Notable Cast: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Joey King, James Woods, Richard Jenkins, Jason Clarke, Jimmi Simpson
Do you guys remember when Roland Emmerich did awesome movies? The man that did "Universal Soldier" and "Stargate?" The one that hasn't been seen in years replaced by a man obsessed with destroying various cities and monuments in disaster films? When he did tried-and-true over the top action films? You're in luck. That's the Emmerich that shows up for "White House Down." Granted, I have yet to see the other White House Gets Attacked film this year, "Olympus Has Fallen," but I have to say that "White House Down" was damn near the perfect blend of old school action with modern set pieces. It was gloriously over the top, funny with chemistry, and entertaining as hell. Yeah it has it's flaws writing wise, but dammit I was into the film from beginning to end.
John Cale (Tatum) has been desperately trying to work his way up as a security man at the White House. His track record unfortunately does not show his best sides outside of his war experience and even his daughter (King) doubts his dedication to making things work. When he takes his daughter on a tour of the White House when he has an interview for Secret Service, little does he know that a group of rogue militants have a plan to take the White House and the President (Foxx) hostage.
Fuck doors. Windows are better escape routes. |
Fuck doors. We'll go around them. |
Which brings me to what we truly came for: the action. While "Man Of Steel" showcased an action film where the action was boring and unconnected with its audience, "White House Down" has enough over the top action with a variety of sequences and styles to make up for my distraught over the super hero misfire. This film has everything. Fist fights on top of the White House, gun battles, a toaster weapon, hostages, three helicopter wrecks, tanks, and they even somehow get a car chase that is bound to the White House front lawn (to much awesome humorous remarks). Considering they only have essentially one location, Emmerich and company pack a whollop of action into it. Tatum earns his role as lead action star here (although I would argue his fist fight in "Haywire" might have been better) and the rest of the cast ably fill the action roles needed. To be honest, as an action connoisseur "White House Down" fulfilled all of my needs.
Fuck doors. We'll make our own. |
Written By Matt Reifschneider
After seeing Olympus Has Fallen, this was very weak in comparison, imo
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