White House Down
Capitol Policeman John Cale has just been denied his dream job with the Secret Service protecting President James Sawyer. Not wanting to let down his little girl with the news, he takes her on a tour of the White House, when the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group. Now, with the nation's government falling into chaos and time running out, it's up to Cale to save the president, his daughter, and the country.
What critics thought
Critics were split down the middle on this Roland Emmerich action blockbuster, with most agreeing it is gleefully dumb but disagreeing on whether that's enough. The Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx pairing generates real charm, but reviewers consistently flagged bloated runtime, recycled action-movie DNA, and choppy set pieces as genuine liabilities rather than lovable quirks.
“White House Down is a pretty silly rehashing of previously tread action movie territory, but if you're willing to laugh along with (or even at) it, it can be a highly entertaining experience.”
Roth Cornet·IGN
“real thrills – dependent on real, believable jeopardy – are not on offer: just cheerfully absurd spectacle and a little bit of humour.”
Peter Bradshaw·The Guardian
“Trouble is, it goes on too long. It has several climactic moments, but every time you ready for the exit, the film bounces back again for the next round.”
Shubhra Gupta·The Indian Express
“at least has the good grace to laugh at itself as it rolls out the dingbat-daft action-movie cliches.”
Mark Kermode·The Observer
Genres
Action, Drama, Thriller
Cast & Crew
DirectorRoland Emmerich
StarringChanning Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jason Clarke, Richard Jenkins
ComposerThomas Wander, Harald Kloser
White House Down
Capitol Policeman John Cale has just been denied his dream job with the Secret Service protecting President James Sawyer. Not wanting to let down his little girl with the news, he takes her on a tour of the White House, when the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group. Now, with the nation's government falling into chaos and time running out, it's up to Cale to save the president, his daughter, and the country.
What critics thought
Critics were split down the middle on this Roland Emmerich action blockbuster, with most agreeing it is gleefully dumb but disagreeing on whether that's enough. The Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx pairing generates real charm, but reviewers consistently flagged bloated runtime, recycled action-movie DNA, and choppy set pieces as genuine liabilities rather than lovable quirks.
“White House Down is a pretty silly rehashing of previously tread action movie territory, but if you're willing to laugh along with (or even at) it, it can be a highly entertaining experience.”
Roth Cornet·IGN
“real thrills – dependent on real, believable jeopardy – are not on offer: just cheerfully absurd spectacle and a little bit of humour.”
Peter Bradshaw·The Guardian
“Trouble is, it goes on too long. It has several climactic moments, but every time you ready for the exit, the film bounces back again for the next round.”
Shubhra Gupta·The Indian Express
“at least has the good grace to laugh at itself as it rolls out the dingbat-daft action-movie cliches.”
Mark Kermode·The Observer
Genres
Action, Drama, Thriller
Cast & Crew
DirectorRoland Emmerich
StarringChanning Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jason Clarke, Richard Jenkins
ComposerThomas Wander, Harald Kloser