Angel Has Fallen (2019) is an action thriller directed by Ric Roman Waugh, and it is the third installment in the Has Fallen series, following Olympus Has Fallen (2013) and London Has Fallen (2016). The film stars Gerard Butler as Secret Service agent Mike Banning, who finds himself on the run after being framed for an assassination attempt on the President of the United States, played by Morgan Freeman. Angel Has Fallen combines intense action sequences with a story of betrayal and redemption, bringing a fresh twist to the franchise by putting its protagonist in the crosshairs.

Plot Overview

After the events of London Has Fallen, Mike Banning is considering a promotion to Director of the Secret Service. However, he’s struggling with health issues due to years of physical strain on his body. Meanwhile, President Allan Trumbull (Morgan Freeman), a long-time ally, trusts Banning implicitly. During a fishing retreat, Trumbull is attacked by a swarm of weaponized drones, leaving him in a coma and killing almost his entire security detail. Banning is the only survivor, which raises suspicions and leads to his arrest.

FBI agent Helen Thompson (Jada Pinkett Smith) and others suspect Banning orchestrated the attack, making him a wanted fugitive. Banning escapes custody and goes on the run, determined to uncover who set him up and protect Trumbull from further attacks. He seeks help from his estranged, reclusive father, Clay Banning (Nick Nolte), who provides both emotional support and some unconventional assistance. Together, they uncover a conspiracy led by Banning’s former military friend Wade Jennings (Danny Huston), who is motivated by financial gain and a lust for power.

Banning ultimately confronts Jennings in a climactic showdown, clearing his name and exposing the conspiracy. By the end, he not only saves the President but also reconciles with his family and faces his vulnerabilities, setting up a new chapter in his life.

Themes and Style

Angel Has Fallen explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and resilience. Unlike the previous films, which focused on Banning protecting others, this installment shifts the spotlight onto Banning himself as the target. His struggle with physical limitations and doubts about his own career bring a more personal layer to the story, contrasting the high-octane action with moments of vulnerability and self-reflection. The father-son dynamic between Banning and his father, Clay, adds depth to Banning’s character and sheds light on his past and motivations.

The film’s style is intense and fast-paced, with high-energy action sequences that include shootouts, explosions, and close-combat scenes. The drone attack and other high-tech elements bring a modern edge to the action, and the direction by Ric Roman Waugh combines gritty realism with blockbuster spectacle.

Performances

Gerard Butler brings a raw and committed performance as Mike Banning, capturing both his physical prowess and his emotional struggles as he fights to clear his name. Butler’s portrayal of Banning’s vulnerability and grit gives the character added complexity. Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of President Trumbull is as steady and dignified as ever, grounding the film’s storyline. Nick Nolte shines as Banning’s estranged father, Clay, adding humor and emotional weight to the film with his eccentric yet heartfelt performance.

Danny Huston’s Wade Jennings serves as a formidable antagonist, bringing a mix of charm and menace to his role as Banning’s former friend-turned-enemy.

Reception

Angel Has Fallen received mixed reviews from critics but was generally well-received by audiences, especially fans of action thrillers. Critics praised the film’s action sequences and Butler’s committed performance, while some felt that the plot was formulaic and predictable. However, many viewers appreciated the more personal focus on Banning’s character and the addition of his father, which added emotional depth to the otherwise action-driven plot.

The film was a commercial success, cementing Gerard Butler’s Mike Banning as a recognizable action hero in modern cinema.

Overall Impression

Angel Has Fallen delivers exactly what fans of the series expect: non-stop action, high-stakes thrills, and a compelling lead performance from Gerard Butler. By putting Banning in a vulnerable position and adding a family dynamic, the film brings a fresh perspective to the franchise while staying true to its action roots. For fans of high-energy thrillers with a human touch, Angel Has Fallen is an engaging and satisfying addition to the Has Fallen series.