London Has Fallen

Movie review by Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media
London Has Fallen Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 17+

Disappointing sequel is lifeless, violent, and depressing.

R 2016 99 minutes
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Parents say

age 16+

Based on 8 reviews

Kids say

age 14+

Based on 21 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

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

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.

Community Reviews

AquaHeart
AquaHeart Adult
September 2, 2021
age 16+

Violence fills the void that is this movie's plot

This movie is the ultimate example of filling a very lackluster plot with raw emotional appeal. Or, if I were a bit more blunt, "stuff that satisfies your ape brain." The protagonist is shown as some magical savior figure who, with the work of him alone, rains justice upon the terrorists, saving not just his entire country but the entire world. Talk about a bigger god complex. The protagonist shows no sign of a genuine moral compass beyond a blind unconditional love for his country and a desire to murder all who stand in its way. The movie shows America as the unquestionable ultimate superpower of the world. The movie displays Pakistani streets to represent Yemen. Need I really say more? Please don't bother watching this. This movie reeks of raw sadism.

This title has:

Too much violence
MiriJor
MiriJor Adult
June 18, 2021
age 15+

Misinformed

Yet another Hollywood movie installation of xinophobia and the story from one side. I think this movie is an insult to the London Scotland Yard more than to anything else insulted in the movie.. While the scenes are presented as in "Yemen", the places, costumes, streets, language, signs, names, and culture are all reflecting a Pakistani culture!! Totally misinformative and fooling of the observers intellect, giving the fact that Yemen and Pakistan have totally different culture, language, etc. Not even recommended for adult!
See all 8 parent reviews

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

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