The Dogs of War (1981)

A Disappointing Continuation

Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

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.

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

I guess the Wild Geese (1978) is the best comparison because it is a movie of the same era with a somewhat similar story - "good" mercenaries fighting a cruel dictator in some poor African country. However, when the Wild Geese is filled with stars, here we have only one - but he happens to be Christopher Walken.Not only Christopher's but most of the actors' performance is good, the plot is rather realistic, the movie does not feel like a cheap copy made during the mercenary/vigilante movie boom, and the length is optimal, less than two hours. Those who enjoy good action movies with less tongue-in-cheek (Wild Geese, Expendables) have to see this.

James Shannon is an American mercenary hired by a mining concern to perform a reconnaissance mission in the fictional West African nation of Zangaro; his task is to determine whether or not it would be possible to depose its current president, a psychotic megalomaniac called General Kimba. He goes in posing as a wildlife photographer and learns a little bit about the countries history; after gaining independence from Britain there were three candidates for president; General Kimba, the now exiled Colonel Bobi and the now gaoled Dr. Okoye. It isn't long before he comes to the attention of the authorities and soon after that he is severely beaten before being deported.Back in the Unites States he is approached once again; this time they want him to put together a mercenary force; return to Zangaro and overthrow Kimba so somebody more biddable can be installed in the presidential palace. Shannon sets about recruiting mercenaries before heading to London and arranging to get all the equipment they will need on the mission. He also learns who the new president is to be; Colonel Bobi; a man motivated solely by greed who is unlikely to be any better for the people of Zangaro than Kimba. Once everything is arranged they take a freighter to Zangaro and storm the barracks in the capital where Kimba resides and once he is dealt with they wait for Col, Bobi to arrive; but when he gets there he will be in for a surprise.This is a solid mercenary action film that should please fans of the genre. The final action sequence is both exciting and spectacular but that isn't the real meat of the film. The thing that makes this film interesting is the way it focuses on the preparations. The reconnaissance section was almost as exciting as the finale as Shannon was alone and unarmed in a very dangerous place; where any mistake could, and nearly did, get him killed. The preparations were interesting as we see the team discussing what equipment they will need and haggling to acquire it at the lowest price to maximise their profit. Christopher Walken puts in a good performance as Shannon and the rest of the cast are decent enough if not exactly spectacular. The action is well directed and it looks good although some scenes felt rushed... although I fear that is because I saw the shorter version of the film and I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't some 'cuts for television' as well so I can't really hold that against the film! If you like films such as 'The Wild Geese' I'm sure you will enjoy this too; it is well worth watching even in its abridged form.