August 14, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 23 ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ depicts attack on Washington Former Secret Service Agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler, left) attempts to save U.S. Presi- dent Asher (Aaron Eckhart) from a terrorist attack in ‘Olympus Has Fallen.’ by Dennis Seuling “Olympus Has Fallen” (Sony Pic- tures Home Entertainment) is an action- packed movie depicting an all-out attack on Washington, D.C., furious gun battles, and the kidnapping of President Asher (Aaron Eckhart) by a team of well-orga- nized terrorists. The initial, prolonged attack involves planes, missiles, rocket launchers, and even garbage trucks, and is the movie’s most impressive sequence, though it ignores stepped-up post-9/11 security. But, hey, this is a Hollywood shoot-’em-up, not a documentary. Former Secret Service man and Special Forces commando Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) uses this mayhem to sneak into the White House and plan to counter the attack. Because Banning failed to save the first lady from an accident 18 months earlier, he has a lot to prove. Redemption lies in rescuing President Asher. The terrorist leader (Rick Yune) is demanding missile codes. With the acting president, Speaker of the House Trumbull (Morgan Freeman), shaky at best and Pen- tagon officials scrambling like chickens with their heads cut off, it will be entirely up to Manning to get the job done. Director Antoine Fuqua borrows con- siderably from “Die Hard” by establishing a lone, unlikely hero up against over- whelming odds, and handles the action admirably. However, the dialogue is often laced with clichés and many supporting performances are sadly underwhelming. Bonuses on the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack include behind-the-scenes fea- turettes on the making of the film, the cast, creating the movie’s visual effects, and a detailed look at one of the major action sequences. “The Muppet Movie” (Disney Home Entertainment) is available in a new Blu- ray “Nearly 35th Anniversary Edition.” Created by Jim Henson, the movie fea- tures the origins of the classic Muppet characters -- Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Animal. The Muppets set out on a road trip to follow their Hollywood dreams. Henson and director James Frawley pay homage to assorted movie clichés and have the characters speak directly to the audience in comical asides. Kermit decides to leave the swamp and conquer Hollywood. Like Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” he gathers a colorful assortment of friends during his journey, and there are cameo guest appearances by James Coburn, Dom DeLuise, Mad- eleine Kahn, Steve Martin, Milton Berle, Carol Kane, Mel Brooks, Orson Welles, Bob Hope, and Edgar Bergen and Char- lie McCarthy. Conflict is provided by fast-food entrepreneur Charles Durn- ing, determined to make Kermit the spokesfrog for his restaurant franchise, which serves frogs’ legs. Extras include extended camera tests, games for kids, a Kermit the Frog profile, and never-before- seen footage. “Shane” (Paramount Home Enter- tainment), based on historical conflicts between cattle ranchers and homesteaders in 19th century Wyoming, explores the contrast between rugged individualism and the value of being part of a commu- nity. Alan Ladd portrays the mysterious title character, who enters the life of a frontier community. Through his integ- rity and grit, he shows the townspeople how to confront seemingly unbeatable forces of injustice. Loyal Griggs’ photography of Wyo- ming’s Grand Tetons is breathtaking and George Stevens’ direction is restrained and thoughtful, making this Western a classic of American cinema. Outstand- ing performances include those by Van Heflin and Jean Arthur as a frontier hus- band and wife; Brandon De Wilde as their son, Joey; Jack Palance as the ranch- ers’ hired assassin; and character actors Edgar Buchanan, Ben Johnson, Ellen Corby, and Elisha Cook Jr. Extras on the new Blu-ray release include commentary by the director’s son George Stevens Jr., who was a production assistant on the movie. “The Big Wedding” (Lionsgate) is a romantic comedy about a modern family at a weekend wedding celebration that just might turn into a chaotic mess. Long-divorced couple Don and Ellie Griffin (Robert DeNiro, Diane Keaton) try to put their best foot forward to por- tray the happy couple at the wedding of their adopted son (Ben Barnes) after his conservative biological mother, Madonna (Patricia Rae), surprises everyone by showing up. The Griffins must maintain self-control while old hostilities surface. This kind of comedy -- temperamen- tal personalities thrown together and clashing – is not new, but the impressive cast, including Susan Sarandon, Chris- tine Ebersole, Amanda Seyfried, Kath- erine Heigl, Robin Williams, and Topher Grace, makes the movie engaging. Be (continued on Crossword page)