“Die Hard in a school….”: Toy Soldiers (1991)

The Die Hard franchise is at the top of the tree for action movies. Everyone is familiar with Bruce Willis’ John McClane; his trademark white vest, the catchphrases and rogue’s gallery of Shakespearean terrorists. Though without a doubt the best film in the series (and one of the greatest Christmas films too!), is the 1989 classic Die Hard.

The fact that this film marks the entry point to the franchise isn’t what makes it the greatest – but its pure simplicity. Terrorists take over a high-rise forcing everyone inside to become their hostages- there is no escape. Our only hope for salvation is an average cop, who motivated by the capture of his wife, must become a stealthy one man army to save the day.

This powerful yet basic formula of good vs evil within the confines of a building can also be found in these other acclaimed films: Home Alone (1990), Dredd (2012), The Raid (2011) and our talking point for today; Toy Soldiers (1991).

The plot is pretty straightforward- a Colombian terrorist takes an American prep school hostage as a means of gaining his drug lord father’s freedom. Luis Cali, the short-tempered ring leader, threatens to blow up the building if his demands are not met. It is up to fearless class clown, Billy Tepper (played by Sean Astin), to outwit the terrorists and destroy their plan.

Without giving any spoilers away- what makes this such a great film is both the tension and stakes. Toy Soldiers is ahead of its time in its unpredictability. The no holds barred approach to the storytelling is kind of reminiscent of Game of Thrones, you are always surprised where the action takes you.

Sean Astin, 10 years prior to his hobbit days, makes for a convincing action hero. The elected leader of his group of friends, he is both brave and flawed. A character who takes great risks but is also strangely relatable.

The only thing left to say is…give it a go! It’s definitely one of the best 90s films you’ve never heard of (plus it includes a good dose of Will Wheaton). Also if you’re looking to create a double feature for your night in, give Sneakers released the following year a watch. It’s a comedy heist movie that combines the talents of Redford, Aykroyd, Poitier and Kingsley.

Happy watching and keep an eye out for more film reviews.