Angel Has Fallen: Comparing It To Olympus Has Fallen And London Has Fallen

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.3

Share

Plot Comparisons: From White House Siege to Presidential Protection Gone Wrong

The plots of the Fallen trilogy evolve significantly, showcasing a broadening scope and increasing complexity.

Olympus Has Fallen: The White House Under Siege

Olympus Has Fallen sets the stage with a straightforward, high-stakes scenario: a coordinated terrorist attack on the White House. The plot is relatively simple, focusing on a clear-cut terrorist plot to overthrow the US government.

• Simple, clear-cut terrorist plot: The terrorists' motives and goals are easily understood, creating immediate tension.
• High stakes, immediate threat: The President's life is in imminent danger, raising the stakes significantly.
• Focus on the rescue mission: The narrative primarily centers on Mike Banning's heroic efforts to rescue the President.

London Has Fallen: Expanding the Threat

London Has Fallen expands the scope considerably. The attack shifts to a global scale, targeting the funeral of a world leader in London. The plot becomes more intricate, introducing multiple terrorist factions and highlighting the international ramifications of such attacks.

• More complex plot involving multiple terrorist groups: The web of conspiracy is more extensive, leading to a more unpredictable narrative.
• Global consequences and political ramifications: The attack's impact extends beyond the immediate casualties, affecting global politics and security.
• Emphasis on international collaboration and survival: The film showcases the need for international cooperation to combat widespread terrorism.

Angel Has Fallen: A Personal Betrayal

Angel Has Fallen marks a significant shift. The threat is no longer a foreign entity but a conspiracy aimed directly at Mike Banning himself. This intimate betrayal adds a personal layer to the action, exploring Banning's vulnerabilities and inner struggles.

• Personal stakes and Banning's fight for survival and exoneration: Banning must clear his name while simultaneously battling heavily armed assailants.
• Exploration of Banning's PTSD and personal struggles: The film delves deeper into Banning's character, exploring the emotional toll of his job.
• More intricate plot with multiple layers of deception: The conspiracy is far-reaching, involving multiple betrayals and hidden agendas.

Character Development: Mike Banning's Evolution Across the Trilogy

Mike Banning's character arc is a central element of the Fallen trilogy. His evolution from a loyal, highly skilled Secret Service agent to a wrongfully accused fugitive is a compelling narrative thread.

Banning's Transformation: From Hero to Fugitive

Throughout the three films, Banning faces increasing challenges, both physical and emotional. His unwavering loyalty is tested, forcing him to confront his own mortality and the complexities of his profession.

• From loyal protector to wrongfully accused fugitive: This transformation is the heart of Angel Has Fallen's narrative, testing his resilience.
• Exploration of his physical and emotional resilience: The films showcase Banning's exceptional physical abilities, but also explore his emotional strength and vulnerabilities.
• His evolving relationships with the President and his family: His relationships with President Trumbull and his own family become increasingly important as the trilogy progresses.

Supporting Characters and their Roles

The supporting characters in the Fallen trilogy are not mere bystanders; they significantly influence the narrative and Banning's journey.

• President Trumbull's portrayal and significance in each film: The relationship between Banning and President Trumbull is a cornerstone of the franchise.
• The evolution of Banning's wife and child's roles: Their roles expand as the films progress, adding emotional depth to Banning's character.
• Shifting alliances and betrayals throughout the trilogy: These betrayals create suspense and add complexity to the already action-packed plot.

Action and Visuals: Comparing the Scale and Style of Each Film's Action Sequences

The Fallen trilogy consistently delivers intense action sequences, but the style and scale evolve throughout the franchise.

Action Spectacle: From Close Quarters to Large-Scale Destruction

Each film offers unique action set pieces, catering to different tastes while maintaining high-octane thrills.

• The close-quarters combat in Olympus Has Fallen: The White House setting lends itself to intense, claustrophobic fight scenes.
• The large-scale destruction and chaos in London Has Fallen: The scale of destruction expands significantly, reflecting the global nature of the threat.
• The more intimate and personal action sequences in Angel Has Fallen: The focus shifts to more personal conflicts, resulting in more intimate and impactful fight sequences.

Cinematography and Visual Effects: An Evolution in Style

The visual style of the Fallen films evolves, reflecting the changing narratives and action sequences.

• Comparison of the filming locations and their impact: Each film utilizes distinct locations to enhance the atmosphere and action.
• Analysis of the use of CGI and practical effects: The blend of CGI and practical effects creates a compelling visual experience.
• Overall visual impact and aesthetic choices: The visual style contributes significantly to the overall impact of each film, creating a distinct atmosphere for each installment.

Conclusion

This comparison of Olympus Has Fallen, London Has Fallen, and Angel Has Fallen reveals the evolution of the franchise, from a straightforward White House siege to a more complex and personal exploration of its protagonist. While each film delivers thrilling action sequences and high stakes, Angel Has Fallen stands out with its focus on Banning's internal struggles and personal battles. Ultimately, the "Fallen" trilogy offers a compelling blend of action, suspense, and character development, making it a worthwhile watch for action fans. If you’re a fan of action movies and haven’t experienced the thrill ride that is the Fallen trilogy, starting with Olympus Has Fallen and continuing through to Angel Has Fallen is a must. Consider watching the Angel Has Fallen movie and decide for yourself which film you think ranks highest in this explosive action trilogy.