by David Seaman | Echo
The White House must be remodeled constantly, since it's been blown to bits in so many films.
Roland Emmerich's "Independence Day", "G.I. Joe: Retaliation", and "Olympus Has Fallen" have all presented far out tales about the U.S. President's headquarters coming under fire. That trend continues in Emmerich's latest film "White House Down", which is generating considerable online buzz.
The film follows police officer John Cale (played by box office draw Channing Tatum) as he tries out for his dream job as a Secret Service agent. After being denied, things look grim for Cale's career future. Until he takes his daughter on a tour of the White House, that is.
When the Echo asked Tatum what his favorite scene in the movie was, he replied "It would have to be, 'Get off my Jordans.'"
It's during that tour that the unthinkable happens.
Jamie Foxx"White House Down" has many similarities to "Olympus Has Fallen," which was released in March. Both films feature trained soldiers redeeming themselves by saving the president from an over-the-top threat. "Olympus" received mixed reviews, with critics focusing on the implausibility of North Korean villains and racism generated from viewers.
"White House Down" stays clear of all of that: the villains are straight-up race-neutral mercenaries, which is, ironically, more realistic than North Koreans. This may help the film's chances overseas, especially in Asia. China has already approved it for a late July release.
The film also boasts the directing talents of Roland Emmerich, who, due to films like "Independence Day" and "Godzilla," is better known than "Olympus Has Fallen" director Antoine Fuqua.
Along with Emmerich, the film stars consistent acting sensation Channing Tatum. Tatum has become a major star with his role in the "G.I. Joe" films, and is also well-known for films like "The Vow" and "21 Jump Street." His versatility is impressive, and he has proven his acting chops in projects like "Magic Mike" and "Side Effects." Along with established star Jamie Foxx, these two present a dynamic duo ready to set up the film for a strike at box office gold.
And if those credentials aren't enough, the film packs audience appeal into its script and story presentation.
While other White House disaster movies have taken themselves a bit too seriously, "White House Down" seems to be playing up a tongue-in-cheek tone. The trailers indicate humor and back-and-forth banter between Foxx and Tatum. By not taking things too seriously, this particular "White House" tour could deliver some welcome freshness in the midst of mind-numbing explosions.
All these factors contribute positive word of mouth for "White House Down." Early reviews have called it "fun" and "a perfect balance between drama, humor and action."
Before long, audiences will voice their own opinion on whether or not this epic tour is worth the entry fee.
"White House Down" premiered in Georgetown, Washington D.C. Friday. The film will release across the U.S. on June 28.