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
Die Hard 2 a wide release in 2,507 theaters, making $21.7 million on its opening weekend. "Die Hard 2" has domestically made $117.5 million and $239.5 million worldwide making it one of the most profitable Christmas films, almost doubling that of "Die Hard". On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 68% based on 63 reviews, with an average rating of 6.2/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "It lacks the fresh thrills of its predecessor, but "Die Hard 2" still works as an over-the-top – and reasonably taut – big-budget sequel, with plenty of set pieces to paper over the plot