Olympus Has Fallen Review – An Intense, Solid Action, Rousing Disaster Flim

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Category: Film

Published on Tuesday, 26 March 2013 23:40

Written by Janet Walker

“Olympus Has Fallen,” the White House disaster flick, from FilmDistrict and Millennium Films, is blasting away the box office competition with its action packed, roller coaster, thrill ride.

“Olympus Has Fallen,” was produced by Alan Siegel, Ed Cathell III and Executive Produced by Trevor Short, Boaz Davidson, Avi Lerner and John Thompson.  “Olympus has Fallen,” was written by Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt.

Starring Gerard Butler, who also served as producer, “Olympus Has Fallen,” also stars Angela Basset, Aaron Eckert, Morgan Freeman, Dylan McDermont, Rick Yune, Melissa Leo, Finley Jacobsen, Phil Austin, James Ingersoll and Ashley Judd and was directed by Antoine Fuqua.

“Olympus Has Fallen” begins with a stunning sequence of events never before seen or played out on screen. It immediately sets the film apart as it catches the viewer off guard and sets the tone. Be prepared to be surprised throughout.

The film presents a rapid fire synchronized terror assault, a clear security failure that results in our monuments of freedom, liberty and democracy shattered, destroyed and in ruins and the lives of the President’s Senior Staff including the President Benjamin Asher (Eckart), Defense Secretary Ruth McMillan (Leo), Vice President Charlie Rodriguez (Austin) and Admiral Nathan Hoenig (Ingersoll) hanging in the balance as an unknown North Korean terror leader Kang (Yune) takes control of the United States weaponry and computerized controls.

“Olympus Has Fallen,” has it all! Heightened suspense, pop-ups around every corner, high drama, a real haunted house action thriller as Gerard Butler who embodies Secret Service Agent Mike Banning takes on the unknown terrorist militia to recapture the White House and with gutsy determination and beyond the call of duty dedication he uses every skill, trick, instinct and training to rescue the president.

The continuation of government and the president’s safety are always the first priority and it is no different in this film. With both the president and vice president held hostage Speaker of the House Trumbull, played by Morgan Freeman, is elevated to the role of leader of the free world and decision maker in the hostage/terror crisis.  Freeman, whom the audience is accustomed to seeing deliver, doesn’t disappoint.

Secret Service Director Lynn Jacobs, Agent Banning’s only outside contact and inside support, is portrayed by Angela Basset. In addition to her exquisite beauty she brings a depth of skill and really lights up the screen. With this role she has once again catapulted herself to leading lady status, if she had ever departed from that level.

The ensemble A-list cast performed so well together and the script seemed to allow for each to have their “moment.” Melissa Leo personified her character with, a strong willed steely determination, unwavering devotion and allegiance to the United States to the point of death if necessary. She was amazing.

The president’s inner circle also includes Forbes, played by Dylan McDermott, the man who knows all the players and accompanies the President everywhere.

Having the opportunity to participate in the press conference attended by Director Antoine Feque, Angela Bassett, Aaron Eckart, Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Dylan McDermott and Rick Yune, the following is an excerpt:

Janet Walker: Hello. I feel the film has everything.  It’s a real haunted house, with pop up suspense, action; it’s very, very good. With all that, if all of you have a particular memorable moment or what challenged you most about the film could you talk about that a little?

Antonie Fuqua: I have so many memorable moments. Every time I walked on set I’d see Angela Bassett, and Gerard. Me and Gerard were together every day until 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning, then Morgan Freeman would walk into the room, the Rick Yune would walk into the room, you know, then Dylan McDermott would walk into the room, Melissa Leo would walk into the room, Ashley Judd, it was like every day and I got to shoot and blow some things up. The whole thing was memorable.

Rick Yune: The fight scene with Gerry. That was fun. The Gerry that you see this jovial laughing guy from Scotland is a different kind of guy that I know. This guy is really knows how to hit. Being able to work with a buddy especially on a film like this we went a little harder.  Just to let you know what was choreographed is not what we did. He slipped in a few hard punches on me and I returned the favor. Antoine was there and he’s like a maestro, he sets a situation up and then kind of disappears in the back ground and then things will transpire. We really got into it and maybe a day or two we laughed about it.

After the Press Conference had ended Gerard Butler lingered for a few minutes and added explaining the film was screened to the Marines at Camp Pendleton and was met with thunderous applause as was the reaction at every screening from New York to Washington, D.C. to LA.

“Olympus Has Fallen” is a must see! A high drama, heavy body count, rousing disaster flick that pays homage to the spirit of America and is a great popcorn feature! Truly enjoyable and provocative entertainment! Get to the theater!

“Olympus Has Fallen,” is playing in theaters everywhere. Check your local listings.