This time it’s personal.

The second sequel in the ‘Has Fallen’ series is probably the worst of the bunch and lacks the scope of the first two films, and while there are a couple of interesting action sequences there’s nothing matching the scale of the previous entries.

Trumbull (Morgan Freeman) is now the president, there’s no mention of the other guy, and Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) is the head of his protection detail, and he may be in line to be the new Secret Service Director.

The film opens with a training exercise where we’re introduced to an old comrade-in-arms of Banning’s, Wade Jennings (Danny Huston), and it’s very obvious from the outset who the villain is, and how things are going to play out.

I would argue the first two films aren’t incredibly clever, but this one really lowers the bar. While Trumbull is out on a fishing trip there is an assassination attempt by a fleet of drones. The entire secret service protection detail is killed but for one man, Banning.

There is evidence found on the scene that suggests that Banning was responsible for the attack, leaked information, payoffs… it doesn’t look good for Banning. Pursued now by the people he worked with, Banning has to prove his innocence and put a stop to Jennings’ plans.

Not only have we had a change in president, but Radha Mitchell elected not to come back for the sequel, and Banning’s wife, Leah is now played by Piper Perabo. And speaking of casting, the wonderful Lance Reddick joins the cast as part of the White House staff. But wait there’s more!

Remember, it’s personal this time, not only is Banning framed for the assassination attempt, but Banning goes to his estranged father for help, and that means there’s a chance to bring in an iconic actor in the role, Nick Nolte.

And Tim Blake Nelson plays Trumbull’s vice president, Kirby, and why would we have someone like that in the film? Obviously, story-wise he’s going to be important, and once again, it’s no real surprise to find out who he is.

Without being too mean to the series, I’m hoping this is the last one. That is unless they come up with a much stronger and smarter story. I’m all for big action sequences, but a smart tech thriller narrative would help a lot.

Butler is a capable actor, and he makes the action beats believable, I just found myself wanting a much stronger story, and not something that just played out exactly as I expected it to.