Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
★ ★ ½
The writer in me really liked the way the bad guys take control of the White House. It isn't through some clever, fantasy B.S. plan, but the realization that any fortified structure can be taken with enough weaponry and manpower. For every response by the Secret Service, military or other security personal, there was a way to simply overpower them, which means the place doesn't need to be infested by Hydra traitors, just a couple with personal motivations for selling out their country.
The opening assault on the White House establishes the 90s Die Hard ripoff vibe along with the 90s destruction of important buildings. Because of that, I started out on a bigger high than I expected, one that didn't come crash to the ground so much as slowly wear off as the film turned into more of a routine actioner. I thought this would be dumber, maybe along the lines of Salt (2010). Instead it's not bad, though the best stuff is in the beginning. Would be good for passing the time on an airplane.