Final answer:
The action film genre began to crystallize into its modern form with films like 1988's Die Hard, although the history of film itself dates back to late 19th-century inventions like the Kinetoscope. Nowadays, action films utilize advanced special effects, as exemplified by the evolution from the original to the rebooted Star Trek franchise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origin of the Action Film;
The action film genre, boasting a long history of popularity, traces its origins to the early days of cinema. While film history began in the late 19th century with inventions such as Thomas Edison's Kinetoscope and short films by the Lumière brothers, the action film as a distinct genre began to take shape with the advent of feature-length films. One of the earliest examples of a film that set the standard for action movies was the iconic Die Hard, released in 1988, starring Bruce Willis. This movie epitomized the action genre with its plot of a lone hero facing overwhelming odds, a trope that became synonymous with action films.
Action films have evolved significantly from their early days, transitioning from practical effects and stage props to cutting-edge digital effects and advanced special effects. Examples of this evolution are evident when comparing the original Star Trek franchise to the newly rebooted series that started in the 21st century. While Western films have seen a decline in popularity and production, action films continue to captivate audiences with compelling storytelling and impressive visual effects.