Die Hard: Red Dawn

Olympus Has Fallen is the first part of the 'White House Attack' movies just like Mirror Mirror was the first part of last year's 'Snow White' movies or for some people just like Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter was the first part of last year's 'Abe Lincoln' movies. This summer, the bad guys will re-attack America's most protected building with Jamie Foxx in it and Channing Tatum plays the good guy. Expect over-the-top mayhem from the master of disaster himself, Roland Emmerich. Anyway, here I am going to review the film that marked Gerard Butler's return to action after two meh movies (three if you count Movie 43 as a proper movie). Olympus is directed by Antoine Fuqua of Training Day fame and whose last movie is not his finest although titled Brooklyn's Finest. The supporting cast is quite amazing with Aaron Eckhart, Melissa Leo, Ashley Judd, Angela Bassett, Dylan McDermott, Radha Mitchell and Morgan Freeman.

The plot is basically Die Hard in White House. The whole thing started when a paramilitary organization from Korea headed by a notorious terrorist impeccably infiltrated White House and took it over. And Mike Banning (Gerard Butler), an ex Secret Service found himself inside the taken-over White House and he's suddenly the only hope for United States to fight back against this terrorist attack. He may be disgraced from the service but he has an insider knowledge on the building and he also find himself in a chance to redeem himself from his past.

Sorry, WRONG movie

While the movie borrows elements from other movies, it still one hell of a movie. It was intense, bloody, pulse-pounding action/thriller. The whole plot maybe a little illogical like first of all, attacking White House and killing all the Secret Service agents and then what did the terrorist (Rick Yune/the Diamond Face from Die Another Day) expect after they succeeded? And whatever happens to the "United States of America doesn't negotiate with terrorists"? There are also some loose ends that remain unsolved until the credits rolled, like how did the super Korean invaders got ahold of the Hydra weapon or whatever happens to that drone? Olympus Has Fallen is truly the Die Hard sequel that we need and we deserve. Gerard Butler is fit for the role and he's pretty badass. Aaron Eckhart is also good in his role. Eckhart's presence made me think that this is what would happen if Harvey Dent didn't become Two-Face and eventually became POTUS. Anyway, bottom line the cast is fine. And the action oh my god. This is what the R rating is for. Using a lot of blood fx, violent killings, coarse language. The violence is, for me, satisfying and I wouldn't mind if they show some more. Olympus is not a big studio project so expect a so-so visual effects. Despite the plot flaws, the movie works as a good, thrilling time at the movies. One thing for sure, after I watched this, I'd like a Die Hard film with John McClane shooting Korean baddies and shout, "Gangnam style, motherf*ckers!"For those of you who can't wait for a sequel to OHF, don't worry, White House Down is just months away (or for me in Japan, a year perhaps). The paramilitary organization will strike back! although it may not be the same one. In conclusion, Olympus Has Fallen: rated 3.5/4

BONUS: Olympus Is To Die Hard For synopsis

In this sequel to Die Hard, John McClane took a vacation and decided to visit his son Jack in DC. John is oblivious to what Jack does in DC. Through his detective/parenting skills he found out that his son is working as one of the President's Secret Service. When John wanted to visit the White House, the Korean Prime Minister is having a meeting with the President of the United States. Suddenly, the Korean paramilitary organization headed by a notorious terrorist attacked White House and put the president as hostage and the whole nation in danger. John managed to get in the White House to find his son and became the nation's only hope to stop the terrorist's plan to unite Korea and take all of United States' money because in Die Hard movies, no matter how elaborate the plan is, it's always about money.

Next week's review: G.I. Joe Retaliation!