There is a certain comfort you can derive from these predictable mega-budget monsters. Trouble is, it goes on too long. It has several climactic moments, but every time you ready for the exit, the film bounces back again for the next round.

At least has the good grace to laugh at itself as it rolls out the dingbat-daft action-movie cliches.

It is appallingly funny in a way that few parodies ever manage. But it is undeniably exciting.

Never does White House Down surprise us or go in a direction we didn’t see coming. It’s all been manufactured to proven specifications and refuses to deviate from customary action movie schematics.