I Watch Films: Angel Has Fallen

Angel Has Fallen

The third in the series; after the first 2 Mike Banning (Gerard Butler), secret service agent, is visiting doctors and finds he might have injured himself during the fight sequences of the two previous films and will have to retire. This is unfortunate as he’s in line to be the next director of the secret service, thanks to the favour of the new president (Morgan Freeman). Even his former army mate (Danny Huston) who runs a private security company might not be able to help him out; the president is cutting back on the use of mercenaries.

Then a ridiculous drone swarm attempts to assassinate the president, who Banning manages to save though he’s left in a coma. Banning is framed, arrested, escapes, finds his estranged dad (Nick Nolte), a wilderness dwelling survivalist, and tries to make sense of the plot.

One sympathises.

Anyway, some good stunts, a lorry chase, lots of explosions, a fair amount of shooting and very little concern for collateral damage. For something which wants to reference modern events a lot (Russian interference, dark web, drones, private military companies) it feels like a very old-school action film and series. As noted previously, the budget for this film series has been reducing with every installment while otherwise maintaining an admirable consistency. Butler has been confirmed for a fourth*, Night Has Fallen, though no budget has been announced.

Watch This: For a fair to good action film
Don’t Watch This: If you want it to make any sense.
Also: Lance Riddick, who plays the outgoing Secret Service Director in this film, was in White House Down, the other White House under attack film from 2013, neatly linking the two films

* Banning’s health not that bad one hopes.