Review: Butler saves Eckhart anew in 'London Has Fallen' | ABS-CBN

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Review: Butler saves Eckhart anew in 'London Has Fallen'

Review: Butler saves Eckhart anew in 'London Has Fallen'

Fred Hawson

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Three years ago, Antoine Fuqua had a film entitled "Olympus Has Fallen" which introduced us to the charmed duo of US President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) and his very capable chief of security Mike Banning (Gerard Butler). In that film, Banning single-handedly outwitted and disposed all the bad guys, averted a nuclear attack against the US in the nick of time, and rescued the President from certain death. It was a fantastic adrenaline rush of a film that was a surprise hit at the box office despite receiving mixed reviews from the critics.

In the sequel "London Has Fallen," President Asher is again in dire peril and Banning is left single-handedly protecting him. This time, their enemies have a bigger playground -- the whole city of London. The setting is the funeral of the British Prime Minister where all the leaders of the world have come to pay their respects. A Middle Eastern terrorist launches a major catastrophic attack against everyone in attendance. Every leader there dies, except (no surprise, of course) the eternally lucky US President Asher, thanks to his never-say-die bodyguard Banning.

There were a number of scenes when either Asher or Banning should have already lost their lives, but miraculously don't. However, the script made sure they would always escape by the skin of their teeth, or that the enemy will inexplicably tarry with the killing blow and give them a chance to fire back. The suspense the director creates in these scenes is so maddeningly manipulative in its sheer predictability. And these are by no means spoilers for a formulaic film like this.

Like the first film, the American patriotic fervor is stoked here with appropriate imagery and words. The key American leaders were all so well-cast. Eckhart, with his chiseled countenance and cleft chin, makes President Asher a handsome martyr whose broadcasted torture can certainly inspire tears from his people the world over, especially among his countrymen. As Vice President Trumbull, Morgan Freeman can read the phonebook and make it sound deeply inspirational.

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Of course, we all know what Butler can do as an action hero. Despite the fearless and superhuman things we see him do here, Butler still manages to convince us that he really can do these deeds of derring-do and save the day.

Just like the first film, writers Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt again cook up a suspenseful yarn with the same impossible hi-jinks that made their original one a hit. Replacing Fuqua as director is Iranian Babak Najafi in his big Hollywood debut.

Everyone's focus will be on that initial attack, and Najafi was able to deliver a solid, heart-stopping sequence of shocking terrorism, albeit being over-the-top with unconvincing special effects. After that initial salvo though, the rest of the film becomes a prolonged (and even repetitive) series of car chases and gun battles we have already seen before. Everything builds up to a conclusion we all knew would happen right from the start. 5/10

This review was originally published in the author's blog, "Fred Said."

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Master Hanz Cua Daily Feng Shui Predictions for February 19, 2025

Master Hanz Cua Daily Feng Shui Predictions for February 19, 2025

Master Hanz Cua

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In this daily series, Master Hanz Cua gives us his feng shui predictions on how to rock your day through aspects of Love, Health, Career, and Wealth. He shares details such as your lucky time, direction, colors, and numbers, and even gives Feng Shui advice to help you maximize your luck for the day.



RAT

Love: A deep conversation will strengthen your connection.

Health: Don't always rush in the morning. Take time for yourself.

Career: A simple idea will bring about a big change in your project.

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Wealth: Don't hesitate to ask the expert about finances.

Lucky Direction: Northeast 

Lucky Time: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM 

Lucky Color: Orange 

Lucky Number: 8

Feng Shui Advice: Place a mirror in the right spot to amplify the light. Align your stars! Get a tarot reading from Master Hanz Cua for clear guidance.


OX

Love: Your love life will be happier if you pay attention to the details.

Health: Relax every weekend to keep your energy balanced.

Career: You will be inspired by the success of your colleagues.

Wealth: Allocate funds for the education of the children.

Lucky Direction: South 

Lucky Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM 

Lucky Color: Gold 

Lucky Number: 2

Feng Shui Advice: Avoid broken furniture; it causes stagnant energy. Don't get left behind in the good vibes! Buy lucky charms from Master Hanz Cua now!


TIGER

Love: A simple effort will bring about a big change in the relationship.

Health: Eat berries for extra antioxidants.

Career: Your work will be more meaningful if you show your passion.

Wealth: Study about e-commerce or modern investments.

Lucky Direction: North 

Lucky Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM 

Lucky Color: Silver 

Lucky Number: 9

Feng Shui Advice: Use silver decorations or colors in the office for innovation. Do you want positive energy? Master Hanz Cua is the answer!


RABBIT

Love: You will gain new inspiration from the love you receive.

Health: Set aside time for outdoor activities to strengthen the body.

Career: A new opportunity is coming that will bring advancement to your career.

Wealth: Being frugal today will yield wealth tomorrow.

Lucky Direction: Southwest 

Lucky Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

Lucky Color: Yellow 

Lucky Number: 6

Feng Shui Advice: Place thornless flowering plants in the garden for happiness. Ensure the right direction of your luck with Master Hanz Cua.


DRAGON

Love: An unexpected meeting will bring a spark to your life..

Health: Drink ginger tea for better digestion and immunity.

Career: The right strategy will open up more opportunities.

Wealth: Allocate time for planning and forecasting the budget.

Lucky Direction: Northwest 

Lucky Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM 

Lucky Color: Green 

Lucky Number: 1

Feng Shui Advice: Avoid putting clutter under the bed. Trust the expert! Master Hanz Cua is the only certified Feng Shui Master in town!


SNAKE

Love: Your relationship will become more exciting if you plan an adventure.

Health: Try to take a walk every noon for vitamin D from the sun.

Career: The result of your hard work will be positive.

Wealth: Set financial goals to track progress.

Lucky Direction: East 

Lucky Time: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM 

Lucky Color: Red 

Lucky Number: 4

Feng Shui Advice: Keep the plants watered for growth. Who is looking for luck? Look for it in Master Hanz Cua's lucky charms!


HORSE

Love: Your love for yourself will bring the right person into your life.

Health: Ensure proper ventilation in the workspace for better breathing.

Career: Learning a new skill will lead to a promotion at work.

Wealth: Avoid overspending on entertainment or leisure.

Lucky Direction: Southeast 

Lucky Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 

Lucky Color: Blue 

Lucky Number: 5

Feng Shui Advice: Avoid sharp corners or clutter near your bed—those are negative energy for your love life. Beware of scammers! Only trust the one and only Master Hanz Cua.

SHEEP

Love: You will have the opportunity to show your sincerity.

Health: Relax with the family to maintain happiness and good vibes.

Career: A mentor will help you achieve your goals.

Wealth: A simple lifestyle helps save more..

Lucky Direction: West 

Lucky Time: 12:00 NN to 2:00 PM 

Lucky Color: Pink 

Lucky Number: 7

Feng Shui Advice: Keep the bedspread neat for a good relationship. Plan 2025 well! Astrological readings available with Master Hanz Cua.


MONKEY

Love: A sweet gesture will show your love.

Health: Try sunbathing every morning for healthy bones.

Career: Be careful of people who might bring intrigue to the office.

Wealth: Look for passive income streams such as rental properties.

Lucky Direction: Northeast 

Lucky Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 

Lucky Color: Purple

 Lucky Number: 8

Feng Shui Advice: Place a mini fountain in the garden, balcony, or work area for the flow of wealth. Do you carry your luck with you? If not yet, go to Master Hanz Cua.


ROOSTER

Love: Being honest will bring harmony to your relationship.

Health: Maintain proper hygiene, especially when working outside.

Career: Teamwork will bring success to your project.

Wealth: Allocate a budget for charity or helping others.

Lucky Direction: South 

Lucky Time: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM 

Lucky Color: Orange 

Lucky Number: 2

Feng Shui Advice: Use a Fortune Cat effigy in business for good sales. The right lucky charm is in Master Hanz Cua's shop!


DOG

Love: Your love life will become more meaningful if you are open with your partner.

Health: Include seafood in meals for omega-3 benefits.

Career: Your week will be happy because of the recognition of your effort.

Wealth: Partnerships can bring in larger profits.

Lucky Direction: North 

Lucky Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM 

Lucky Color: Gold

 Lucky Number: 9

Feng Shui Advice: Avoid excessive darkness in the house; bright energy is needed. For love, health, career, and wealth, consult with Master Hanz Cua.


PIG

Love: Understanding your partner's weaknesses will deepen your relationship.

Health: Set aside time to journal your thoughts for emotional health.

Career: The focus on detail will bring better results.

Wealth: Set aside a financial cushion before embarking on a major project.

Lucky Direction: Southwest 

Lucky Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

Lucky Color: Silver 

Lucky Number: 6

Feng Shui Advice: Place a tiger figurine in the north for confidence. Achieve balance and harmony this February 2025 with Master Hanz Cua! 


For more information, visit Master Hanz Cua's Facebook Page.

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