White House Down Review

White House Down

3 stars out of 4

By Brett Takeshita

White House Down is one of 2013's most fun and entertaining blockbusters. It's big, loud, and dumb, but also completely self-aware and never takes itself too seriously. 

The White House is under attack! But don't worry because hunky Channing Tatum is here to save the day. I kinda wish that was the tagline of the movie. Nevermind. But anyhow, Cale (Channing Tatum) finds himself touring the White House with his precocious introverted daughter, Emily (Joey King), after being interviewed for a job as part of President Sawyer's (Jamie Foxx) protection team. Young Emily strolls to the restroom during the tour, and suddenly, a bomb goes off in the White House, exploding a huge chunk of the architecture and taking many people's lives. Cale gets separated from his daughter but will do anything in his power to find her. Meanwhile, he also finds himself protecting President Sawyer from the deadly terrorists that want to catch -- but not kill -- him. Thus begins our rollercoaster ride of raining bullets, shiny weapons, kick-ass action, and pure awesomeness. 

It seems like everyone who was involved in the making of White House Down was in on the joke. They realize how preposterous of a scenario this is, and yet, they go all-out. The filmmaking at hand is insanely bananas and wildly ballsy with its lack of restraint. But ultimately, that is why this popcorn flick is so successful. White House Down is shameless and unapologetic in its ridiculous nature. It simply asks you to go along for the wild ride, and if you do, you'll have a blast.

The screenplay from James Vanderbilt is surprisingly clever. Filled with a couple of fun twists that you won't see coming and a plethora of hilariously cheesy one-liners, the writing here is a refreshing change of pace from other predictable, self-serious action blockbusters.

Director Roland Emmerich, who is known for loud action pictures, is perfect for the job, for he too knows not to take this film's material too seriously. The set pieces are crazy but also so entertaining. There is a delightful energy to the chaotic action that leaves you breathless. Your pulse will quicken, but you'll also be giddy like a kid who has had too much chocolate. White House Down is just that good of a time.

Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx are a fantastic duo with great chemistry. Tatum, who seems like he's having the time of his life playing this macho action hero with a heart of gold, lights up the screen like an explosion from a flash grenade. He also has some wonderful moments with the talented King, so that the father-daughter moments are both authentic and affecting. Foxx, who really lets loose and shows off his talents in both drama and comedy, does a fine job by striking the right tone with being dignified and also a little bit "hood." When Tatum and Foxx are on-screen together, they are dynamite.

Sure White House Down has some side characters who aren't fully developed and has a running time that might be a tad too long, but whatever. White House Down is the best action movie to come out in a while. I loved this film.