L'aigle de fer II

I have seen this film several times not and, although they tried to pass off American F-4 Phantoms as Russian MiG-29's (and several other technical mistakes) the film concept and story line were good, and the acting was also not bad.

I think the fact that the IMDb rating for this movie is actually lower than ISHTAR kinda speaks for itself, don't you?

Oh come on, this movie isn't that bad. The 80's has definitely applauded cheesier things. The dog fights were fun to watch, the sound effects were great, and the over maniacal General who's twisted plans get thwarted by the misfits was spot on, the out of place love story, I mean... if you hate this movie then you probably hate just about everything coming out of the 80's.

As an aviation buff, I thought that this movie sucked. Passing off F4's as MiG's is just the beginning. The army sergeant is WAY too fat; he would have never been allowed to remain on active duty. The Soviet Union did not use women combat pilots in the 80's. (I know this because I used to study and teach Soviet combat tactics.) And the incident at the beginning of the movie would not have been something that could just be "hushed up." Much of the footage is from the first Iron Eagle. And that movie, although fanciful, is much better and many times more realistic. There are much better aviation movies out there. I was greatly disappointed by this one.

Let me start off by saying that there isn't anything to be found within 'Iron Eagle II' that you haven't saw before. You may or may not be offended by the opening sequence. Being blunt, I chalk up IEII as another shining example of poor cash-in sequels. First 'Iron Eagle' wasn't a blockbuster, but it was mildly well done and this feels like a money grab.

Anyhow this sequel finds Gossett putting together a bunch of virtually unknown Canadian actors. Some who play Americans and some who play Russians. Who when they splice in the old cold war 'we can't get along together because of nationalities' cliche element you have this movie in a nutshell.

'Iron Eagle II' is once again co-written & directed by Sidney J. Furie. Still an Israeli co-production (like the original) filmed there and utilizing their air force. Lou Gossett Jr was the sole reason to watch for me. It's a movie that I find myself surprised to say I've sat through twice on late night.