Iron Eagle

Growing up in Cold War era America gives one a certain perspective on life that allows one to appreciate a genre of movies that probably make little sense to younger generations. Iron Eagle is one of these movies. Taking place at a time when all Americans were feeling decently confident about our place in world politics but still concerned about the USSR suddenly deciding to nuke us or the Middle East erupting into total chaos (fortunately for us the former didn't happen.) Iron Eagle plays on these feelings giving us a campy 80's flick about a teenage kid who is turned down for the Air Force Academy but ends up having to steal a USAF F-16 and fly into a hostile Middle Eastern country to rescue his father who was shot down there. Now if that isn't just an age old tale.

To beef up the movie they decided on an absolutely horrible cast headed by the no longer respectable Louis Gosset Jr. who decided after ending his serious acting career with this film to just toss in the towl and wind down with Iron Eagle II, Iron Eagle III and yes, believe it or not, in 1995 Iron Eagle IV! The only professional actor in the entire film is the ever venerable David Suchet who can do no wrong. (For those who don't know David, check him out in such greats as Agatha Christie's Poirot and Harry and the Hendersons.)

Despite its pathetic story line and terrible cast Iron Eagle is actually an enjoyable film. It is silly and juvenile but it harkens back to a simpler time and it just feels good to watch. Don't try to take the movie seriously or you will be seriously disappointed. But take it for what it is and you might actually have a good time. For me this film takes me back to 1985 and wanted to be a USAF pilot myself (boy do we laugh about that now!)

So if you are looking for some light entertainment or just a chance to relive the 1980's, take a look at Iron Eagle.