Yes, it’s Gerry Butler time again, and to celebrate in style the release of his new movie Copshop, which the pesky virus has dissuaded me from seeing on the big screen at this point, it’s a chance to look back at this remarkable off-the-ropes sequel which somehow conspired to be better than the two preceding films (Olympus and London Has Fallen) in this franchise put together.
Secret service man-mountain Mike Banning (Gerry Butler) is a burnt-out case. His health is failing, his emotional range is narrowing, he barely recognises his own wife. Of course, that could be because she’s not played by the same actress (not Radha Mitchell, now Piper Perabo) as in the first two films, but despite such domestic wobbles, Banning’s loyalty to the President is unshakable. Ex-president Aaron Eckhart clearly didn’t fancy a third outing in this franchise either, so popular voice-over artist Morgan Freeman is hurriedly sworn in as Commander In Chief Allan Trumbull for Ric Roman Waugh’s cheeky, entertaining film.
In a topical political coup, Trumbull comes under attack from an airborne army of explosive drones, and in the eyes of the authorities, Banning is linked to this treasonous act of terrorism. Fleeing the scene, Banning hides out with his estranged dad, played by Nick Nolte in a full Yosemite Sam/Dirty Santa/prospector peeing–through-his-knee length beard get-up (‘I don’t do medication,’ says Nolte, in a knowing wink to the audience). Banning and his dad set out to find out who was responsible, while tough-nut FBI agent erm, Jada Pinkett Smith is in hot pursuit in the style of The Fugitive.
Although various personnel have jumped ship, Angel Has Fallen is easily the best of the trilogy, and arguably Butler’s best action film yet. Decent support (Danny Huston, Tim Blake Nelson) and improved action scenes including a truck chase through a forest, and a slam-bang shoot-out in a high-tech hospital climax that really delivers the goods. And hewn-from-granite leading man Butler is the happy centre that a straight-forward action movie requires; lily-livered liberal film critics may scoff, but a big man, a big gun and instant justice should ensure Angel Has Fallen is a guilty AF pleasure for all sides of the political spectrum.
Definitely a guilty pleasure. Butler seems to be able to pump out these high-concept pictures with regularity. And you are right – this is the best of the series. But may well be the last since Butler now complaining he has lost out on his backend. Copshop well worth a visit, by the way.
Yup, I fancy Copshop, and feel that Gerry has got a firmer grip on the action hero stuff than he did. More please!
Never quite the straight action hero. Might yet fill Liam Neeson’s boots.
I’d rather watch Goal 4 than another one of these.
I somehow missed this which is good as I can now watch it if it’s on Amazon or Netflix. I liked the first two so if this is even better that’s a Big Yep.
it’s not. Oh well.
Hahahahaa!
You sound like me! Were you channeling me when you wrote this?
We’ve talked about the other 2 Fallen films and i have to admit, while this sounds really tempting, I’m not sure I could get past the previous two. Of course, it IS inexcusable for Gerry to not recognize his own wife, whether she changed actresses or not. Maybe he’s taking the meds that Nolte isn’t?
And speaking of Nolte. Holy smokes, that’s some picture you included! 😀
Sorry, that’s actually a picture of me leaving the gym yesterday!
Third time was the charm with this franchise. I say this film is certified appropriate for Bookstodges.
You need a shave then! Or at least braid that beard..
If it ever goes free on Prime I’ll probably cave and background watch it. I do enjoy Freeman….
I promise you a decent time watching this film.
That picture was pre lockdown, I look much younger…
If I watch this, will my beard be as snowy white as yours?
You will look like me, it’s an infectious look….
And if it doesn’t work out, I can always try for the President Snowballs look:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUfSMFQU0AEIGr4.png
Is that you?
No, that’s President Snowballs from the Starving Games, but that’s my second choice of coiffeture style if watching Angel has Fallen doesn’t give me that big Moses beard you’re sporting.
Did you go to film school? You know all the key texts…
When I joined the Illuminati last year they put a bunch of movies straight into my brain. Allowed me to save money for the gold threads for my Masters robes.
Aha, I got this email last week, thought you might have something to do with it….
HELLO.
i Illuminati POWERFUL Genuine spell caster, DID YOU WANT TO JOIN THE Illuminati? i Dr ONOBUN GABRIEL (WATER) SPIRITUAL HERBALIST HEALER/ LOST LOVE SPELL CASTER/ INSTANT GENUINE MONEY SPELLS/ BLACK MAGIC DESTROYER IN UK, USA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA,INDIA and most all, THESE ARE THE PROBLEMS i DR ONOBUN GABRIEL (WATER) CAN SOLVE WITH MY SPELL, HEALING POWERFUL, SPELLS TO BRING YOUR EX CUPU BACK, with cure and so also to bring your ex lover back with you in spell health, contact my email onobunwinhome@gmail.com
Ahhh, ol’ Gabriel is up to his tricks again I see. I’ll have to bring up his behavior at our next meeting. That kind of “profit on the side” thing is strictly against the by-laws.
Psychic Grandma say’s he’s a fraud. She used him to try to get her Ex back and wound up with a toad….
Are you joking? I’ve been waiting for my Illuminate invite for years, I assumed you’d put in a good word for me.
What will I end up getting for my money?
I’ve been trying to get them to invite you. But certain “other” people who aren’t TRUE Bookshevikists have been playing politics, and DIRTY politics at that. I’m afraid it might be in gridlock for a couple more years. So be patient.
Well, if Psychic G got a toad when she wanted her Ex, I suspect it will depend on what you want. Maybe if you try for the “Black magic destroyer” you could end up with some black jeep or suv?
Most people have had an ex who was a toad, so I won’t be applying for that.
I want the membership with the keychain, t shirt and bumper sticker, can I get that one?
Oh, you are talking about Membership, not Mr Gabriel’s side hustle.
I believe there is a Family&Friends plan that you can get in on that has those options you want. Easy down payments or one single payment of a first born or aged relative up to 3times removed, so any old cousin will do just fine.
Right, I’ll give it a try. Just keen to be the first in my family to be a member. Do I have to sacrifice someone, I’m getting that vibe…
You don’t have to sacrifice anyone. That’s handled by another department. You just have to hand them over and then your worries are over and it will be a carefree and materialistic life of pleasure and power until you can’t make the payments on the age extending serum.
Can you give me a ballpark figure on how long my life of pleasure and power might be? I was hoping to get a monthly payment deal like Netflix….
Well, lets just say Methusaleh was a founding member….
Got it. Well, I’m loathe to raid my piggy bank, but you simply don’t get a chance to join the Illuminati every day, so count me in! I’ll send over two passport sized pics and a link to my LinkedIn profile. Full roadside assistance included, right?
Outside of initial payment and the revelation of the age serum, all other details can only be discussed with members. So once you’ve signed, then we can talk.
But baphomet has been known to change a tire or two in his day…
Great, I’ll cancel my Automobile Association membership, no point in doubling up. Is there a free plush toy?
Sign first, then we can talk….
Ok, I’m in!
Once your firstborn or aged relative has been delivered, I’ve got a whole packet for you. It’s about a meter thick, so make sure you’ve got your reading glasses handy.
There’s one in the post. So get the manual over pronto!
* wags finger *
Delivery first, then the manual…..
Sigh. Ok, there should be something under the blue tarpaulin in your back garden.
Dude, seriously?!?
You think you can fool us with a barbie doll? This is NOT looking good for you….
That is my closest relative!
We have never had this happen to the Illuminati before. We’re going to have to table your membership and take it up in our next business meeting. We’ll get back to you…
So I’m pretty much in?
Suuuuuuuuure…….
Yes!