'White House Down' Off To A Good Start...Sort Of

I like this poster. Ominous, more subtle than the burning flags and destruction of the 'Olympus Has Fallen' posters. Creates a strong sense of foreboding and suspense. Works nicely as a teaser.

This being a Roland Emmerich effort it's sure to have lots of CGI. I hope the boys in Compositing do a more conscientious job than the guys at Marketing.

This person's shadow goes the wrong (in point of fact, opposite) way. Perhaps she's from another planet.

.

Like It's For A Different Movie

A longer version of this (I'm pretty sure) came out a couple/few days back and it did nothing for me. This edit is tighter and I'm struck by how much better it is, especially in the first 10 seconds or so before the talking heads start.

It's fair to call the beginning of this is gripping -- like it's for another (much more serious) movie. A welcome departure from the popcorn marketing that rolled out before.

This could score. 'White House Down', on the other hand, looks loose and a bit thin. Comparing the two movies is inevitable. My money's on 'Olympus Has Fallen'. At the very least it's got the (way) better title.






















.

Ridiculous or Fun?

Or is it both? I can't make up my mind. Guess I have to see it.





















.

'Olympus Has Fallen' Trailer

Yeah, I admit it. When I hear a pitch like this I roll my eyes. That title doesn't help. However, trailer is very nicely put together. Gets you into the story. And, have to say, looks viable in the details.

I've got faith in Anton Fuqua. Aaron Eckhart as the president works. Ashley Judd has the chops. Morgan Freeman -- I'd watch a 90 minute movie of him knitting a hat. All of which lends the needed support for Gerard Butler in the hot seat.

With Dylan McDermott, Radha Mitchell, Melissa Leo, Angela Bassett, and Robert Forster... The movie has what it takes. May or may not score at the (domestic) box office but should overseas and on TV/Cable/rental/stream.

Notable about the writers -- Creighton Rothenberger comes from the English Honors Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Really, let's face it, most writers can barely write. Not that such programs necessarily produce good screenwriters but it's worth noting. Then there's Katrin Benedikt. She's from Reykjavík, Iceland and I can't help but wonder if English is a second language. If so, Fuqua put together a capable crew.

I'll be getting the Blu-ray and watching a few times.

Here's the click click trailer.


















.

Kinda Product-y, But...

It's got a hook, I'll give it that. Antoine Fuqua directing is a very good thing...for a product-y movie. The guy has that down pat.

With Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Aaron Eckhart, Gerard Butler. Sure, sure. Good, good.

The story:

• A Secret Service agent is tasked with saving the life of the U.S. President after the White House is overtaken by a paramilitary group. 

Oh, wait. Sorry. That's the logline for 'White House Down'. My bad. Well...doesn't matter -- same thing, same story. Really.

Just for clarity here's the spiel for 'Olympus Has Fallen':

• A former Secret Service agent works to prevent a terrorist attack on the White House. 

Toldja. Same.

Thing is, OHF opens first, April 5, while WHD rolls out on the much hotter (in every respect) June 28 and is directed by the much higher-profile (at least for movies like this) Roland Emmerich. WHD also benefits, at least in appearance, from being written by James Vanderbilt who penned 'The Amazing Spider-Man', 'Zodiac', and 'Robocop'. OHF is written by two first-timers. 

'White House Down' even gets the nod for the better title. Sorry, but 'Olympus Has Fallen'? Wha? Still, I'm thinking OHF will win when it comes to drama/story. WHD gets everything else: Box office, rental, TV/Cable, word-of-mouth. Everything. That ain't bad, really. 

Sure, sure. Good, good.

.