After the somewhat ludicrous nature of the previous film, London Has Fallen , the third installment in the Mike Banning franchise strips things back. Instead of saving the world, Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) just has to save himself—and the President. The result is a grittier, more grounded action movie that succeeds largely due to Gerard Butler’s committed performance and a surprising amount of heart.

Angel Has Fallen is arguably the best film in the Has Fallen trilogy. It knows exactly what kind of movie it is: a throwback to 90s action thrillers like The Fugitive or Clear and Present Danger . It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it offers solid entertainment, great stunts, and a welcome focus on character over spectacle.