Gerard Butler has starred in some of today's biggest action blockbusters, but can also muster up some decent romantic comedies, dramas, and even belt out a solid tune here and there. With the third film in his "Fallen" trilogy coming out called "Angel Has Fallen," I take a look at my five personal favorite Gerard Butler films.
**THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS**
#5
Machine Gun Preacher
Based off the true story of Sam Childers, a former biker who finds God and heads to Africa to help repair homes ravaged by a civil war, "Machine Gun Preacher" finds Butler in his wheelhouse as a man who must resort to violence to save a group of children who were kidnapped by a rebel tribe as well as try to maintain the peace as he establishes an orphanage in the middle of a literal war zone. The action is explosive, but Butler also gives a solid dramatic performance as a man who sets out to care for the least fortunate of all, and balances violence with benevolence perfectly.
#4
Coriolanus
Based off William Shakespeare's tragedy, "Coriolanus" is a modern telling of a man betrayed by his country, forced to join forces with a former enemy, and find the vengeance he seeks. Ralph Fiennes stars as the titular character (and also serves as his directorial debut), while Gerard Butler stars as Coriolanus's enemy-turned-ally Tullus, and both men give terrific performances that include several lines taken straight from Shakespeare's classic tale. Brian Cox, Vanessa Redgrave and Jessica Chastain round out the stellar cast, and Butler again gives an admirable performance.
#3
Olympus Has Fallen
Not to be confused with the lesser-film "White House Down," "Olympus Has Fallen" was the other film released the same year that involves terrorists attacking the White House and taking the President hostage - but this one is way better. Butler stars as Mike Banning, a former presidential security officer who finds his way inside the White House and serves as the only means to keeping the President alive. The film is filled with nonstop action and adventure, and with the added benefit of a strong supporting cast including Aaron Eckhart and Morgan Freeman, this is a must-see for any action fan.
#2
Law Abiding Citizen
After a law abiding citizen suffers the loss of his family at the hands of home invaders, Gerard Butler's Clyde Shelton doesn't find justice in the legal system, as the perpetrators were given a lenient plea deal by Jamie Foxx's prosecutor Nick Rice. Clyde goes on a vengeance warpath and focuses on the corrupt judicial system that let him down, and Butler blends action with gut-wrenching drama beautifully.
#1
300
Based off the graphic novel by Frank Miller as well as loosely based off the true story, "300" tells the story of Gerard Butler's Leonidas, a Spartan leader who takes a small army of three hundred to stand against the might of the Persian army who wishes to invade their land. Outnumbered, the three hundred stand their ground valiantly and the film was shot in a unique style that was revolutionary for its time, and still holds all these years later.
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