Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disappointing sequel is lifeless, violent, and depressing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
London Has Fallen
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say the film is highly violent and filled with strong language, which has led to a divided audience; while some appreciate the action and intensity, many find it disappointing compared to its predecessor and criticize its lack of substance. The protagonist is often depicted as a patriot but is often seen as remorseless, leading to mixed reactions about the messages conveyed through the film.
- high violence
- strong language
- disappointing sequel
- mixed reactions
- intense action
- weak story
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 4, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : June 14, 2016
- Cast : Gerard Butler , Aaron Eckhart , Morgan Freeman
- Director : Babak Najafi
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violence and language throughout
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate