harwhitehead
Based on Frederick Forsythe's novel, the film is a realistic depiction of the powers behind international politics and the behind the scenes secret armies used to enforce their edicts.
Benedito Dias Rodrigues
After get respect from Deer Hunter Waken surfing in new project as mercenary leader on a Forsyth's novel adaptation,however the picture take a ride from Wild Geese's formula,it's measure how is short the vision of those producers in that time,even so could be better in little details which they didn't noticed,but a sharp eye realize,souless the movie ain't certanly,have good fresh moments.a few actually,but as entertainment works spent along the picture,some clichés were unnecessary as is former wife Jobeth Williams,but it's a old formula,the action is good,and the final is very predicable!!!Resume:First watch: 1999 / How many: 2 / Cable TV-DVD / Rating: 7
FlashCallahan
Jamie Shannon is a soldier of fortune who will stage a coup or a revolution for the right price. He is hired by British mining interests to scout out Zangaro, a small African nation with rich mineral deposits but a brutal dictatorship. Arrested soon after his arrival, Shannon is imprisoned as a spy, badly beaten, and tortured. While in prison he meets one of the country's leading intellectuals, Dr. Okoye, also imprisoned by the regime. Eventually released, he returns to London and is subsequently offered to opportunity to secretly invade Zangaro's capital and lead a military coup. Shannon accepts, but quietly has his own agenda to pursue.......Bearing in mind this is a review of the theatrical cut, I couldn't possibly comment on the coherence and character development of the extended cut, hence the low rating.Walken is an always watchable screen presence, and always brings something more to the material he has been given, but here, he really struggles with such a poor narrative, and an incoherent cut of the film.What we have here is Walken pretending to be an ornithologist, taking pictures of restricted areas, getting tortured, coming home, and then assembling a team to get his own personal vengeance.Whoever edited this cut of the film really needs to made to watch this over and over, because once Walken leaves the country, it becomes baffling.Berenger just turns up for no reason, and if you didn't know that there was a longer version, or the fact that he has bad mouthed this particular cut of the film, you'd be forgiven in thinking that he was a random stranger annoying Walken.And then it goes to action territory, and by this time, all the cast look bored, despite the plethora of firepower they have, and the rest of the cast just jump at the right time as the explosions.It's annoying really, because I've heard so many good things about this film, and the easiest version to get is this butchered monstrosity.One to avoid, unless you get the full version.
Ben Larson
Do I have a favorite Christopher Walken movie? Not really. He seems to be a couple of cans short of a six pack in most films. It is not to say that he isn't an interesting character, but he is not a favorite. I'll probably catch hell for not being in love with him, but que sera sera.This movie was made soon after The Deer Hunter, and it is a serious Christopher Walken we see. His acting ability is in full review, and it is a pleasure to watch.Not and action film, it is a bit more complicated with only a very big bang at the end. Walken is supported by some surprising actors in minor roles like Jim Broadbent, Victoria Tennant, and Ed O'Neill.
AD
