bruce willis

'Die Hard' — proof that Bruce Willis once had hair"Die Hard" was released in U.S. theaters 20 years ago today, simultaneously reinventing the action genre and launching Bruce Willis' film career.

Yippee-ki-yay, indeed.

The basic formula of "Die Hard" became the template for countless inferior copycats, and a handful of cool knockoffs. "Speed," starring Keanu Reeves, was billed as "Die Hard" on a bus and it rocked. "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," billed as "Die Hard" in a chocolate factory, was not so good. Kidding.

By now, you've probably heard the Writers Guild of America strike (in effect since Nov. 5) is holding up production of several movies and TV series, killing some projects altogether.

Bruce Willis in 'Die Hard'“Die Hard” (1988)

MPAA Rating: R
Directed by: John McTiernen
Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson and Robert Davi

The Gist: John McClane is easy to like — but hard to kill.

In the U.S. we call it "Live Free or Die Hard."

“12 Monkeys” (1995)

MPAA Rating: R

Directed by: Terry Gilliam

Starring: Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, Christopher Plummer, David Morse