Paris Has Fallen Christian Review
Paris Has Fallen is an interesting beast—a TV spin-off born from the adrenaline-charged “Has Fallen” movie franchise. This time, though, Gerard Butler isn’t here to scowl and save the day. Instead, the show takes a hard left into the heart of France, throwing together snipers, mercenaries, politicians, and a hefty dose of chaos. But as a Christian viewer, how does this series land? Does it soar with moral significance, or does it stumble into the same traps that action thrillers often do? Let’s break this down with a blend of appreciation, critique, and honest reflection.
Action at Full Throttle: The Good, the Bad, and the Over-the-Top
First things first—action lovers, you’re in for a treat. The series knows its audience and delivers on high-stakes chases, intense firefights, and pulse-pounding tension. It’s well-shot, the pacing is snappy, and you’ll hardly have a chance to catch your breath. If your primary goal is to see things explode while a shadowy network of power players tries to out-scheme each other, this might be your cup of tea.
But—and it’s a big but—there’s not much here that feels fresh. For all its technical competence, Paris Has Fallen plays the genre’s greatest hits without adding many surprises. There’s a sense of “been there, seen that.” While the show races along, it does so on a well-worn track, and you may find yourself longing for a spark of originality.
For Christian viewers, the intensity of the violence might raise eyebrows. Action is one thing; gratuitous bloodshed is another. It’s worth approaching with caution, especially if you’re sensitive to the way violence is portrayed on-screen.
Moral Ambiguity: A Feature or a Bug?
Now, let’s talk about the soul of the show—or lack thereof. The world of Paris Has Fallen is murky, full of characters clawing for power and control with little thought for higher ideals. While this is a hallmark of political thrillers, it can leave a viewer feeling hollow. Who are we supposed to root for? Is anyone fighting for something noble, or are they all just out for themselves?
There’s something to be said for stories that tackle moral complexity. Life isn’t always black and white, and it’s worth wrestling with those shades of gray. But Paris Has Fallen doesn’t seem particularly interested in that wrestling match. Instead, it gives us characters who hover around the moral low ground without much introspection or consequence. For a Christian audience, this lack of redemptive arcs or deeper ethical reflection can feel like a missed opportunity.
On the flip side, the series does highlight themes of sacrifice and duty, albeit subtly. Characters are often forced to make tough choices, risking their lives for a cause (even if the cause is murky). These moments of bravery can resonate with Christian values, even if the overall moral landscape is bleak.
Realism: Who Needs It?
Let’s not pretend that Paris Has Fallen is aiming for realism. This isn’t a deep dive into geopolitics or an exploration of how power truly operates. It’s escapism, plain and simple. And that’s okay—to a point. Sometimes, you just want to turn your brain off and enjoy the ride.
But escapism comes with a cost. Shows like this can desensitize us to real-world issues or reinforce shallow ideas about heroism and justice. As Christians, we’re called to engage with the world thoughtfully, not just consume it passively. So, while it’s fine to enjoy Paris Has Fallen for what it is, it’s worth keeping one foot planted firmly in reality.
The Missing Spark of Redemption
Here’s where things get personal. One of the most powerful aspects of storytelling is its ability to inspire hope, to remind us of the possibility of redemption even in the darkest circumstances. Think about how many great stories—from Scripture to classic literature—hinge on a moment of transformation.
Paris Has Fallen doesn’t really go there. Sure, it’s got plenty of action and intrigue, but it’s missing that deeper emotional or spiritual resonance. The characters don’t seem to grow, learn, or change in meaningful ways. The stakes are high, but they’re not personal. And for a Christian viewer, that lack of redemption can make the show feel empty.
Is It Worth Watching?
This is where it gets tricky. If you’re a fan of the action-thriller genre, Paris Has Fallen will probably scratch that itch. It’s competently made, entertaining in a surface-level way, and doesn’t demand too much from its audience. But if you’re looking for something that challenges you, uplifts you, or speaks to deeper truths, this isn’t it.
The show walks a fine line between mindless fun and forgettable noise. It’s the kind of thing you might enjoy in the moment but not think about once the credits roll. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s worth asking yourself what you’re hoping to get out of it.
Final Thoughts
As Christians, our approach to media doesn’t have to be all or nothing. We don’t need to avoid every piece of entertainment that doesn’t perfectly align with our values. But we should be thoughtful about what we watch, how it shapes us, and what it says about the world we live in.
Paris Has Fallen is, at its core, a popcorn show. It’s exciting, a little ridiculous, and easy to binge. But it’s also morally shallow, emotionally distant, and spiritually empty. If you decide to watch it, do so with your eyes open—both to its strengths and its flaws.
A Score, For What It’s Worth
Let’s wrap this up with a number. On a scale of 1 to 10, where does Paris Has Fallen land? For sheer entertainment value, it’s a solid 6. But if we’re factoring in depth, substance, and spiritual resonance, it struggles to climb past a 4.
So, we’ll settle at 6/10. It’s a fun ride, but not one you’ll be talking about around the dinner table—or reflecting on in your prayer journal. And maybe that’s okay, as long as you know what you’re getting into.
