Except for some special effects problems and a major plot point weakness by Morgan Freeman's character, this action thriller exceeds its predecessors in much the same way that Casino Royale (2006) updated the James Bond series. Instead of Bruce Willis's somewhat pedestrian everyman entertainment version of action thriller of the classic Die Hard (1988) and to a lesser extent Steven Segal's Asian humbled version of an action thriller of Under Siege (1992), Olympus Has Fallen is more serious and deliberate, especially in its set up. There's a later scene which takes from Under Siege in its deployment of special ops writ large.
The film suffers from the lack of consistency high tech special effects where some scenes look faked and Morgan Freeman's later executive decisions are somewhat questionable considering how serious and focused on authentic protocol tone of the overall movie. However, such weaknesses only slightly tarnish was is a well executed character development and edited opening sequences all the way through the initial Olympus has fallen scene. The script and Gerard Butler's character is also offered commendable platform where instead of Willis's or Segal's over the top action performances, Butler's execution is much more toned down and realistic and refrains from over the top dramatization which lends even more respect to the Office of the Presidency in this movie.
It's hard to watch this movie without considering the current North Korean threats of nuclear war and the insidious and cold-harded Asians cutting down a symbol of American power and prestige. Melissa Leo's performance as Secretary of Defense is on of the most gripping of any scene in the movie. The politically charged musical orchestration is also powerful, reminiscent Dance with Wolves (1990) or Gettysburg (1993).
Overall this action thriller sets a new standard for substantive and focused action that doesn't abuse its stunt work or special effects or or obvious stereotypes. A solid and gripping action thriller of the year.
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