Gerard Butler’s Action-Packed ‘London Has Fallen’ Defies Critics’ Reviews

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  • The President Even Gets in on the Action in ‘London Has Fallen’

Without question, the Has Fallen movie trilogy written by Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt is one Hollywood franchise that should be analyzed and studied. Starring Gerard Butler as Secret Service agent Mike Banning and Morgan Freeman (in various roles), each of the three movies barely passed their budget in North American box office totals and didn’t receive the best praise from critics. Albeit, the first and third films — 2013’s Olympus Has Fallen and 2019’s Angel Has Fallen — actually lead when it comes to the two aforementioned categories. On the other hand, 2016’s London Has Fallen, which sees Banning escort president Benjamin Asher out of the vice of Islamic terrorists, seems to have taken an even greater misstep.

The second action flick in the series not only stands out as the lowest of three on Metacritic but on Rotten Tomatoes, too. British critics such as The Independent and The Guardian say that this movie triggered traumatic memories for those who lived through the devastating real-life terrorist attacks that took place in Paris just a year prior. They also mention that London Has Fallen’s first trailer was released around the 10th anniversary of the 2005 London bombings. This was surely a case of marketing — *ahem* extremely ignorant marketing. With that being said, though, let’s take a look at this 2016 political thriller and see what’s truly going on here.

‘London Has Fallen’ Pits Critics Against Audiences

It turns out that the second installment of the “Has Fallen” series might not be entirely doomed, contrary to what critics have been saying. Instead, viewers seem to be far more lenient in their judgments. Interestingly, according to Box Office Mojo, London Has Fallen brought in the highest international box office earnings (which encompass revenue from cities mentioned in the film), doubling that of its other two counterparts! This is often true for many movies – foreign territories tend to contribute more to the overall profit than domestic sales. However, this is surprising given the harsh criticisms leveled against it. The reason for the increase in popularity could be because if you disregard the controversial real-world parallels and the lingering fears, London Has Fallen is essentially a lighthearted tribute to classic action movies, similar to Die Hard but with a lighter touch.

In his three-star review, Ryan F praises the improved quality of this “Has Fallen” installment compared to Butler’s earlier films like “Gods of Egypt” and “Bounty Hunter.” The film features Banning as your typical American action hero (one who you can tell won’t be killed off), complete with witty one-liners and a lively personality that keeps the audience engaged. Some viewers might find the humor offensive, but it’s enjoyable to have a main character who speaks their mind straightforwardly.

In addition to being outstanding in their respective roles as the president (Aaron Eckhart) and Secret Service director (Angela Bassett), they not only leave a lasting impact on the film but serve as crucial contrasting elements for Banning, preventing him from appearing too monotonous. The movie London Has Fallen is further enhanced by stars like Morgan Freeman and Jackie Earle Haley, making it all the more compelling. It’s clear that the cast is exceptionally talented.

The President Even Gets in on the Action in ‘London Has Fallen’

In this movie, London Has Fallen, there’s plenty of action with explosions and gunfire, much like an action flick ought to have. Buildings collapse, bridges crumble, and even Big Ben gets hit. There are numerous drone strikes and car accidents as well. While the movie may not be the most refined in its genre, given that it turns London into a battlefield, it’s understandable. It’s one of those films you watch after a tiring week to let out any built-up adrenaline.

One point that could use improvement is the CGI during the wide-angle destruction scenes of monuments. They seem more like what you’d see in video games rather than movies. Given the film’s frenetic pace and a scene that references Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Get to the Choppa” line from Predator, this isn’t too surprising.

The film “London Has Fallen” is excessively exaggerated and filled with typical American bravado antics. Its narrative is heavily influenced by machismo, as evidenced by the president himself having to engage in high-risk situations like driving and firing weapons. For viewers who prefer a more authentic or emotionally nuanced portrayal, this film may not deliver. The main characters, including Banning, appear to be in a relaxed state, aware that this is an action movie where deep emotional exploration (with the exception of Bassett’s character) would be unnecessary and resource-wasting.

While it’s true that London Has Fallen doesn’t live up to its full potential based on critical reviews, this doesn’t diminish the entertainment value it offers. With its action-packed sequences and camaraderie among Secret Service agents, the movie is definitely worth watching. If you’re interested, you can currently stream it on Netflix.

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2025-02-22 18:32