Theo's affect is surely is the inspiration for Don Cheadle's Basher Tarr in Ocean's Eleven (2001), right? Some really juicy 1980s cinematography here — in fact, LA in the 1980s is surely the best combination of "city" and "decade" to appear on-screen, and the few bravado examples of lens breathing were superb.
McClane’s unassuming physique and barefoot state leave him much to overcome, as does the femininity that this state implies. [Toes] or feet are often a metonym for femininity (rarely are there women with foot fetishes in film); nonetheless, minutes later, McClane is barefoot in Holly’s office curling his toes. Clenching them into fists acknowledges that McClane resists stereotypical, absolutist tough-guy ideals—that his feminine side is indulged in this private [act]—and also twists that femininity into something symbolically male: fists.
— Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)
Synopsis: High above the city of L.A. a team of terrorists has seized a building, taken hostages, and declared war. One man has manages to escape... An off-duty cop hiding somewhere inside. He's alone, tired... and the only chance anyone has got.