The sequel to 2013’s Olympus Has Fallen and 2016’s London Has Fallen, Angel Has Fallen showcases Gerard Butler reprising his role as the lead, Mike Banning. This is another great movie where watching the first two, while helpful, is not necessary to understand the plot.
The audience is dropped into the action from the beginning. Mike completes a simulation test demonstrating his skills and physical excellence. Mike returns home and is quickly sent off again to fulfill his secret service duties to the President of the United States (Morgan Freeman). When things go amiss, Mike is set up as the villain and has to prove his innocence.
Gerard Butler is one of those actors who flies under the radar. Not drawing in huge crowds, but always delivering in these action packed films. Acting aside, the film also does a tremendous job of having the audience really experience the moments. Mike Banning suffers from migraines, concussions, and insomnia (just to name a few). While following his journey, the camera cuts around at the right points for you to feel exactly what Mike is feeling while he battles these issues. The audio ringing after gun shots followed by that almost deafening sound puts you right in Mike’s head.
There is an unsuspected enemy, an unlikely ally, and a murder no one could see coming. The edge of your seat suspense through these twists and turns makes the two hour mark of the film feel right, not dragged on. This is in contrast to Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw which was also an action film but seemed much longer. Movie watcher Bill says, “It is very entertaining. I like how they were able to add in some humor to it. The plan for Banning is set up well and it all comes to fruition at the end.”
Movie times: click here
Genre: Action
Run Time: 2 hours
Directors: Ric Roman Waugh
Actors: Gerard Butler, Piper Perabo, Morgan Freeman
Rating: Rated R for violence and language throughout.
Fun Fact: Stay after for a bonus scene between Gerard Butler and Nick Nolte.
