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Morgan Scarano Mr. Newman English 101: Rhetoric 16 October 2013 The Fear of the Domino Effect Returns America is seen as an almighty superpower. Yet in the movie Olympus Has Fallen America becomes this country that falls to the North Koreans until saved by one male, Mike Banning, who was banished from the White House and somehow saved the day by taking back the White House. Even when the Seals could not penetrate, Banning made it though, saving not only the president, but other officials and the presidents son from death and torture. When the movie was released, of course many people would judge and rip apart the movie because its an attack on America, which puts fear into Americans hearts. David Edelstein and Todd McCarthy are both critics who reviewed, criticized, and compared the movie to Die Hard, they also have opposing viewpoints on how the roles were played and what they feel was symbolic scenes in the movie. In Todd McCarthys review of Olympus Has Fallen he felt that the main character had to be a tough guy who would defeat the enemy who invaded the White House. McCarthy also mentions that because of how the movie was made to be a suspenseful thriller the ending battle had to be a one on one martial arts battle with the main character and the main villain. Even though McCarthy feels it was predictable with how the roles were played, David Edelstein feels that Banning was more heroic. Edelstein feels that Banning was fearless with how he drives like mad to the scene, dodges bullets and explosions as agents drop around him, but feels Butler (Banning) doesnt evince much personality, but hes solid. Edelstein also mentions how

Scarano 2 Melissa Leo in her scene where she was beaten to a pulp, She takes the punishment, well, manfully. While McCarthy does not mention how any other role was played. Some Americans might find it too soon, McCarthy writes, for any landmarks to be destroyed after the 9/11 attack with a 12 year gap in between. McCarthy also mentions what the North Koreans actually wanted with the United States and their evil plan to destroy America. McCarthy explains more of the plot and action of the movie, while Edelstein talked about how certain people liked the torture scene more, where banning stabbed one guy in the throat to get the other to talk. McCarthy continues to mention the flag that was destroyed and watched in slow motion as it fell to the ground, inferring that America was defeated. Edelstein talks more how Banning is symbolic of the United States coming out on top, even though when the Washington Monument crumbles it is symbolic on its own. Even though Edelstein mentions the first Ladys death, he does not explain what happened, while McCarthy explains the death of the First Lady, which in turn caused Banning to be banned from the White House. Even though Edelstein and McCarthy differ on certain viewpoints about the movie, they still come together about how Olympus Has Fallen compares to Die Hard. McCarthy writes that Antoine Fuquas movie is the bloody child of Die Hard. Even though Edelstein compares Olympus Has Fallen to another movie, Birth of a Nation, he still feels Olympus Has Fallen is a related template of Die Hard. Edelstein felt that they had the same plot outline with how there was an attack by foreigners on American soil, an emasculated New York cop out of his jurisdiction, with no gun, and a wife who has reverted to her maiden name scuttles around behind the scenes killing terrorist Edelstein also says, Hes all American and all man. And so is Mike Banning. McCarthy just slightly mentions White House Down and how they are two similarly themed action dramas set for this year.

Scarano 3 Even though Edelstein and McCarthy held a similar stance on Olympus Has Fallen, they still felt different about the hidden symbolism inside the movie, as well as how the roles were played in the movie. Even though the critics mention how this movie is a suspenseful thriller, I personally enjoyed the movie. The movie reminded me how easy it is for things to fall apart, especially given that the White House is described as the best- fortified location on Earth. I also felt that the roles were played well, but I do agree that the ending battle would be suspenseful as well as a one on one martial arts battle. The movie was clich, but still very enjoyable to watch, as well as good entertainment. Of course, the ending was predictable with the White House being saved along with the President and his son.

Scarano 4 Work cited

Edelstein, David. "Olympus Has Fallen: Hollywood Has Made Us a Vengeful Nation." Vulture 22 Mar. 2013: Web. McCarthy, Todd. "Olympus Has Fallen: Film Review." Hollywood Reporter 19 Mar. 2013: Web.