Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum Star in "White House Down"

The central plot of White House Down is similar to Olympus Has Fallen, which was released this past spring, with an attack on The White House by those who intend to ultimately use nuclear weapons to devastate the world. While Olympus Has Fallen featured a threat from Korea, renegade U.S. officials who do not agree with a peace treaty offered by President Sawyer (Jamie Foxx) are behind the attacks in White House Down. At the center of the plan is one of Sawyer's closest advisers, who also blames the commander-in-chief for the death of his son in a botched military mission. He is just one of many threats that the President faces as The White House is eviscerated by a group of renegades with plenty of firepower.

But all is not lost, as President Sawyer has the assistance of a would-be Secret Service hopeful, John Cale (Channing Tatum), who was denied a job with the organization by agent Carol Finnerty (Maggie Gyllenhaal). Finnerty soon realizes just how wrong she was when Cale risks life and limb to keep the President safe and attempts to rescue his daughter who he was separated from during a White House tour when the attacks began. Cale demonstrates extreme bravery and courage when the odds are stacked against him and he is determined to eliminate the threat and be reunited with his daughter, Emily (Joey King).

The screenplay, by James Vanderbilt, is loaded with supporting characters, which is one of the reasons for the extended run time (over two hours). Some of the characters are necessary, while others are not. Thankfully, talented actors including Richard Jenkins, James Woods and Lance Reddick deliver their typical strong work. The screenplay also includes a good deal of comedy to offset the heavy dose of drama and the frequently amusing rapport between Foxx and Tatum is quite good. Because of the fine work from the lead actors, it is curious why so many other characters are needed, some of whom only seem to take time away from Foxx and Tatum.

Director Roland Emmerich has crafted a fast moving, generally well acted and exciting film that seems like a solid option for summertime viewing. At least for those who like their movies loud, fun and entertaining. Clearly, the young male demographic is being targeted, with the mostly masculine cast. Maggie Gyllenhall and Rachelle Lefevre are the only two female players of note, outside of youngster Joey King. However, the female demographic may be pleased to learn that Channing Tatum strips down to a muscle shirt for more than half the movie, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.  While White House Down is not necessarily inventive, the film is a lot of fun and, at least from the screening I attended, appears to be a real crowd pleaser. And yes, I would bet on a sequel if the box office is significant.