an early influence on J.J. Abrams?

52 in 25: #49 - Nothing Lasts Forever

Next was a book I have been wanting to read for a while.  I finally got it early this year, but was waiting to read it until December.  The book is titled Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp, published in 1979.  Doesn’t sound familiar?  It does when you realize it was the “basis” for one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time.

This novel is told from the perspective of a retired police officer named Joseph Leland, and is the sequel to a novel called The Detective, which was made into a movie starring Frank Sinatra in 1968.  Leland flies to LA on Christmas Eve to be with his daughter Stephanie Gennaro and her children.  He meets up with her at her companies Christmas party, taking place in their 40-story skyscraper.  During the party, terrorist led by Anton Gruber take the building hostage in an attempt to steal $6 million dollars that the company, Klaxon, received in a deal with the corrupt government of Chile.  Leland then takes part in a one-man war to stop the terrorists and save his daughter.

 

Sound familiar?  Of course, this was the basis for Die Hard.  This is one case where the movie is significantly better than the source material.  The book isn’t bad.  It can be hard to follow at times.  There’s certainly some conveniences.  I didn’t really like the main character.  Or any of the characters.  In that way, it’s very 70s.  I guess in the end I would say, stick with the movie unless you really want to hunt down a decent action novel.

Goodbye Mr. Rickman

Alan Rickman was one of my favorite actors.  Yes he became famous as a villain, one of the greatest in cinema history, but he had quite a bit more range than that.  Yet somehow he was never recognized by the Academy, never even earning a nomination!

I was saddened to hear of his passing.  My dream job for him had always been to be a James Bond villain.  Of course he would have stolen the show, but who cares?  He will be missed.

In honor of this great actor, I wanted to highlight what I would argue are his best performances.  There are still some I have not seen (Truly Madly Deeply, Rasputin) and some I have not seen in a long time (Michael Collins, Quigley Down Under), so they will not be found here.

10.  Blue Caterpillar, Alice in Wonderland

            A fairly minor role, but he still gets to show off his magnificent voice.

9.  Richis, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

            Again a relatively small role in a movie that's sadly not well known in the United States.  If you like slightly disturbing European cinema, you need to see this.

8.  Judge Turpin, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

            Can he sing well?  Not really.  But he still chews up the scenes like few other actors can.

7.  Metatron, Dogma

            Can you think of anyone else who would be better as the Voice of God?

6.  Harry, Love Actually

            In a movie full of engaging stories, his is perhaps the most compelling and tragic.  He and Emma Thompson are an incomparable pair.

5.  Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

            A slight guilty pleasure of mine, he is by far the best part of this movie nearly taking it over.  "I'm gonna cut your heart out with a...spoon!"

4.  Alexander Dane, Galaxy Quest

            In a fantastic movie with a nearly perfect cast, Rickman stands out as the worn out thespian.  Plus, he gets one of the greatest catch phrases ever.  "By Grabthar's Hammer, you shall be avenged!"

3.  Severus Snape, Harry Potter series

            Again, a movie series with nearly perfect casting, his is one of the most perfect standouts (second probably only to Kenneth Branagh in a role practically written for him).  I cannot read these books without thinking about Rickman.  The fact that this is third shows the strength of his resume.

2.  Hans Gruber, Die Hard

            Wait, this is second?  The role that made him famous?  Probably the second best villain in film history (to Darth Vader, naturally).  As much as I love him in this, there is another role that is more him, at least to me.

1.  Colonel Brandon, Sense and Sensibility

            To some people, I'm crazy for thinking this. For others, I'm right on.  I remember watching this movie for the first time in AP English IV and being completely wrapped up in the story, but especially his character.  I was Colonel Brandon.  He blew me away.  When thinking of Alan Rickman I may think of other characters first, but this will always be his best.