Die Hard (film series) memorable." James Berardinelli wrote that the film "represents the class of modern action pictures and the standard by which they must be judged." Critic Desson Howe wrote that "Willis has found the perfect vehicle to careen wildly onto the crowded L.A. freeway of "Lethal Weapons" and "Beverly Hills Cops"." Willis was also called "perfect as the wisecracking John McClane" and "an excellent casting choice as a sardonic action hero." Alan Rickman's portrayal of villain Hans Gruber was described as "marvelous" and "a career-making performance." Gruber also ranked 46 on the villain side of AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes and Villains. In
Live Free or Die Hard an M rating. The film notably was never released in home media with its theatrical cut, and has only been released in Australia as the extended edition. "Live Free or Die Hard" debuted at #2 behind "Evan Almighty", at the U.S. box office and made $9.1 million in its first day of release in 3,172 theaters, the best opening day take of any film in the "Die Hard" series (not taking inflation into account). On its opening weekend "Live Free or Die Hard" made $33.3 million ($48.3 million counting Wednesday and Thursday). The film made $134.5 million domestically, and $249.0