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Fact check: The Movie Cleaner is Like Diehard, but if it was made by people who hated you and wanted you to suffer through its entire runtime.

Checked on February 28, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The original statement's comparison to Die Hard is widely confirmed across multiple sources, though its harsh negative assessment is not universally shared. The movie is indeed acknowledged as being "heavily indebted to Die Hard" [1] and "amusingly transparent about ripping off Die Hard" [2], following a similar plot structure involving a protagonist trapped in a skyscraper during a hostile takeover.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements are missing from the original statement:

  • The film includes unique elements that differentiate it from Die Hard, such as:
  • The protagonist being a window cleaner with military training [1]
  • Eco-terrorist antagonists [3]
  • Multiple sources actually praise aspects of the film:
  • It's described as "a pretty good reminder of how fun it can be to watch someone with movie star charisma" [2]
  • The performances receive positive mentions [4]
  • Some critics argue it has "enough unique elements to stand on its own" [4]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement's extreme negative stance appears to be overly harsh when compared to the broader critical consensus. While some reviews do criticize the film for being:

  • Formulaic and predictable [5]
  • Struggling with cheesy dialogue [1]
  • Lacking originality [3]

The statement's suggestion that the film was made by people who "wanted you to suffer" appears to be hyperbolic, as even critical reviews acknowledge it as an intentional homage [4] rather than a malicious creation. The film appears to be more of a conscious attempt to recreate a successful formula, with varying degrees of success, rather than an intentionally poor product.

The extreme negative bias might stem from:

  • Fatigue with Die Hard-inspired action movies
  • Expectations of complete originality rather than accepting the film as an intentional homage
  • Focusing solely on the derivative aspects while ignoring the unique elements and entertainment value noted by multiple critics
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