User Score
6.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 137 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 99 out of 137
  2. Negative: 21 out of 137

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  1. Mar 23, 2013
    10
    This is a GREAT action movie. I'm judging it based on an action movie not a movie up for an oscar. It has a lot of cool action scenes, good plot, well acted and was intense. I think it is the perfect action movie.
  2. Mar 22, 2013
    7
    It's essentially the first Die Hard meets Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2... (and actually, it was way better than that most recent stinky entry in the Die Hard franchise).
  3. Mar 22, 2013
    9
    What a great F#cking movie. I have no idea why some people are giving it such bad reviews. If you like action thrillers then this movie will get your blood boiling and heart pounding. When certain part of the movie occurred (which will remain nameless as not to spoil anyone) the crowd started cheering and there was an applause at the end of the film. The only downfall that I saw in the movie were some real life inaccuracies. other than that it was one of Gerard Butler's best films. Expand
  4. Mar 22, 2013
    9
    This is a great action movie. Reminiscent of the original Die Hard and Under Siege. Well acted, high body count and well paced, the film never gets preachy or off topic. Not believable, but still a great experience and still better than the other action movies that have come out this year.
  5. Mar 22, 2013
    8
    This is one wild ride! It will be too much for some people (too much noise, too much blood, etc etc) but that's okay. If you're able to suspend your disbelief, Fuqua's pacing zips along so fast that you bounce over the plot holes. It's like a roller coaster you'll want to get back on as soon as it's over. Butler, Freeman, Basset, Eckhart, et al are terrific! Do not be swayed see it for yourself
  6. Apr 9, 2013
    8
    A movie that bring the audience right back to 80's action movies. Crappy effects, unbelievable plot and over the top action sequences. This is the recipe to a good old action movie, simple yet many other movies have failed at it like the last stand. Great movie for good old mindless fun.
    I dot think this movie is gonna wipe the oscars but is certainly worth a matinee price.
  7. Mar 22, 2013
    3
    It's not a terrible film, and it gets your blood up if you're a red-blooded American. But I think certain directors and producers have a fetish which involves destroying American landmarks, killing American civilians, and desecrating the American flag in really creative ways. Sure, for cheesy movie like this to work, you have to get really pissed at the bad guy for that cathartic payoff at the end. But the level of destruction and killing in the first half of this film strains credulity and is over-the-top. Butler's not bad at all in his role, but Morgan Freeman is wasted. And he's a softie. Finally, I'm fascinated that Hollywood lacks the sack to make China the enemy in these movies (Red Dawn, etc.) North Koreans have a tough time scraping together food for their families they don't have the resources to put together operations like this. And for what? The bad guys' motivation is preposterous. ALL that being said, if you're out for a little brainless fun, it'll work. Expand
  8. Mar 22, 2013
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. American hubris at it's most heavy handed (and not in the fun way). It goes beyond mere fantasy into nationalistic mutual masturbation. Every single American cliche is used. For example, as the Secretary of Defense is dragged to the top floor she says the Pledge of Allegiance to steel herself against the possibility of death. Machismo is satisfied in a number of ways with all female characters (except one) either beaten or killed. In the end, of course, America is united through astronomical blood sacrifice to be "reborn" and unified. Also, I am pretty sure that Morgan Freeman is wasted as a very weak Speaker of the House. It was almost comical, but so heavy handed and cliched that I couldn't even laugh. Expand
  9. Mar 23, 2013
    0
    Truly a horrible movie. Not the actors' fault--they did well enough. Just a dumb plot with completely implausible elements. Don't watch this. You'd be better off staying home and watching re-runs of West Wing.
  10. Mar 24, 2013
    1
    I can't believe I paid money to watch this movie. Absolutely terrible. The only reason I didn't give it a zero is because there were a few decent parts. If you are a remotely intelligent person you will find this movie's plot repulsive. It makes no sense at all, characters die for no reason, the CGI is awful, just a very poor movie.
  11. Mar 31, 2013
    5
    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?
  12. Mar 25, 2013
    1
    Prepare to have your intelligence insulted. Admittedly I saw this on a "guys night out" and I was the only one who hated it in our group of four. That's no excuse for such a steaming pile of Hollywood poo. Its so over the top its better as a parody of action flicks rather than an action flick in its own right. (We need the Mystery Science Theater guys to talk over this one.) I want my nine bucks and two hours back. Expand
  13. Mar 23, 2013
    2
    This movie was terrible! Bad acting all around. Nothing made sense. They tried to make the movie shocking with the violence, but it was laughable. Worst movie I've seen in a long time. I thought this movie was going to be better than Die Hard 5 based on the scores, but it was actually worse. I think there were only two good scenes in the movie: when Butler interrogates two bad guys, and when he saves the kid. There were so many scenes where they were trying to be serious, but I couldn't help but laugh out loud because they were so dumb. How this got a mid 40s score from the critics is beyond me. Expand
  14. Mar 22, 2013
    5
    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 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
    out 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.
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  15. Mar 22, 2013
    10
    It's Die Hard in the White House. Olympus has Fallen has a great edgy feeling to it, making the film just like Die Hard movies. The plot was great and the action was mesmerizing. This is the movie for action fanatics but it seems like its more than that. Die Hard 5 is just what I wanted this to be, but the stinky Good Day To Die Hard entered and blowed my mind. Olympus has Fallen is great. Maybe it's the best movie of 2013. Expand
  16. Mar 22, 2013
    6
    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' 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
  17. Mar 31, 2013
    2
    Simply awful, acting is very poor and topic has been done to death. Needed more to be orginal but it fell short shame really, I felt rather disapointed I was expecting more.
  18. Apr 28, 2013
    5
    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
  19. Mar 25, 2013
    10
    This movie in my book gets a 10/10 for accomplishing what it set out to be, and ACTION movie. Forget the Oscars and Golden Globes ladies and gentlemen, this is a true action movie with the right premise and the right excuse to blow car up and shoot anything that moves. Yes the plot is unrealistic, but thats not what I expect from this movie. I wanted tension, suspense, action, and thrill and Olympus Has Fallen delivers in spades. If I had to choose between watching this or Argo, I would watch this. Dont get me wrong Argo was a good movie, but Olympus Has Fallen is more ENTERTAINING, and at the end of the day, thats why I watch movies, for entertainment. This is the Die Hard sequel I was waiting for. PS: thank you Antoine Fuqua for giving us some old school 90's action it was about time someone nailed this genre again Expand
  20. Mar 28, 2013
    8
    Gerard Butler has had a long string on movie duds, but this one will put him back on solid ground as an intrepid Secret Service agent. After terrorists stage a spectacular attack on the White House and hold President Aaron Eckhart hostage, Butler is the only one who can save the day. As this genre goes, this is pretty much by the numbers, but it's well staged and well acted (who even recognized Melissa Leo in that wig?). The fights are sometimes too jumbled to follow, but the plot (pun intended) offers a frightening theory that's effectively played out. Expand
  21. Mar 25, 2013
    6
    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 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
  22. Apr 9, 2013
    5
    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.
  23. Apr 24, 2013
    6
    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 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
  24. Apr 1, 2013
    6
    Quick sum up: Salt meets Rambo meets Mars attacks (Only the stuff blowing up). cc
  25. Apr 10, 2013
    6
    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 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 s
    tabbings, 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
  26. Apr 17, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Only knowing a little bit about the film to start with (it has Gerard Butler and Morgan Freeman), I took the film with a pinch of salt. Now I'm not saying this is a brilliant film, because it's not, but it's still a great film to keep you giddy on the way home.

    Now the beginning 20 minutes are somewhat flawed. Gerard's character, Mike, is the security to the President, his wife and his son. Unfortunately, something happens (which was kind of predictable). The car the president and his wife are in spirals out of control after a crash and ends up leaning off a bridge (the car wasn't really going fast mind you. The driver must have sped the car up instead of slowed it down after the car in front got hit). Unfortunately, a tragic accident occurs to which Mike had tried to help in, and 18 months later, it see's that Mike has been taken off the security, purely because his face reminds the president of that tragic day... ah wha? Now I'm not saying these are the only flaws of the movie, because there are spots here and there that don't add up, but if you try, you can just ignore them and enjoy the film.

    The premise of the film is that the Koreans come to the United States and end up taking control of the white house. They leave a mess behind to do it too, mind you. They take control, and their aim is to try and make the United States as vulnerable as Korea has been in its time, what with poverty and pain occurring everyday in some places. The only one who can try and stop them however, is... Mike. And don't get me wrong, this is no doubt one movie Gerard was suited for, and his performance really pulls you in from the middle to end.

    This movie tended to be surprising in some cases, because there were a lot of moments where I thought "this is going to happen, I know it" and before I knew it..... it didn't happen. So that was a nice change.

    As for Morgan Freeman's performance, as much as I like the guy, I'm kind of wondering what the point of his character was. I mean, he came into the film, did a bit of commanding, and then went out again... barely no backstory to his character. In fact, one part of his character made me think "well that escalated quickly". See if you can guess which part.

    Another big name is Aaron Eckhart, who you might remember as Two-Face in The Dark Knight. It was weird to not see his character turn out to be a villain like in TDK, even though I half expected him to just come out and go "Hi. I'm two-face". However, he played the role of a President quite well, even if there are a few kinks into his story.

    Overall, with great action sequences, some surprising moments and great performances, Olympus Has Fallen deserved my money... even if there are some moments that make no sense... for example: is it REALLY this easy to take down the white house? Cause if so... damn...
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  27. Mar 23, 2013
    10
    this film is much better than I expected. Its extremely action-packed and has very interesting characters. America FTW guys! The most patriotic movie i've seen in a while.
  28. May 3, 2013
    7
    Olympus has fallen is the first of the big White House action to pieces to be released this year, followed by White House Down later on. While there is plenty to see and enough action to please the masses, the film isn't without its problems.
    Gerard Butler takes the lead as Mike Branning, a secret service agent of the President Asher's (Aaron Eckhart) personal detail who after a tragic ac
    cident is working in the treasury office job 18 months later, missing his old job. Business continues as normal throughout the White House, but an air assault from a rogue aircraft begins to shoot up most of Washington, on its way to the White House.
    Branning makes his way towards the White House, now a graveyard of unfortunate victims, and of course now under siege.
    When he eventually makes contact with the outside world, he is tasked with rescuing the Presidents son who hasn't been seen since the events unfolded, and he then must try his best to save the President, who has problems of his own inside the Presidents bunker.
    Olympus does have all the brass to be one of the most enjoyable popcorn films of the year..and it should be, save for a view errors that cannot be brushed aside.
    Gerard Butler, through no fault of his own, is quite wooden throughout the film..he didn't really have a whole lot to say and his funny moments were just simply a few swear words to many, his acting is great and he looks tough, but his dialogue and character development suffered in the process. This was an ongoing problem throughout the film, there was a lot of characters to know about but enough to remember them. Morgan Freeman, again didn't have a lot to do but call the shots for a while, but Melissa Leo had the the most memorable lines as Secretary of Defence Ruth McMillan, delivering an exciting and fiery performance.
    Dylan McDermott continues to shine in his limited roles onscreen, he was excellent in The Campaign and succeeds in creating a powerful character in this film as Secret Service agent Dave Forbes.
    It's exciting to see a large talented cast come together, and in this case an explosive and fast-paced thrill has been created that certainly isn't without it's problems, but is definitely worth an entertaining two hours of your time
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  29. Apr 8, 2013
    5
    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 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
  30. Apr 4, 2013
    8
    I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed thrill ride of a movie. Yes it does seem completely impossible at times and the secret service looks pretty incompetent but it doesn't take away from the many awesomeness factors. I think the plot does of good job of making you care about its characters and the many twists and turns keep you engaged. All in all the movie can be a little cheesy at times but I highly recommend you see it. Expand
  31. Apr 12, 2013
    9
    Very good film. I quite enjoyed it for an action movie and thought the actors did a great job. A couple things could have been touched up on or more utilized, but nothing major and the ending could have been a little more extended but not much... Those are minor grips. Otherwise, check it out. Definately worth the price of admission (I went to an afternoon viewing of it)
  32. Apr 22, 2013
    6
    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 other substance to offer. Oh, and if you are Korean, you are going to LOVE the ultra-bad "Korean" accents.
  33. May 18, 2013
    4
    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.
  34. May 3, 2013
    8
    The rating was just so so on imdb. I thought this would be as terrible as die hard 5, but i was wrong. This one was so much better and much more entertaining than die hard 5. Full throttle action, very enjoyable, intense and great acting. I could have given it 10, but since there were too much civilians killing and massacre scenes therefore i reduce it to 8. This movie worth every and my time on big screen. Expand
  35. Apr 14, 2013
    2
    Laughable plot, careless CGI, anticlimactic ending, and uninteresting characters. I wanted to enjoy myself, but I just couldn't get past all the mindlessness. Watch at your own rate.
  36. Mar 23, 2013
    7
    You are really going to have to suspend your disbelief with this film if you want to enjoy it. Its pretty obvious that a situation like this would never happen and if you can put this and a few flaws aside, its actually a surprising good action film. If Die Hard 5 was actually good, it would be this movie. Sure, some of the dialogue is cheesy and hit or miss and you can tell how hard Butler is trying to keep his accent hidden but these are just nit picks. Its a solid action movie if you can forgive the minor flaws. Expand
  37. Mar 24, 2013
    9
    the first part of the movie was.......boring.but after 15 minutes the movie was very good actually,and it was very interasting and thrilling so it succeed to help this movie get a 9 out of me.
  38. Mar 27, 2013
    7
    "Olympus Has Fallen" was surprisingly effective the effects were excellent, the action non-stop, and the acting strong from all the major players and yes, I was surprised by this! I read a review that trashed the dialogue but it was kind of shooting ducks in a pond, as this movie is "Die Hard In The White House" not "Lincoln." It's a populist action thriller that delivered action and thrills...check your artistic pretensions at the door and take the ride it was fun! Expand
  39. Mar 25, 2013
    7
    It may be wholly unoriginal and occasionally outrageous, but those factors don't change the truth "Olympus Has Fallen" is a suspenseful, thrilling, well-acted, and (Most importantly) fun action flick.
  40. Apr 3, 2013
    6
    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 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
  41. Apr 5, 2013
    3
    Not good. Not good at all. This was the single most over hyped movie I have seen since The Dark Knight Rises. The cgi sucks, the acting is mediocre at best, and it's incredibly boring and tedious.
  42. Apr 29, 2013
    5
    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 kinda like an old-school 80's action film with Gerald Butler standing in for Chuck Norris.
  43. Mar 29, 2013
    8
    This movie was awesome!!!!!!!!!!! From start to finish you don't know what's coming. The action scenes were fantastic and the execution of the story was great. Morgan Freeman and Gerard Butler had great performances. Some people say that it was a ripoff of Air force one but in my opinion it was much better. The only tiny flaw was that at first the dialogue was kind of corny but it straightened out as the story progressed. Everyone go see this because you won't regret it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Expand
  44. Apr 23, 2013
    5
    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. 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
  45. Mar 24, 2013
    8
    First of all, to hell with the reviewers on here that bashed the film because of the terrorist scenes. Did you not watch the trailer or read what the film is about? Stop playing politics. Tea Party morons upset over a film, Do us a favor, leave your ridiculous political opinions to yourselves and just stay home and watch Atlas Shrugged or old Ronald Reagan Youtube clips. Olympus Has Fallen is everything you want in an action film. Sure, The situation itself is incredibly unrealistic. It's total mayhem, but Damn its fun! I hope Bruce Willis is taking notes, After "A Good Day To Die Hard" he could use Antoine Fuqua for the next film. Daring, nonstop action. Wonderful to see Gerard Butler back as a Badass! Expand
  46. Apr 30, 2013
    9
    This film was great for me it was the die hard film we didn't get in February really good acting and action it was everything I wish for in a action movie. I would definitely see it again. See I have no idea why people are moaning about this film I think people are really angry recently every film what has been out recently getting awful reviews everybody must be on their periods or summit
  47. Mar 22, 2013
    9
    Putting into mind that its fiction based on could be reality, than you can consider it as the first valid action flick this summer and could be one of the best this year. Gerard butler makes his comeback in his favorite genre as a serious warrior type image. all the rest played around him but played well.
  48. Mar 22, 2013
    10
    The film was a lot of fun. If you really don't over-think the movie, you're going to enjoy it. Much better than "Red Dawn". I would say if you enjoyed the movie "Salt", you'll enjoy this one.
  49. Mar 26, 2013
    0
    i guest this movie goal for give up nationalisme the people americ aof attack by other country,,because this few month there issues attack from north korea and others countryt,,,this punish for people america for support to israel.
  50. Mar 27, 2013
    8
    My Take:
    Gerard Butler has had a very interesting career littered with some solid films as well as some duds. When I saw the initial trailer for Olympus Has Fallen I was glad to see his return to the action genre where I think he fares the best. While everyone will always remember his role as Leonidas in 300 he has a few notable other films that I have liked, particularly Law Abiding Citi
    zen which I felt was enjoyable because of his work as Clyde Shelton. Antoine Fuqua is known for his stellar work on action thrillers, the most well-known being Training Day which we all know got Denzel Washington his second Academy Award. Fuqua did a tremendous job showing theater-goers a visceral and at times an all too real depiction of how a terrorist attack on the White House can occur. (Let’s hope the terrorists aren’t taking notes.) While there were a few elements that definitely screamed far-fetched, the fact remains that those moments were few and far between. Gerard Butler delivered an excellent performance as Banning and Aaron Eckhart channeled his pre-Two-Face Harvey Dent to deliver some great lines and bring cohesiveness to a well paced action thriller. I am sure many will ask about Morgan Freeman’s performance which I feel needs no breakdown because Morgan Freeman’s acting is in a class all its own. If I ever had my life story turned into a movie, I’d want Freeman to narrate it. If there is one actor I need to discuss a bit further it is the consistently solid Rick Yune who I saw in action this weekend as well in The Man With The Iron Fists. Rick Yune has great screen presence and seems to add an air of finesse to any villain he plays. I think Yune has the potential to be a solid lead after playing such great villains. Olympus Has Fallen delivered hard-hitting action scenes coupled with great acting and fight choreography I commend Antoine Fuqua for putting together such a solid cast with standouts such as Melissa Leo, Angela Bassett and Dylan McDermott and allowing them ample screen time to make audiences connect with them throughout the film.

    Recommendation:
    It is very easy to call this film “Die Hard at The White House” and honestly it wouldn’t be a stretch considering the way Gerard Butler portrayed Banning, but there is more to this film and it’s plot is engaging enough to keep you interested for its two-hour run time. I am glad to see Butler doing action films again. I thought his stock had taken a tumble after those terrible romantic comedies he has done recently. Olympus Has Fallen in a solid film from start to finish with copious servings of violence wrapped and side of good acting. This is film that I am sure will go under the radar much like another one of Fuqua’s movies Shooter, but my hope is that audiences prove me wrong.
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  51. Apr 15, 2013
    9
    I first want to say, I am anti-American. Born and raised in Russia, my parents abandoned me because of the economy. I've always blamed that on America.

    I honestly think this could never happen to the White House but it is still a great film to watch. It had me on the edge of my seat. It is quite a cheesy (how many movies have a plot similar to this?) but I didn't mind.

    A great politi
    cal thriller. I highly recommend it. Expand
  52. Mar 30, 2013
    7
    The movie could have been a little bit happier and switched scenes more often. the movie wasn't too great but did have a lot of action and a good sense of humor in it
  53. DRT
    Apr 7, 2013
    10
    I can't believe Hollywood became this pathetic weak story over done what a waste of 2 hours of the weekend this crew should be ashamed of them selves
  54. Apr 7, 2013
    0
    This movie was so bad it made me create a profile and write a review. This is my first. This is a horrible movie, so transparent in plot and so lacking in style I actually laughed al the way through it. This is a thin and badly made façade to demonise North Korea to justify the US Government going to war. The imagery was so crude that America is good and NK so bad I laughed, a five yearr old could see through it. Avoid, for the love of god and country avoid. This movie deserves to go down in history as a piece of crude propaganda that Goebbels would be proud of. Expand
  55. May 21, 2013
    6
    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.
  56. Apr 25, 2013
    7
    Although it suffers from a slow buildup, I found the action quite good and overall it had a nice Die Hard feel to it. The story suffers from some clichés, however, and I felt it difficult to believe such an attack would be so easy but after a while I was hooked.
  57. Apr 27, 2013
    8
    A good action movie full of Gerard Butler's role is good I liked it and as always Starring Morgan Freeman doing another excellent Aaron Eckhart is not far behind as U.S. president
  58. May 10, 2013
    10
    Great acting. Great effects. Great story. Quality film. The story kept me watching, and i nevere got tired of it. Very exciting. Cant wait til it comes out on dvd!
Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 31
  2. Negative: 7 out of 31
  1. Reviewed by: Guy Lodge
    Apr 29, 2013
    60
    The thrills and the effects are cheap, but this is in hard-driving, good-humoured command of its own silliness.
  2. Reviewed by: Peter Bradshaw
    Apr 19, 2013
    40
    Part of the weirdness of this film lies in the fact that the tense North Korean situation in the real world gives it no realism or satirical edge, or prophetic authority of any kind.
  3. 30
    Olympus Has Fallen is a disgusting piece of work, but it certainly hits its marks — it makes you sick with suspense.