The Wild Geese is one of the better action films out there with its combination of a top-notch leading cast, a good supporting cast, a good script and spectacular action sequences. Its sequel in name only, Wild Geese II lacks many of those elements. As a sequel to the original film it is a bit of a let down and otherwise its a typical action film.
The original film had the wonderful combination of Richard Burton, Roger Moore, and Richard Harris. Now Burton was set to return for this film before his untimely death. His replacement in this film is Edward Fox who plays his younger brother Alex. Fox is the real lifeblood of this film. He has a wonderful sense of humor in his character and he is believable as the brother to the Burton character. Fox, however, doesn't show up as much as his co-stars and that is a real shame.
Why is it a shame? Because while Scott Glenn and Barbara Carrera are good actors, they lack chemistry. Glenn is not a leading man and it takes considerable effort to watch him throughout the entire film when he spends whole scenes by himself. While Carrera starts off being an intelligent and self-sufficient character, she ends up turning into a full-out damsel in distress by the time the film is over with. While this can't be entirely blamed on her, Carrera does little to improve upon the material.
The supporting cast is mixed. Kenneth Haigh is rather convincing as Colonel Reed-Henry as is Robert Webber as TV network owner Robert McCann. John Terry lacks much acting chops as Michael Lukas. But the real star of the supporting cast is the cameo (for lack of better description) by Laurence Olivier as Rudolf Hess. Olivier appearance is brief, during the finale of the film, but his scenes with Fox, Glenn, and Carrera makes the two hour running length of the film seem worthwhile.
When compared to the script and action sequences of the original film, this film is definitely lacking. Despite having been written by the same screenwriter, the films plot lacks both the punch and realism of the original. One might find that because of the change in locations from Africa to Cold War Berlin but the film still lacks realism. Not to mention that thee is really a lack of action in this film. Whiel the first film was not exactly loaded with action either, at least it had a huge set-up for an even bigger pay off at the end. this film has a massive set up and virtually no pay off. There is no large rescue action set-piece. Instead we are given a very bad looking car wreck followed by an improbable escape from East to West.
So despite having an excellent Edward Fox and Laurence Olivier, Wild Geese II lacks in everything that the first film had. the film becomes a cardboard action / espionage film that lacks both intelligence and realism. It is a sequel in name only and if you love the original, you might want to stay away from this film. You are likely to be disappointed.
The original film had the wonderful combination of Richard Burton, Roger Moore, and Richard Harris. Now Burton was set to return for this film before his untimely death. His replacement in this film is Edward Fox who plays his younger brother Alex. Fox is the real lifeblood of this film. He has a wonderful sense of humor in his character and he is believable as the brother to the Burton character. Fox, however, doesn't show up as much as his co-stars and that is a real shame.
Why is it a shame? Because while Scott Glenn and Barbara Carrera are good actors, they lack chemistry. Glenn is not a leading man and it takes considerable effort to watch him throughout the entire film when he spends whole scenes by himself. While Carrera starts off being an intelligent and self-sufficient character, she ends up turning into a full-out damsel in distress by the time the film is over with. While this can't be entirely blamed on her, Carrera does little to improve upon the material.
The supporting cast is mixed. Kenneth Haigh is rather convincing as Colonel Reed-Henry as is Robert Webber as TV network owner Robert McCann. John Terry lacks much acting chops as Michael Lukas. But the real star of the supporting cast is the cameo (for lack of better description) by Laurence Olivier as Rudolf Hess. Olivier appearance is brief, during the finale of the film, but his scenes with Fox, Glenn, and Carrera makes the two hour running length of the film seem worthwhile.
When compared to the script and action sequences of the original film, this film is definitely lacking. Despite having been written by the same screenwriter, the films plot lacks both the punch and realism of the original. One might find that because of the change in locations from Africa to Cold War Berlin but the film still lacks realism. Not to mention that thee is really a lack of action in this film. Whiel the first film was not exactly loaded with action either, at least it had a huge set-up for an even bigger pay off at the end. this film has a massive set up and virtually no pay off. There is no large rescue action set-piece. Instead we are given a very bad looking car wreck followed by an improbable escape from East to West.
So despite having an excellent Edward Fox and Laurence Olivier, Wild Geese II lacks in everything that the first film had. the film becomes a cardboard action / espionage film that lacks both intelligence and realism. It is a sequel in name only and if you love the original, you might want to stay away from this film. You are likely to be disappointed.