Olympus Has Fallen - 2013 (R)

There hasn't been a review that didn't mention this movie is 'Die Hard' in the White House. So let's get that out of the way. Yes, there are many elements to this movie that resemble 'Die Hard'. You've got one man, against all odds, fighting with some foreign ego maniacs. You could replace Nakatomi Plaza with the White House. And with the exception of some shoes and a gun, Secret Service Agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) is essentially Officer John McClane. Never has a comparison to 'Die Hard' been a bad thing. So don't fear, this movie has all of the good elements you would hope for. Where the two movies differ is in the relentless, over the top, brutal action far beyond that of DH. This is DH on steroids. It's as if someone told Michael Bay to remake 'Die Hard'. But believe it or not, that is meant in a good way. 

The plot is simple, Agent Banning finds himself in the White House amidst some terrorists that attack like a mall flash mob. They are lead by a North Korean psychopath whose mission is to kid nap the president. Working with national security and the speaker of the house (Morgan Freeman), its Banning's job to save the day. Ohh and yeah it seems like Morgan Freeman's two terms are up since 'Deep Impact', at least temporarily. Gerard Butler plays the part well and represents every red blooded American that knows the only good terrorist is a dead one. And by the end, there are no shortages of them. The movie is full of symbolism and cliches, and the writing could be a lot better. But when the bust of Abraham Lincoln is used as a weapon, you know you're getting your money's worth.

This is a fully loaded action movie from start to finish, with all the explosions, combat and tension you can pack into 2 hours! It wont be a classic like 'Die Hard' but you'll still have a good time.


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