London Has Fallen Movie Poster Image

London Has Fallen

age 17+
(i)

 

Disappointing sequel is lifeless, violent, and depressing.
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  • Review Date: March 4, 2016
  • Rated: R
  • Genre: Action/Adventure
  • Release Year: 2016
  • Running Time: 99 minutes

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What parents need to know

Positive messages

Amid the violence and mayhem is a message about patriotism. And a speech at the end of the movie raises thought-provoking questions: Is it better to get involved with world affairs or do nothing? Which is wiser? Which is safer? Which will result in positive change? How many kinds of options are there?

Positive role models

Mike is a skilled operative and a patriot serving his country. But he also causes large amounts of destruction and kills many without repercussions (or even remorse).

Violence

Large-scale violence, with disturbing images of London landmarks being destroyed, as well as countless innocent victims being killed. Lots of shooting (all kinds of guns and high-powered rifles) and killing, blood and dead bodies. Many exploding buildings and cars. A man is smashed against a concrete wall at high speed. A woman is stabbed through the chest with bloody metal shrapnel. Heat-seeking missiles are shot at helicopters. Much stabbing and slicing with knives; one knife goes through an eye. Punching and beating. Threatening with a machete.

Sex

A married couple kisses and is affectionate.

Language

Many uses of "f--k," plus "s--t," "balls," "son of a bitch," "goddamn," "hell," "Jesus" (as an exclamation).

Consumerism

Nike track suit shown, with logo. Mention of YouTube. Apple computers seen.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking

Repeated line mentions "bourbon."

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that London Has Fallen is the sequel to 2013's Olympus Has Fallen. Like the first movie, it features tons of violence; many real-life landmarks are depicted being destroyed, and countless innocent bystanders are killed. The good guy shoots, stabs, and kills many bad guys with no consequence or remorse. Viewers will see gruesome deaths and plenty of blood, as well as explosions. Language is also strong, with many uses of "f--k," "s--t," and more. Substance use and sex aren't really issues. Amid the violent mayhem are messages about patriotism and doing something vs. doing nothing.

What's the story?

After the events of Olympus Has Fallen, Secret Service Agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) is thinking of retiring, especially since his wife (Radha Mitchell) is about to have a baby. But before Mike can turn in his badge, the prime minister of England dies unexpectedly, and leaders from all over the globe are invited to London for the funeral -- including U.S. President Asher (Aaron Eckhart). Mike accompanies the president across the pond with very little preparation, and once they're there, a terrorist launches an all-out attack in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike two years earlier that killed the terrorist's family. Mike collects the president and spirits him away through the city streets, but with bad guys disguised as cops and military personnel, who can he trust? And can he stop the evil master plan?

Is it any good?

QUALITY

Anyone who was calling for a sequel to Olympus Has Fallen should've been careful what they wished for; this sequel borrows shamelessly from many action classics and ends up lifeless and dim. LONDON HAS FALLEN is interesting when it's showing the logistics of assembling so many world leaders in one place, but that order is quickly turned into brain-numbing chaos. And director Babak Najafi uses at least one impressive, 60-second tracking shot, but that still leaves about 90 dull minutes to slog through.

Butler is no Harrison Ford or Bruce Willis; he can't handle the dopey quips the screenplay gives him. Other, Oscar-nominated actors get even less dialogue, and much of that is forced and clunky. There's no one to connect with. Most of the action is either underdeveloped or relies on coincidence. And, worse, the movie may leave you feeling depressed and guilty, wondering whether, these days, movies about large-scale terrorist attacks ought to be marketed as slam-bang entertainment?

Families can talk about...

  • Families can talk about London Has Fallen's violence. Is it thrilling or disturbing? What's the difference? What's the impact of media violence on kids?

  • In the movie, terrorists blow up a real-life city and kill both innocent bystanders and world leaders. How do you feel about the idea of making entertainment out of a terrifying situation? Is it upsetting? What other emotions did you feel?

  • The vice president's speech at the end of the movie advocates getting involved, rather than doing nothing. Do you agree or disagree? What other factors might be involved?

  • How does the movie compare to the previous entry, Olympus Has Fallen? Which do you like better, and why?

Movie details

Theatrical release date:March 4, 2016
Cast:Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman
Director:Babak Najafi
Studio:Focus Features
Genre:Action/Adventure
Run time:99 minutes
MPAA rating:R
MPAA explanation:strong violence and language throughout

This review of London Has Fallen was written by

Jeffrey M. Anderson
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are conducted by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

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Parent Written byMovies_Life March 4, 2016
age 16+

Good Movie for Highschoolers

This movie has a lot of violence. From punches to gunshots this movie has everything. Violence is meaningless and the president's security guard constantly kills many people. Language is about the same as the first movie, there's f-words and swearing but language is typical for a rated-r movie. There is almost no sexual content, just breif affection between husband and wife. Overall, the violence is overwhelming, but still fine for many mature 14 or 15 year old teens. This is a thrilling movie with much violence and language.
What other families should know
Too much violence
Too much swearing
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Teen, 15 years old Written bySlendyDaMan March 13, 2016
age 15+

Brutal

This was an OK movie, but really violent. Constant violence, most of it graphic with a lot of blood and strong language throughout including many uses of the F-word. My rating: rated R for strong bloody violence throughout ,disturbing images and strong language.
What other families should know
Too much violence
Too much swearing
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Adult Written byStudent of truth March 27, 2016
age 15+

speechless

i went to this movie with my dad unclr and cousin pumped and left pumped it was amazing. yes it was volent but kids seen worst it does say the f word 37 time but at scholl in 6 hours you hear it over 315 time but it is very good and pretty flipping funny so yeah theare is some drinking but not much just like wine and the worst is blood and languge
What other families should know
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much swearing
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