London Has Fallen - movie review

London Has Fallen

Plot: In London for the Prime Minister's funeral, Mike Banning discovers a plot to assassinate all the attending world leaders.
Cast: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman
Director: Babak Najafi
Rating: 15
Runtime: 1hr 39 mins
Release Date: Thursday 3rd March 2016

First, we had Die Hard. Then, we had the Die Hard sequels. After that, we had Die Hard on a bus (Speed). Following that, we had Die Hard on a boat (Under Siege). Next, we had Die Hard on a plane (Air Force One). We were then treated to Die Hard in the White House (Olympus Has Fallen). And now, in 2016, we have Die Hard in London. London Has Fallen is the sequel to surprise hit, Olympus Has Fallen and, as a sequel should, expands the story for extra development. However, in this case, makes for an enjoyable yet preposterous result.

It is very rare for one or two members of the original cast to return for an action sequel, but in London Has Fallen, pretty much the entire cast returned. In the leading role as the cold yet badass Presidential bodyguard, Mike Banning, is Gerard Butler. I can overlook the disappointing attempt at an American accent because I solidly buy this dude as an action star. I'm also pleased that Butler fully embraces what this film is. A silly, explosion filled, action-packed, mess of a film. With Butler understanding this, he has fun with the over-the-top fight scenes and ridiculous one-liners. Aaron Eckhart also returns as President Benjamin Asher. I really enjoyed his representation of the President in the first film as he got his hands dirty rather than just sit on the sidelines. In London Has Fallen however, President Asher has almost changed in terms of personality and characteristics in the worst possible way. Eckhart gives a fine performance but the writing of his character gives him nothing to do. He just watches Butler killing everyone and then moans about how sad it all is. This isn't the same character as before. It's just a terrible waste of what could have been yet another badass character to coincide with Butler as Banning. Also making their reappearance are Angela Bassett and Morgan Freeman. Both roles are brief but they are more than suitable and manage to return to their characters with ease. And I have discovered this, if there is one man whom I want to run the country if the world descends into chaos, it is Morgan Freeman. He just remains so calm and collected and with his iconic narrative voice, I could think of no better person to inform me of my impending doom. As for the villains of the piece, I do not know of the actor's names nor of the characters that they played. Every villain is such a generic and stereotypical representation of a terrorist meaning that London Has Fallen lacks any form of evolution of the bad guys. The only information we receive is that they have guns and they shoot at the good guys. I'm not asking for an entire origin story on how they came to be, but a little explanation and exposition wouldn't have gone amiss. Their presentation of a sinister organisation angry at America ultimately becomes just a rehash of the first film. Therefore, it is clear to see that this sequel was only made for monetary purposes rather than an actual hope for a new story.

By moving the situation to London, this film could have played off of the advantages that the city provides. And they do that, albeit intermittently throughout the film. But ultimately, this is exactly the same film as before just with a change of scenery. Then you have to remember, that Olympus Has Fallen was also a reiteration of basic action films before it. Furthermore, each and every line of dialogue spouted by our characters is monumentally unoriginal. I can wholeheartedly guarantee that every line spoken has been used in an action film before it. However, you have to understand that this film isn't attempting to be a new and fresh take on the action genre. It's simple purpose is to entertain for an hour and a half and that it does. The film's pace moves in such a way that I never felt bored. There are constant inclusions of action sequences and they do feel varied. Not in such a way to where it is something I've never seen before, but it doesn't only consist of hand to hand combat sequences. There are some exciting car chases, a thrilling helicopter aerial battle and some impressive fire fights that occur. One of the most impressive confrontations featured in the final act of the movie was a shootout that took place in the streets of London, and it was filmed in such a way that it seems like one continuous shot. Whilst it looks impressive, I only hope these one shot takes do not become a gimmick in Hollywood. Ever since Birdman revolutionised continuous shots, almost all films ever since have tried to emulate that. Whilst they all require great skill and make for more of an immersive viewing experience, not every film needs to use it.

Olympus Has Fallen relied on practical sets and only a few visual effects when needed. And whenever they were featured, they were passable. Nothing amazing but they served their purpose. However, the effects in the sequel are almost laughable. Featuring clearly fake explosions and a cringe-worthy helicopter crash, I can honestly say that video game graphics are miles better than this travesty. I could understand if they weren't up to the standard that today's effects are, but these go far beyond just a gimmick. It's almost as if the majority of the budget was spent to acquire the same cast as before and to shoot on the streets of London, that they forgot all about the special effects needed. As sadistic as it may seem, if you're going to destroy London, at least make it seem real. That would immediately strike fear and thrill into the viewers especially those that live near London. But the destruction of London did surprise me. Having seen the trailers, I was unsure how long the initial attacks would take. Much to my pleasure, they never held back on the carnage raised. But why always London? Why, of all of the various cities in the world, do fictional terrorists attack London? After G.I. Joe Retaliation, this and then Independence Day: Resurgence later this year, I'm getting the feeling that Hollywood producers enjoying witnessing Big Ben being blown to smithereens.

Something that needs to be understood before going into London Has Fallen is that it is not really a great film, but I found it to be quite enjoyable. There is nothing original on show and the awful effects are unforgivable but I'm sure that if you shove enough popcorn in your mouth, you'll have a fun time.

My Verdict: 6.5/10

What did you think of London Has Fallen? Which Die Hard ripoff are they likely to make next? Post your comments below.

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