One of the latest films in theaters is “London Has Fallen” starring Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, and Morgan Freeman. It is a direct sequel to “Olympus Has Fallen.” When I went to see both films, I had no idea what to expect, but I left more satisfied with the first film than with the sequel. There will be a few spoilers below, so please read at your own risk.

“London Has Fallen” takes places after the events of the first film. This time Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) is expecting a child and contemplating leaving the Secret Service. Obviously, things do not go as planned and drama ensues. The British Prime Minister has mysteriously died and there is a funeral planned where many of the world’s leaders are scheduled to attend. The funeral turns out to be a setup to kill off various leaders, including the President of the United States, Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart). London is burning as Mike and the President try to save their lives. Meanwhile, Vice President Allan Trumbull (Morgan Freeman) is in the situation room trying to save the President and the country. Ultimately, the President and Mike live, the country is safe, London rebuilds and Mike gets to meet his baby girl.

I personally feel London was an okay film. It was not a failure, but it was not a hit out of the park either. Gerard Butler and Morgan Freeman gave great performances. Butler is very believable in this role and he owns every scene, especially the intense fighting sequences. Freeman is a realistic choice for the Vice President role. Maybe it’s the voice or maybe it is his demeanor--but either way, he pulls the role off. Aaron Eckhart fell flat for me in this particular role. I liked him for the first film and his scenes in this film as the President fighting back against attackers were pretty incredible, but I just didn’t believe him as President.

Overall, the film felt predictable. I knew President Asher and Mike were not in any serious danger of the plot. In my mind, there was never any doubt that they would not live. There was no way Mike was not going to survive to meet his newborn child; the film makers would not be so cruel. The President had to survive to keep that “Proud USA” message. The film was brutally violent, I will not deny that. There are many seasons of London’s prime spots such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey being destroyed and countless guns, bombs, and dead bodies.

Londonis not as bad as critics have been writing, but its predecessor was a much better film. This is the type of film that a boyfriend or spouse would be more interested in. However, ladies can enjoy almost two hours of Gerard Butler, so it is a win-win. I would give the film three out of five stars. (Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that the film is rated R for the amount of violence and language in the film. This film is intended for adults not children.)