Águia de Aço II

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.

Far from anything remotely special, but just as good as its fair predecessor. The only relation between the two films is the Louis Gossett, Jr. character as he is called in to lead a group of pilots that are from the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Another one of those many films made in the 1980s to capitalize off the fear of the Cold War. The direction is mediocre and the screenplay is sophomoric. With that said some of the flying sequences are well-done and Gossett's performance is not bad at all. However he does look a lot more impressive with sub-par players around him. Never really wins its wings by the time it tries to fly. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

This time Louis Gossett Jr returns to whip new American and Russian recruits in line to prepare them for a mission against middle eastern terrorists who have gotten a nuclear launching site, of course the mission is meant to fail but in the heat of it all heroism prevails over the differences of the soldiers in question. Iron Eagle II was as ridiculous as it's predecessor however the edge of the first one and the overall amusing teenage vengeance angle is in favor dropped in favor of your basic military mission that for the most part is watchable if not too interesting. Iron Eagle II is fun in short spurts it is just that there is just too much character development and Gossett while good is not there nearly enough to bail out the movie's lame drama. Still it is at least better than the next two entries.

* * out of 4-(Fair)

They should never have attempted a sequel to a not-so-good movie, but 3 of them?!?!? The series falls into the "what planet does the producer live on" category, like Jaws (after Jaws 2) and Police Academy (after the 1st).

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.