Olympus Has Fallen
FilmDistrict | Release Date: March 22, 2013
5.8
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 422 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
186
Mixed:
148
Negative:
88
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
5
ScrawnyPunkApr 9, 2013
A competent action flick, perfectly slotted for pre-summer release. Various plot devices are hardly believable, but you just go with it in this type of movie. Predictable, but fun.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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6
RoscoJul 18, 2013
This is everything that Die Hard 5 should've been. An all out, over the top, ridiculous action movie, yet is somehow manages to pull it off and give you a thoroughly entertaining experience. With a great cast consisting of Gerard Butler,This is everything that Die Hard 5 should've been. An all out, over the top, ridiculous action movie, yet is somehow manages to pull it off and give you a thoroughly entertaining experience. With a great cast consisting of Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart and Morgan Freeman they really make this film work. Olympus Has Fallen deals with a North Korean led guerrilla assault, led by former Bond villain Rick Yune, on the White House, where it's left to a guilt ridden Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Butler) to stop the terrorists and save the President (Eckhart.) It's definitely not an original idea but that doesn't prevent you from enjoying the film. It's a heart pounding, adrenaline filled action adventure that seems to take certain inspiration from classics like Die Hard and Under Siege. As unrealistic as it is. The film is very well acted. Morgan Freeman just doesn't deliver an average performance and that's no different here. Eckhart is believable as the idealist President. Yune was a smart and solid choice as the villain of the piece but it's Butler who rediscovers his form. He has had some shockers recently but this is very much normal business resumed. He thrives as an action star and this may just re-ignite him in that area because he gives a superb showing here. Let's be clear it won't win any Academy Awards. But in terms of action it's packed to the limit, adrenaline fuelled, fist pumping, roller-coaster ride that is pure entertainment.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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5
Bruce722Apr 8, 2013
Olympus Has Fallen felt like a live-action version of a Call of Duty game. They ignore realism and go for as much shock and awe as possible. When I say they "ignore realism", I don't mean it looks or feels fake, I mean the major plot pointsOlympus Has Fallen felt like a live-action version of a Call of Duty game. They ignore realism and go for as much shock and awe as possible. When I say they "ignore realism", I don't mean it looks or feels fake, I mean the major plot points that establish the premise are ridiculously unbelievable and all of the drama hinges on those points. It makes the very well done action sequences tinge of disbelief because the scenario is flawed. As a matter of fact, all of the drama in the film suffers from these flaws. So why did I give it a not-so-terrible rating? Because Gerard Butler is such a BA that he makes this movie incredibly entertaining. The combat and fighting sequences were incredibly well done and the acting throughout, not just by Butler but really the entire cast, is great. The graphics and cinematic elements were done well also. Really, the only flaws in the film were story related but they had such a cascade effect that it hurt the entire film. Overall, I think most people would actually probably enjoy it because they wouldn't get quite as hung up on the minor details as I did but I expected more.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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5
EludiumQ36Oct 25, 2013
Like alot have already said, it's quite Die Hard-esque, the attack sequences were pretty decent, but there's an element called "plausibility" that they punted and that makes this a one-time watch instead of a classic to view repeatedly. I doLike alot have already said, it's quite Die Hard-esque, the attack sequences were pretty decent, but there's an element called "plausibility" that they punted and that makes this a one-time watch instead of a classic to view repeatedly. I do wonder, though, if Obama requested a Secret Service briefing to ensure such elements of attack couldn't be exploited.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
csw12Jun 29, 2013
The movie is so ludicrous and unrealistic on how it unfolds, that its hard to take anything seriously. Some thrills and action sequences can't make up for the slightly better Sci-Fi channel visual effects.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
MalikStarksApr 29, 2013
A B movie with an A-list cast of actors, they put in a yeomen-like effort but can't salvage the overly generic dialogue and plot. I love action, and that was done reasonably well without being anything special. As some have noted it's kindaA B movie with an A-list cast of actors, they put in a yeomen-like effort but can't salvage the overly generic dialogue and plot. I love action, and that was done reasonably well without being anything special. As some have noted it's kinda like an old-school 80's action film with Gerald Butler standing in for Chuck Norris.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
MrHarkonnenApr 23, 2013
Watching this movie, i was constantly reminded of the film adaption of Tom Clancy's "The Sum of All Fears". Show America being hurt, throw in a male model built secret service agent, some shady, obviously evil baddies and Morgan Freeman. WhatWatching this movie, i was constantly reminded of the film adaption of Tom Clancy's "The Sum of All Fears". Show America being hurt, throw in a male model built secret service agent, some shady, obviously evil baddies and Morgan Freeman. What made TSoAFs a superior film however, was that it always managed to maintain an atmosphere that kept you in doubt as to whether the US would escape intact, even though the film viewer in us kept telling ourselves that of course it would. "Olympus has Fallen" never keeps you in doubt that America will come out on top and stronger than ever, or that Aaron Eckhart will come out with his face still in presentable condition. Some [one] good jokes and cathartic action sequences push this entirely unremarkable film up to a 5/10.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
annbdJan 14, 2019
In Bulgaria this movie is a-l-w-a-y-s on TV. It's like Home Alone of the action movies. It's like women's period - always comes back after month. Gerard Butler fits best in action movies, so no comment on that, he was great. But the manyIn Bulgaria this movie is a-l-w-a-y-s on TV. It's like Home Alone of the action movies. It's like women's period - always comes back after month. Gerard Butler fits best in action movies, so no comment on that, he was great. But the many cliches, also boring scenes (like for example this important people doing nothing), staring-s convert Olympus has Fallen in just another bearable action movie.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
StevieGJDMar 31, 2013
This script is corny and the acting is very uneven. Gerard Butler is fine as the main badass. There is a tremendous 20-25 minute action sequence. Very uneven film. Didn't anyone day anything to these people about how stupid this is?This script is corny and the acting is very uneven. Gerard Butler is fine as the main badass. There is a tremendous 20-25 minute action sequence. Very uneven film. Didn't anyone day anything to these people about how stupid this is? Think Die hard crossed with in the line of fire and ask why?… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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4
CloppersMay 18, 2013
Terribly under developed characters that made no sense. Overall plot holes made the action scenes hard to watch. Something that is "impossible" is terribly easy in the next scene... in more than one instance. Probably best to avoid this one.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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5
GreatMartinMar 22, 2013
According to moviebodycounts.com, (yes, all sorts of information is available on the Internet), Gerard Butler set some sort of top 5 record with his movie “300” and I think he easily breaks that record with a body count of 600 people just inAccording to moviebodycounts.com, (yes, all sorts of information is available on the Internet), Gerard Butler set some sort of top 5 record with his movie “300” and I think he easily breaks that record with a body count of 600 people just in the first half hour of “Olympus Has Fallen”!

As always one has to check logic at the door when approaching an action film such as this without even talking about a secret service agent, Mike Banning, (Butler) working with the president (Aaron Eckhart) and his wife (Ashley Judd) on Christmas Eve wearing a 5 o’clock shadow! “Olympus Has Fallen” follows the template of hundreds of movies that have come before where one man can fight, kill and escape one threat after another but not one man can escape him.

The story starts with Banning feeling he has made a mistake and then jumps ahead 18 months to present day. The president, and some of his staff, including secretary of defense McMillan (Melissa Leo) and vice-president Charlie Rodriguez (Phil Austin) are held hostage by a North Korean terrorist, Yang (Rick Yune), making Morgan Freeman the acting president who works with secret service director Lynn Jacobs (Angela Bassett). Connor (Finley Jacobsen) as the president’s son, Dylan McDermott as a friend of Banning’s and Radha Mitchell as the latter’s wife are all important parts of the movie but it is Gerard Butler who is the man in the white hat, who uses the ‘F’ word quite a bit, who comes to the rescue of all and the world. In no way is that a spoiler as you know from the beginning it is not who but you have to find out how the hero will save the day.

Director Antoine Fuqua, working with a script by Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt, plus an excellent CGI crew and a production crew that constructs special, amazing sets, keeps the film going at a fast, sometimes funny pace, defying you to keep an accurate body count.

“Olympus Has Fallen” is a fun, shake your head, how did they do that, just sit back and relax thriller of a movie with a music soundtrack that, at times, is too loud.… Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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6
allystewApr 24, 2013
Olympus Has Fallen. Some good things about it and some bad. The bad first, ridiculus plot with some very cringe worthy American propaganda, dodgy special effects and will easily be bettered by the upcoming "White House Down". However there isOlympus Has Fallen. Some good things about it and some bad. The bad first, ridiculus plot with some very cringe worthy American propaganda, dodgy special effects and will easily be bettered by the upcoming "White House Down". However there is some good points with a great cast and some interesting shots from director Antoine Fuqua. The star however is the action which is crazy and surprisingly hard edged. Its like watching a reboot of an 80's Steven Segal movie and a potential future guilty pleasure!… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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5
fantasyApr 28, 2013
If you have seen Die Hard, the original, then you've seen this. So-so remake in which you know how this is ending. Lot of destruction and people dying. And our hero? LOL
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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6
MarkMusicMar 22, 2013
I mean it gets your blood pomping but eh sometimes its a little weak. In my opinion so far in 2012 Ive enjoyed 1. Spring Breakers 2. A Haunted House. 3. Olympus Has Fallen. 4. Death Race 3. If you want my opinion watch 'Spring Breakers' itI mean it gets your blood pomping but eh sometimes its a little weak. In my opinion so far in 2012 Ive enjoyed 1. Spring Breakers 2. A Haunted House. 3. Olympus Has Fallen. 4. Death Race 3. If you want my opinion watch 'Spring Breakers' it comes out the same day and was much much better. Probably one of the best and most interesting films in like 4-5 years. Watch this if you like destruction to a big point. I have no problem with destroying American landmarks, people, flags. eh. Its just a movie and thats probably the thing that drove the film for me. Watch Spring Breakers. If your unable to watch Olympus Has Fallen. #SpringBreakForever.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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6
martinexJun 28, 2013
Plenty of great action but a bit formulaic. I also get sick of these scenarios where the President has to decide between the lives of people close to him and the lives of billions of people. Shouldn't this be a no-brainer?
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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6
BikerjamesMar 25, 2013
This is a Hollywood formula film. Every couple of years they release an action movie with essentially the same plot because it's a tried and true formula that works. Back in 1993 Clint Eastwood made a film called In the Line of Fire whereThis is a Hollywood formula film. Every couple of years they release an action movie with essentially the same plot because it's a tried and true formula that works. Back in 1993 Clint Eastwood made a film called In the Line of Fire where he was an ex Secret Service man who didn't save the President from getting shot and gets a chance to redeem himself. They basically stole that idea for this film. This latest version is action packed and never boring. Unfortunately it had the dreaded countdown timer at the end of the film that we've seen a thousand times where the planet is saved with only a couple of seconds left on the clock. That is the main problem with films like this one they are always unoriginal. Most of the hand to hand combat scenes have the fast editing extreme close ups where you can't see what's going on. The few attempts at humor were hokey and fell flat. Still, the special effects are well done, the acting is fine, and the action frenetic. Lastly, there is a lot of violence, so if you can't stomach that stay away.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
criticscriticApr 1, 2013
Quick sum up: Salt meets Rambo meets Mars attacks (Only the stuff blowing up).

cc
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
TastyJamProjectApr 10, 2013
Gerard Butler Goes for the "Turkey"

---- There's a term, made (in)famous by Will Forte's "MacGruber" character, in which his life goal of getting three throat rippings in one mission is called a "Turkey." In Fuqua's deliciously stupidGerard Butler Goes for the "Turkey"

----

There's a term, made (in)famous by Will Forte's "MacGruber" character, in which his life goal of getting three throat rippings in one mission is called a "Turkey." In Fuqua's deliciously stupid "Olympus Has Fallen" Butler works his own style into the "Turkey" and goes for an unbelievable amount of head stabbings. These aren't off camera head stabbings, no, these are full out, knife in forehead brain stabbings. If that doesn't give you a taste of this glorious piece of American cinema, I don't know what will. This completely over the top, cliché ridden, extremely xenophobic film rivals Roland Emmerich's "2012" in sheer hilarity. "Olympus Has Fallen" is a terrible movie, but in the best possible way. From the head stabbings, to the continuous use of the term "f***in' S**t!" throughout, to the crazy overacting from Melissa Leo, to the classic lines like "I'm all you've got!" or "America doesn't negotiate with terrorists!" or the worst performance of Morgan Freeman's career (his character has a "I really don't give a s**t what happens" attitude throughout), this is a classic example of "so bad it's good cinema." I have no idea why such a talented cast and such a respected director would slum it in a script this idiotic. Maybe it's money, or maybe its the same reason I enjoyed it; it's just good, old-fashioned DUMB fun. Sure, it's a terrible movie, but I can't deny I wasn't entertained throughout.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
TyranianApr 12, 2019
While the likes of Butler and Eckhart are always watchable, this is as mediocre as action films come.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
ndjn3979Apr 22, 2013
It's cliche-ridden in almost every corner, but enjoyable for what it is. Just turn off your brain. Starts off high-octane, but ultimately could have used more action. Not because it is utterly lacking, but because it has little otherIt's cliche-ridden in almost every corner, but enjoyable for what it is. Just turn off your brain. Starts off high-octane, but ultimately could have used more action. Not because it is utterly lacking, but because it has little other substance to offer. Oh, and if you are Korean, you are going to LOVE the ultra-bad "Korean" accents.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
Apemonkey666Aug 5, 2013
Do Americans ever get tired of their own self centered patriotic BS? Apparently not coz they even made 2 clone movies (the other being White House Down). For us non-Americans most fun can be had from watching the white house get shot toDo Americans ever get tired of their own self centered patriotic BS? Apparently not coz they even made 2 clone movies (the other being White House Down). For us non-Americans most fun can be had from watching the white house get shot to smithereens, the president getting beat up and the military and secret service being portrayed as the bunch of incompetent little monkeys they are. They made this on a tight budget (70m$) by todays standards and you can tell that they skimped on the VFX (helicopters and destruction looks a bit CG) and on the script. Maybe the rest of the world was thinking what I was thinking coz outside of the US the film made little money. Hey, maybe consumers are getting smart and are starting to vote with their wallet. If this trend continues they'll maybe start making intelligent movies...nah, who are we kidding… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
worleyjamersApr 3, 2013
This film will certainly get your patriotic juices flowing, and it's for that reason that Olympus Has Fallen is without a doubt one of the more satisfying films of 2013. Its plot is preposterous and borderline unbelievable, but thanks to aThis film will certainly get your patriotic juices flowing, and it's for that reason that Olympus Has Fallen is without a doubt one of the more satisfying films of 2013. Its plot is preposterous and borderline unbelievable, but thanks to a really great cast, you believe (almost) every bit of it. Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Melissa Leo, Angela Bassett, Ashley Judd, Dylan McDermott, they all give convincing performances and really give the film a lot of credibility. Credit also must go to director Antoine Fuqua who directs the heck out of this movie; his aggressive approach really ups the stakes and makes OHF a hell of a thrill ride. I was surprised by the action/violence in this, it certainly earns its R rating... villains get what you think they deserve and I just had a great time with the film. The CGI is absolutely horrible, but this is a very fun movie that is worth seeing.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
PStakhivMay 21, 2013
This movie brings up memories from the past(Die Hard 1...), it's an ok action picture with decent acting, but it doesn't have single original thing, plot little bit generic! Overall good time.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
JacobMay 23, 2014
Olympus Has Fallen is a decent action flick. The attempts by Gerad Bulter’s character to save the day are entertaining and engaging with some fun action and nice tension. The acting is good and the presentation in the film is well done. WhatOlympus Has Fallen is a decent action flick. The attempts by Gerad Bulter’s character to save the day are entertaining and engaging with some fun action and nice tension. The acting is good and the presentation in the film is well done. What stops this film from being anything more than that is the film being a little too long and generic rehashing various plot elements from Die Hard. In all honesty if you want to see a great action movie you are better off watching Die Hard because this movie is a cheap imitation of that film. Its not a bad movie mind it does have its entertainment but at times it feels like its trying to copy one of the greatest action movies of all time. Check it out if you are interested but at the same time you don’t need to go rush out and see this movie.… Expand
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6
SeriosityJul 10, 2013
Olympus Has Fallen is an effective action movie. It's humorous, the lead character is immensely likeable, and the action delivers. Lower your standards a little for this and you'll have a good time.
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4
Nesbitt10Aug 12, 2013
"Olympus Has Fallen" exhausts itself even without the burden of originality. The White House is under attack, and John McClain still isn't available he is still recouping from his recent disastrous installment to the "Die Hard" franchise."Olympus Has Fallen" exhausts itself even without the burden of originality. The White House is under attack, and John McClain still isn't available he is still recouping from his recent disastrous installment to the "Die Hard" franchise. Everything in this movie, credited to writers Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt, is seemingly directly taken from the action classic "Die Hard" (1988). Having a man on the inside is one thing but to the bumbling idiots in authority, the rooftop adventure gone bad, the hero mistaking a bad guy for a good guy... it's a hostage movie alright, a storyline almost completely lifted from the 1988 classic starring Bruce Willis.

A group of North Korean militants launch an attack on Washington D.C. and manage to take over the White House. President Asher (Aaron Eckhart), the Vice President (Phil Austin), and the Secretary of Defense (Melissa Leo), are held hostage in the emergency bunker beneath the now ruined White House. The militants' leader Kang (Rick Yune) demands now acting President Trumbull (Morgan Freeman), for the withdrawal of American troops from the DMZ and the Seventh Fleet from the far Pacific.

But Kang hasn't reckoned with Mike Banning (Gerard Butler), a Secret Service agent who was reassigned to a desk job months earlier after failing to save the life of the First Lady (Ashley Judd, in what amounts to a little more than a cameo) in an auto accident. He witnesses the assault on the White House and gets involved, eventually winding up as the sole defender inside the White House. As a former Navy Seal, he systematically eliminates most of the remaining terrorists by breaking more necks than I could count, while also using a gun, a knife, and his mighty fists of patriotism. Banning is the ultimate one-man army who easily puts Jon McClain to shame.

There are too many ridiculous plot elements to call into question, and it would take away from the flag-waving premise of the movie. The only point is to put Butler in situations where he can kick some serious terrorist ass for truth, justice, and protecting the American way. To be fair, the action is well filmed, but also quite violent and graphic while mysteriously lacking any real blood or gore.

Envision grounding "Air Force One," moving it inside of The White House, giving it the story of "Die Hard," with the laughable characters and ridiculous screenplay of "Red Dawn," and presto, I give you "Olympus Has Fallen." It's dreadful, noisy, and ludicrous, not even worth the effort to assess it for future guilty pleasure enjoyment. All that's missing is an "Air Force One" style retort like "Get out of my HOUSE!"… Expand
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5
ToffenuffOct 6, 2013
Decent action and effects. Acting is okay. Plot is ludicrous and the way the Secret Service and the Capitol Police were portrayed were... unbelievable and ridiculously stupid. Some of the effects were very obviously fake but thankfully onlyDecent action and effects. Acting is okay. Plot is ludicrous and the way the Secret Service and the Capitol Police were portrayed were... unbelievable and ridiculously stupid. Some of the effects were very obviously fake but thankfully only some since most were done fairly well.… Expand
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6
python2000Sep 25, 2013
A straightforward predictable action movie. Think of all the action cliches known to man, now throw them all together and restore Aaron Eckharts' face. You have Olympus Has Fallen. Not boring, but not exciting. Morgan Freeman and AaronA straightforward predictable action movie. Think of all the action cliches known to man, now throw them all together and restore Aaron Eckharts' face. You have Olympus Has Fallen. Not boring, but not exciting. Morgan Freeman and Aaron Eckhart do provide some relief from all the explosions and gunfights by giving good performances. But it's not enough to save the whole 2 hour movie… Expand
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6
jamessAug 14, 2013
Better than it has a right to be, given the outlandish plot, and the fact that the entire security force of the White House is shot to pieces, but our lonegun hero barely gets winged. The cast is uniform as they go through their paces, theBetter than it has a right to be, given the outlandish plot, and the fact that the entire security force of the White House is shot to pieces, but our lonegun hero barely gets winged. The cast is uniform as they go through their paces, the ever resourceful Gerald Butler, the gruff Prez Aaron Eckhart, the stalwart temp Prez Morgan Freeman, and so on..nice to see Melissa Leo and Robert Forster (doing his best Robert Loggia) in supporting roles. And the action is well directed, and Mr. Fuqua keeps the tension well placed throughout. Just look out for giant screaming cliches (not one, but two machines of extreme destruction), and an out right steal from the Die Hard playbook, the bad guy posing as good. And do you think Butler saves the world with only 3 seconds to spare??? Don't hurt yourself guessing...… Expand
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4
Dimitris01Oct 10, 2013
Butler is a good actor but the plot makes suspension of disbelief impossible, the action has nothing special and the ending is very predictable. Prefer to watch the Die Hard trilogy again.
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5
Mk_UltraJul 5, 2013
Good cast, really one of those action movies thats a "one man army" deal but then again it has good action scenes, pretty good concept idea, I didn't mind it all, the average action movie junkie would be enticed, and wet their whistle withGood cast, really one of those action movies thats a "one man army" deal but then again it has good action scenes, pretty good concept idea, I didn't mind it all, the average action movie junkie would be enticed, and wet their whistle with pro America, pro government clichés. Americans would most likely dig this movie, I'm not American but i did enjoy it. definitely worth a watch.… Expand
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6
HansFlicksJul 5, 2013
Antoine Fuqua's back catalogue is a bizarre mixture of intelligent film-making and mindless, yet enjoyable drivel. Olympus Has Fallen is firmly rooted in the latter, foregoing any smarts it could have had and coming out the other side as aAntoine Fuqua's back catalogue is a bizarre mixture of intelligent film-making and mindless, yet enjoyable drivel. Olympus Has Fallen is firmly rooted in the latter, foregoing any smarts it could have had and coming out the other side as a ridiculously overblown action movie that I tried hard not to like, but was tough to completely resist.

From the opening sequence onwards, it's clear that the focus here is most definitely not the characters. Dialogue is dry and cheesy, character development largely non-existent and the score excessively emphasised. There's no room for misinterpretation and it soon becomes clear that any part of the film that is not made up of action is just filler, inserted purely for the purpose of providing the odd breather from the gunplay and explosions. To make matters worse, the drama is often so bad that moments intended to be heartfelt frequently result in laughter, rather than the intended response. These factors combined should result in a flick that's borderline unwatchable, but somehow they don't.

Make no mistake, this is one of those instances where something is so bad that it's almost good. The abject lack of attention to realism is staggering and leads to the conclusion that it must be at least partly deliberate. Fans of the genre will find a great deal to enjoy, as almost the entire running time is packed with explosives and countless rounds of ammunition. The body count within the first hour alone dwarfs that of many of its contemporaries and, whilst it may leave a bad taste for some, is all geared towards creating the most ridiculous spectacle you'll have seen in a while.

Gerard Butler excels in this kind of role, drawing on his experiences from Gamer and Law Abiding Citizen amongst others. It's all 'duty' this and 'duty' that, with next to nothing in the way of motivation. It's remarkably vacuous, but ultimately conforms to the aesthetic of the movie without fault. It's also refreshing in some ways that the evil doers are not Russian for a change, but in all honesty, they may as well be, with the plot taking the same painfully predictable path that is par for the course, given the nature of the flick.

This isn't a picture that's going to be winning awards any time soon. It will also be a huge turn off for some. However, for those who enjoy spectacle above all else, you could definitely do worse than the raging fireballs and dimwitted melodrama that are on offer here.… Expand
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6
RevRonAug 8, 2013
This one has its problems. The story drags at parts and a lot of the performances are underwhelming. However, I dug the story, the action is decent and the movie has a great villain. The film lacks a certain "wow factor" that other actionThis one has its problems. The story drags at parts and a lot of the performances are underwhelming. However, I dug the story, the action is decent and the movie has a great villain. The film lacks a certain "wow factor" that other action films have but it's not a bad view.… Expand
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4
FranzHcriticJan 17, 2014
An idea clichéd to a point of no return, and acting (Freeman is pardoned, as is Eckhart), and the Koreans, rogue or not, are in no shape or form, threatening to us. The story itself destroys any creativity, and all the devastation cannot beAn idea clichéd to a point of no return, and acting (Freeman is pardoned, as is Eckhart), and the Koreans, rogue or not, are in no shape or form, threatening to us. The story itself destroys any creativity, and all the devastation cannot be recuperated from in just one day. There isn't really a happy ending out of all the people who died to save one man, and it's a disgrace that they even try at an optimistic conclusion for the waste of time and filming this movie took from Freeman and Eckhart, the only decent actors in the film.… Expand
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4
highlander_Dec 12, 2013
Well, that movie was a disappointment. The potential was there for a good movie, the relationship with the President was well done, the lead character was believable and the attack on the White House was clever enough to suspend yourWell, that movie was a disappointment. The potential was there for a good movie, the relationship with the President was well done, the lead character was believable and the attack on the White House was clever enough to suspend your disbelief. And then it all fell apart terribly.

Why did they not use the son more? That's your tension right there. They seemed to be building it up and it was like they just gave up on the stroryline. Don't get me started on the codes nonsense.

And oh the plot-holes. Look it's an action movie, I can forgive bullets that never hit the hero, magic weapons, stuff like that but what's unforgivable are characters that do things and situations that would never, ever happen. They just spoiled the movie completely.

And the violence. Wow. I think the director watched too much Walking Dead. It was completely gratuitous and overly graphic.

Overall the movie had all the right ingredients but were spoiled completely by the terrible plot holes. Not recommended.… Expand
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5
NickOrreyJun 2, 2014
Typical for Hollywood.. Countless other examples of action hero films that are much better than this one. I would recommend you to miss this film, not worth watching. I don't think there's much to explain about this film. Dull and trite,Typical for Hollywood.. Countless other examples of action hero films that are much better than this one. I would recommend you to miss this film, not worth watching. I don't think there's much to explain about this film. Dull and trite, president in danger, one man army, saves president, happy ever after.. I would recommend you to walk out on this one. Adequate acting, but the main issue with the film is how it was executed and it's cliche plot. This film would have been better if the plot was original.… Expand
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4
AaronDWassermanJun 26, 2015
If you really suspended disbelief you can kind of go along with this movie. But it suffers with just poor script decisions such as plot, dialogue ect. it is very predictible, and well... stupid.
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4
EpicLadySpongeMar 4, 2016
I wanted to place this review for placing London Has Fallen a review. So far the cheesiest backstory I've ever seen for a 2013 movie. At least it was better than London Has Fallen.
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6
sjultiMay 16, 2017
Olympus Has Fallen is a good action movie Gerard Butler is the best thing about this movie he's such a badass, besides that though their Isint much to love about this movie most of the rest of the characters are boring or don't really matterOlympus Has Fallen is a good action movie Gerard Butler is the best thing about this movie he's such a badass, besides that though their Isint much to love about this movie most of the rest of the characters are boring or don't really matter a lot of times where Gerard wasint on screen it would be boring, although the action scenes are amazing this is a decent movie overall I'd say watch it for Gerard Butler alone.… Expand
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4
FilipeNetoMay 8, 2022
I often like well-executed action movies, but unfortunately American cinema is prolific in spreading action movies that pull a lot to self-loom and hollow patriotism. Movies like "Independence Day" or "Air Force One"... this movie limitsI often like well-executed action movies, but unfortunately American cinema is prolific in spreading action movies that pull a lot to self-loom and hollow patriotism. Movies like "Independence Day" or "Air Force One"... this movie limits itself to follow this path and imitating its predecessors. Just see the code name used to the White House: Olympus! As if the US president were a kind of modern-day Zeus!

The film's script is almost just a huge excuse for uninterrupted action scenes. After a few minutes, we plunged into a succession of gunfire and explosions that have no end, and we see the White House be invaded by a true army, armed to the teeth, without Secret Services or US Army doing something to avoid it. With the president held hostage and all the US nuclear weaponry at the mercy of evildoers, it's just a matter of time for tragic consequences. Of course, it will all depend on one man, and the courage and resistance of the president, who will be a true hero.

There are, in the midst of all this, some tiring scenes and situations. The action begins almost without any warning, and the first half-hour length must have spent more bullets and gunpowder than the invasion of Iraq. Undoubtedly, a feature that captures the public's attention, but condemns much of the rest of the film to a kind of doldrums, as American secret agents seek to sneak into the White House, sewed to what is left of their walls. There are, however, truly appealing scenes for the good American patriot, such as that Secretary of State who is brutally beaten while reciting the oath to the flag. On the other hand, I felt that there is an exaggerated importance around the president's little son, as if he were some active member of the Government or had the key to some nuclear bomb stuck in his pants pocket.

The cast features several big names, starting with the unavoidable Morgan Freeman, in another action movie where he gives us again what has already given us in other similar movies, especially "Deep Impact". This does not mean that the actor has done a bad job, only that it is not particularly original or new. Gerard Butler was equally effective in the way he gave life to the great hero intended to save the day, and Aaron Eckhart was also very well in the skin of the heroic and patriotic president of the US. John Yune, moreover, proves to be worthy of our hatred for his way of acting and his intentions.

Technically, the movie bets almost everything in extraordinary visual and special effects, the result of intelligent use of CGI and the green screen. Unfortunately, it is so spectacular and intense that it becomes almost unbelievable, as a video game. The sets are good and seem to reproduce well the interiors and environments of the White House, or at least, what we know that there is. Cinematography is equally very good, and the soundtrack is effective, though not memorable.… Expand
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5
humunguschungusMay 25, 2019
Olympus has fallen is a offensively average action film that never uses it's star power to its advantage. Although this film can be mildly entertaining, in the end it is nothing more than another mindless action film.
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6
manaadeJan 13, 2022
I enjoyed this movie, no, I enjoyed it quite a bit. I didn't expect much at first, and the content isn't that new, but I enjoyed it with the action and acting.
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