White House Down

This year Hollywood has declared war on the White House. We've had the hardcore version earlier this year and now get the softer version of the White House War II.
It seems perfectly natural that Hollywood would want to make a film about an attack on the White House. It is supposedly the most fortified building in the world. Why wouldn't you want to see how someone would try to attack it? Earlier this year Mike Banning was the one to save the President from attack. This was a really violent film which I did not like for it's nasty streak cause it felt so mean. I know that an attack is not meant to be pleasant but it should not make you feel uncomfortable. Which is why I liked 'White House Down' more. It was able to make the situation enjoyable and fun. With this film I think I was more aware of the comparisons to 'Die Hard'. I could see so many similarities and became more aware of how 'Die Hard' se the standard for action film and especially those where there is a hostage situation. But as great as 'White House Down' is it does lack that spark of brilliance that could have brought it to the level of 'Die Hard'. I think part of the problem is the director. Roland Emmerich is an excellent director and has made many spectacular action films but he feels very restrained here. His other films, with the exception of the non-action 'Anonymous', have been big action films on a global scale, where as 'White House Down' has all its action contained to one location. Roland feels so restrained here that you get the feeling that he wants to break out any moment but can't due to the restraints of the story.
Channing Tatum certainly knows how to fill out a singlet. Sadly it too him a while to strip down. Other than that he does a very good job. He is able to play the role as more of an average guy who must step up in a difficult situation. He plays humble so well. I was surprised Jamie Foxx would take a role like this considering he is essentially playing the damsel in distress role. He is probably there for his likeness to President Obama but I would have liked him to be a bit less bumbling and more active in the action. The best thing about the film for me was seeing James Woods back on the big screen again. I wish he was in more films. The rest of the cast are good and serviceable in the roles.
The lighter tone taken with this film certainly made it more enjoyable than the last White House attacked film. But needed a director who feels more comfortable being restrained.