London Has Fallen

Name: London Has Fallen
Item: London Has Fallen
Rating: 2
Author: Jeffrey M. Anderson

Movie review by

Jeffrey M. Anderson, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 17+

(i)

Disappointing sequel is lifeless, violent, and depressing.

R
2016
99 minutes

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Parents say

age 16+

Based on 6 reviews

Kids say

age 14+

Based on 13 reviews

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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

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 & Representations

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."

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What 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.

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User Reviews

Parents say
Kids say

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 bu... Continue reading

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Parent of a 13-year-old Written bySam A. July 17, 2018

age 13+

Mature 13 yr olds + will enjoy

Lots of fighting, shooting, explosions. Vry appealing to the mature teens and some preteens

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Teen, 17 years old Written byHydroPlaysXband... April 4, 2020

age 15+

Disappointing sequel still had entertaining action.

London has Fallen is the “slightly” disappointing sequel to Olympus has Fallen and still stars decent performances from Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, and Morgan... Continue reading

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Kid, 10 years old February 17, 2020

age 10+

I loved it

violence 3/5: Large-scale violence, with disturbing images of London landmarks being destroyed, as well as countless innocent victims being killed. Lots of sho... Continue reading

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What's the story?

In LONDON 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?

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?

Talk to your kids 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?