Olympus has Fallen sees a disgraced former president guard, Mike Banning [Gerald Butler], trapped in the White House during a terrorist attack. Using his knowledge, Banning joins forces with National Security to rescue the president and take out the kidnappers at all costs.
Olympus Has Fallen: The good
Olympus has Fallen is a mixture of films all rolled into one, there is a bit of Die Hard, mixed with Air Force One, a fresh approach from the director of Training Day, Brooklyn’s Finest and Tears of the Sun Antoine Fugua who stamps this movie with his signature combo of action and intensity.
Gerarld Butler plays a John McClane inspired action hero in his character, Banning as he creeps around the White House in search of the next villain for him to beat to a pulp. Butler is clearly is having a ball with the role as there is lots for him play with here, including interrogation scenes and showdown between him and the main villain “Kang”, played by Rick Yune (Die Another Day).
Aaron Eckart brings the same character vulnerability to the role as “Benjamin Asher”, the same as his did as “Harvey Dent” in The Dark Knight [before he turns that is]
The action is pretty standard, as it mixes CGI orchestrated shootouts (particularly in the first break in attempt), with fist fights and close up gunplay that appeals more to the Call of Duty gamer.
Olympus Has Fallen Poster
Olympus Has Fallen: The bad
With a such an impressive cast, you’d think they would have more to do, especially Morgan Freeman who is underused and feels like he is in the wrong movie.
The script also needed some tweaking as the film feels rushed especially with its predictable ending.
Conclusion:
Overall, Olympus has Fallen offers, some solid action scenes for those who enjoy action flicks, like Die hard or Air Force One and offers a game Gerald Butler who is having a ball and gives the role his best shot. Its also a good advertisement and gives us a taster for Roland Emmerich’s upcoming film White House Down.