Review of Angel Has Fallen (2019)

General Information

• Director: Ric Roman Waugh
• Main Cast:
  • Gerard Butler (Mike Banning)
  • Morgan Freeman (Allan Trumbull)
  • Jada Pinkett Smith (Ramsey)
  • Lance Reddick (Chief of Staff David Gentry)
  • Piper Perabo (Leah Banning)
  • Danny Huston (Hazen)
• Genre: Action, Thriller
• Runtime: 121 minutes
• Studio: Millennium Films

Plot

Angel Has Fallen is the third installment in the Has Fallen series, following Olympus Has Fallen (2013) and London Has Fallen (2016). This time, Mike Banning (Gerard Butler), a Secret Service agent, is framed for an assassination attempt on the President of the United States, Allan Trumbull (Morgan Freeman). After a failed attack on the President during a fishing trip, Banning finds himself on the run, accused of treason.

As he goes on the run to clear his name, Banning uncovers a conspiracy that reaches far beyond the surface, involving covert operations and dangerous enemies. With the stakes higher than ever, Banning must use his skills to fight for survival and expose the truth while also protecting his family from those trying to destroy him.

Highlights

1. Gerard Butler’s Performance as Mike Banning
   • Gerard Butler continues to deliver a strong performance as Mike Banning, bringing both physicality and emotional depth to the role. As Banning faces personal and professional challenges, Butler skillfully portrays the emotional toll that the character has experienced throughout the series. In Angel Has Fallen, we see Banning in a vulnerable light, grappling with his past, health issues, and a deep sense of betrayal. Butler’s performance makes Banning a relatable, if flawed, hero who must rise to the occasion once again.
2. High-Stakes Action Sequences
   • As expected from the Has Fallen franchise, Angel Has Fallen is packed with intense action sequences. From high-speed chases to brutal hand-to-hand combat and shootouts, the film offers plenty of thrilling moments. The action scenes are well-choreographed and keep the tension high, though the film spends more time on Banning’s emotional journey compared to its predecessors.
3. Morgan Freeman’s Role as President Trumbull
   • Morgan Freeman returns as President Allan Trumbull, though his role is more limited compared to the previous films. Freeman brings the same gravitas to the role, and his presence helps anchor the film’s more political elements. As Trumbull fights for his survival while dealing with the conspiracy, Freeman adds depth to the character’s struggle for justice and leadership.
4. The Theme of Redemption
   • Angel Has Fallen explores themes of redemption, betrayal, and loyalty. Banning’s journey in the film is not only about clearing his name but also about reconciling with his past mistakes and the consequences of his actions. The emotional weight of the film is grounded in Banning’s relationship with his family, especially his wife, Leah (Piper Perabo), and the sacrifices he makes to protect them.
5. Villainous Characters and Plot Twists
   • While the film has some predictable elements, the conspiracy and the betrayal at the heart of the plot provide a solid mystery to unfold. The villains, including Danny Huston’s Hazen, add a layer of menace and complexity, with the political ramifications of the plot coming into play as Banning tries to uncover who is really behind the attack on the President.

Criticisms

1. Predictable Plot
   • Angel Has Fallen follows a formulaic narrative, with many of the plot twists and character motivations feeling predictable. While the action and suspense are engaging, the film doesn’t offer many surprises, making it less impactful for those familiar with action thrillers or the previous films in the series.
2. Tone and Pacing
   • The pacing of the film is uneven, particularly in the middle section. While the first and third acts are action-heavy and filled with suspense, the film’s slower moments, especially those focusing on Banning’s emotional journey, may drag for some viewers. The shift in tone between high-octane action and emotional reflection can feel jarring at times.
3. Character Development
   • While the film explores Mike Banning’s internal struggles, other characters, particularly the supporting cast, don’t receive much development. Some of the secondary characters, like Jada Pinkett Smith’s character, Ramsey, feel underutilized, and their roles could have been more fleshed out to add complexity to the plot.

Verdict

Angel Has Fallen is an action-packed, high-stakes thriller that adds emotional depth to the Has Fallen series. Gerard Butler’s strong performance as Mike Banning, combined with solid action sequences and a few plot twists, makes it an enjoyable film for fans of the franchise. However, the predictable plot and uneven pacing hold it back from reaching the heights of its predecessors. While it may not offer anything groundbreaking in terms of storytelling, Angel Has Fallen is a competent and entertaining addition to the action genre.

Rating: 8/10