This movie was total nonsense, but still I kept watching. The action is quite good and plenty of explosions. Absolutely ludicrous plot. Theres a bit where the Spitfire pilot shoots down a jet with a grenade launcher while he hangs out of the cockpit. Nonsense but great stuff. Its got Horst Bucholtz in as well.
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rss-214 October 1999
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This film incorporates most of the clichés, (republican) political themes,and formulae of modern military fiction, and tells a story about aging planes and the aging men who fly them fighting to avenge the honor of a fellow pilot and put a dent (more of a bomb crater) in the drug war. The film also adds some characterization and entertaining action sequences, and attempts, though not very effectively, to employ comic relief (Phill Lewis' character).
Lou Gossett Jr, Sonny Chiba, Chris Cazenove, and Horst Bucholtz play a team of exhibition fliers who put on air shows in authentic and semi-authentic WWII planes. Gossett also has a 'day job' at an air force base which is due to be closed. When one of Gossett's younger colleagues loses his plane and the wreckage is found to have been stuffed with cocaine, Chappy (Gossett) goes into action.
Meanwhile in Peru - where all of this will ultimately lead - our female lead, Anna escapes imprisonment by an ex-Nazi drug-lord who has taken over her small town. Anna is an athlete and appears to be about 23 years old. The character is played by Rachel McLish - who is, as of 2007, 51 years old. The film is 15 years old, so she was in her mid-30s when she made it. I had to look up her age three times before I could believe what I was seeing. McLish is not a bad actress, though not quite up to the level of the rest of the cast. She is, however, excellently physical, and would have made a great action star (I wouldn't be surprised if this option were still open to her).
A quarter of the way through the film, these two plots are about to coalesce.
If you're a fan of military fantasy, you just might enjoy this fairly silly but very pretty film. Others should probably avoid it. -
culwin28 December 2000Unintentionally funny & painfully dumb. Makes the original Iron Eagle look like Citizen Kane. Why anyone would agree to participate in this is beyond me. They probably could have gotten more money and respect selling Amway. I watched this movie at 3:00 in the morning because nothing else was on TV. I wish I would have watched the Weather Channel. I think this movie was trying to suck out my soul.
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Directed by John Glen, best known for his work on the James Bond series, Iron Eagle III is a decent enough aviation-action-B-Movie. Louis Gossett Jr.'s Chappy is back in action, this time flying vintage World War Two aircraft instead of modern jet fighters. It's a good change of scenery, even if the German Me-109 and Japanese Zero are actually American aircraft in disguise: a P-51 B stands in for the Me-109, and a whitewashed Texan shemps it as a Zero.
The plot is all to familiar: A heroic group goes rogue to take on the drug cartel. Except this time the cartel happens to be under the command of an Ex-Nazi. John Glen is a competent action director and makes the most out of what was no doubt a budget considerably smaller than the typical 007 film. The acting is mixed, and we receive different levels of performance from the different actors. Gossett probably tuns in the best performance of the group.
Fans of aviation movies will no doubt find at least some elements of the movie pleasing. It does feature some beautiful aircraft, most notably the British Spitfire and American P-38 Lightning. An authentic Me-109 and Zero would have greatly added to the film, but at least the Spitfire and Lightning are the real deal. At one point the WWII planes take on some lower end jet fighters, and some humor and nostalgia ensue. As one pilot in the movie likes saying "technology is no match for seasoning." It's a fun concept to see the propeller driven dogfighters-which by the end of WWII were approaching their twilight, as electronic warfare began to develop- taking on that which made them obsolete, and defeating them.
Apart from Gossett, there are a few recognizable actors in the film. Sonny Chiba plays the pilot of the Zero. Mitch Ryan of "Dharma and Greg" fame plays General Simms. Tom Bower as DEA agent Crawford is also recognizable, as you've probably seen him in bit roles in other movies.
Second to Chappy, the most featured character in the movie is Rachel McLish's Anna. Her greatest asset is her physical presence on the screen. Her most remarkable scene is her first, when she escapes from her chains, muscles popping out everywhere. Her dialogue isn't the best to work with, and her delivery is adequate, nothing more. But that's not to say I didn't enjoy watching her. After all, this is an action movie, not a drama. The video cover box makes her out as Rambo with an X chromosome, but her character is more vulnerable than that, which I suppose is a good thing since it adds realism.
All things considered, Aces: Iron Eagle III is an enjoyable B-grade action movie. The producers were wise to change the scene for this movie, as Iron Eagle I and II featured F-16's. Iron Eagle III isn't perfect, but at least it's not a complete rehashing of the first two movies-a commendable effort. -
Mister-620 July 1999Let me put it this way: if you're looking for a movie with lots of action, plenty of explosions, Sonny Chiba (!), a cast as integrated as an old "Star Trek" episode and the wonders of Rachel McLish, you MUST see "Aces: Iron Eagle III".
The first one was pretty good in a cheesy, '80s way; the second was more or less forgettable (tell the truth, I can't remember one character from it)... but "Aces" - It has everything an action fan could want. ...that is, if you haven't seen "Top Gun", "Die Hard" or any other movies with explosions, planes, Louis Gossett Jr., etc... etc....
But Rachel McLish.
Sighhhhh....
Excuse me, where was I? Oh yes, Rachel. What a woman. Not only is she stronger than any of the guys in this film, but she shoots, fights, speaks Spanish and strangles guards with chains better than Bruce Willis ever dreamed of. Looks better in a t-shirt, too.
Two and a half stars for "Aces". Good stunts, explosions.... Great use of a former Ms. Olympia. -
vlad191723 July 1999did the writers of this movie think we're idiots? vintage world war two p-51 mustangs outflying and outgunning mig jets?!?! hell, why not take on the army in a biplane next. no wait...we can defeat the entire soviet air force by using only paper airplanes...
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catchethan4 November 2005whoever thought that this movie was a thing that needed to exist needs to be dragged out of Hollywood and thrown in a stockade. or at least a brig.
Bizarre pro-drug war, wet dream of Monroe-doctrine-humping idiots. cheesy like Velveeta, and not in the good sense. I haven't even finished the movie and I'm already wanting my life back.
the plot is nonsensical, the "twist" is about as bendy as a re-bar, and the characters as believable as three dollar bills. Racial stereotypes are played for their full effect, it's a low point in the career of everyone involved.
hell the planes aren't any good either, which was the best part of the first two.
The only redeeming quality is that it ends. it's biggest flaw is that it starts. save your money on the rental. just grab a stick, sharpen it and poke yourself in the eye repeatedly. it'll be more amusing. -
bellino-angelo201431 December 2021I have never seen the first two IRON EAGLE movies but I wanted to try the final installment because it's the most aired on TV and it has a pathetic score of 3,7 (but not enough ratings and reviews for ever making the infamous Bottom 100) and, being an occasional bad movie watcher, I bit the bullet.
In the beginning Chappy (Louis Gossett jr) and his friends do a simulation set in World War II at an air show hosted by Stockman (Fred Dalton Thompson). After the show they are called to Lethridge Air Force base for examining the rest of the charred plane of a man that was shot down while carrying cocaine to Perù and the DEA begins investigating. Chappy however wants to know more and with the help of his friends they'll go on lots of crazy adventures.
I wanted to give IRON EAGLE III a chance, but as the movie progressed, I thought it could never go back. Lots of shooting scenes, everyone acting like they were there only for the money (except perhaps Dalton Thompson who was actually trying), bad jokes, some cringy effects and more. I especially felt turned off during the scene where the peruvian church exploded and the bell flied and ended on a man's jeep crushing him to death... I mean, you have to see it for believe it!
Overall, a lazy sequel with nearly every clichè in the book and many cringeworthy gags. I give it a 3 only for the song in the hotel scene because it gives lots of 1990s vibes and only a few gags that made me chuckle. For the rest, it's just bad but not as its rating would imply. -
jimakros14 July 2010This movie doesn't have to do with F-16's like the other two previous movies.Instead the character played by GossettJr is now a reserve pilot who works in flying shows and along with some of his old pilot buddies in the show,fly some WWII aircraft down to South America to help save innocent farmers from an evil Nazi.The idea of WWII planes fighting modern jets is only for the very hardcore WWII aviation fans.
It looks more like a Rambo movie than an Iron Eagle movie,so i didn't care much for it.The main Rambo-like character is played by RachelMcLish,a female bodybuilder.They wanted to do something different than the two first movies but this idea didn't work for me. -
fmarkland3216 August 2006Louis Gossett Jr returns as Chappy Sinclair who is this time aided by Sonny Chiba and Co to battle Colombian drug-lords who have kidnapped the brother of rebel fighter (Played by body builder Rachel McGlish) and so the grumpy old men show up to put on a show that proves that these old farts still have what it takes to become one man armies. Okay this is when things got terrible and the main reason is that we are forced to watch over the hill guys save the day. Not fun to watch at all and even Gossett seems bored with the material. Also of disappointment is just how wussed out they make Chiba's character. Back in the 70's Chiba was the most ruthless martial artist ever and now he is reduced to a sobbing soldier who isn't up to par. It is all terrible to watch and really it serves as example as of what killed Gossett's career.
* out of 4-(Bad) -
refinedsugar5 February 2024It's cool to read reviews from people who enjoy a subject I have little to no knowledge about. I can tell you 'Aces: Iron Eagle 3' is a sufficient dtv sequel with the requisite plot & action beats you expect. What I cannot do is talk about the vintage aircrafts here & their usage with insight. Lou Gossett Jr is back & this third entry goes the 90's drug route, but a supporting cast help it from feeling tired.
Col. "Chappy" Sinclair (Gossett) performs in airshows when he's told a fellow friend has been shot down, killed and his plane full of drugs. Chappy gets the other half of the story when the man's sister Anna (Rachel McLish) escapes capavity in Peru. Turns out an ex-Nazi Kleiss (Paul Freeman) is at the front of a drug smuggling operation that leads to the local air force base run by General Simms (Mitch Ryan). Taking the fight to the enemy by air & ground becomes the name of the game.
This sequel has a different feel and it's refreshing though there's little in the way of surprises. Gossett is still solid and female bodybuilder McLish stands out. Not just because she's attractive, but because she does badass nicely. J. E. Freeman, Sonny Chiba, Fred Dalton Thompson, Tow Bower & Juan Fernandez provide more known faces.
'Aces' got torn up critically, but if you know what you're walking into it's okay all things considered. It looks good given a modest budget and it's shot well. Things get a little hokey when vintage planes go toe to toe with modern fighters, but Gossett & company keep it mildly fun and the R rating lends itself to more violence. -
bemyfriend-4018421 December 2020Ten. Because Rachel is a ten. So beautiful!! And when her bicep grows, watch out; because she becomes super-humanly strong! She can even act, a little.
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Bob-4516 February 2005Maybe it's just cause I'm kinda partial to great flying and big-busted women who kick butt, but "Aces: Iron Eagle 2 is the most fun I've had watching a movie all year (the other highlight being "Princess Diaries 2, but that's another story).
After seeing the original, pathetic "Top Gun" wannabee (aircraft engaged in "aerial combat shooting static displays, COME ON!), I skipped "Iron Eagle 2". However, there were some things I wanted to see after watching the previews and seeing the poster. Yeah, those things belonging to Rachael McLish, the only body builder of EITHER gender who ever got my cigar puffing (Yeah, I know this is sexist as hell, but I'm on a roll and it's THAT kind of movie). No nudity, darn it, but McLish is hot and handles herself well, especially with a couple of machine guns. Besides, how many movie's do you get to see with Sonny ("Streetfighter") Chiba, Horst ("Magnificent Seven") Bucholz and Senator Fred Thompson of the great state of Tennessee, not to mention, the downright neat (with the right script) Lou Gossett, Jr.? Yeah, "Aces" is predictable, but that's part of its charm. It was probably also fun for former 007 director John Glen to work with people who can actually enjoy their work without trivializing it. HEY ROGER MOORE AND TIM DALTON: PAYING ATTENTION? Just wish McLish would've had more exposure ...
I give "Aces: Iron Eagle 3" a "7". MISS MCLISH: DO YOU HAVE ANY OUTTAKES? THE RIGHT ONES WOULD BE WORTH AN "8". -
adam-9011030 December 2020Gosh, where do I begin? If you seen the first two then you will have an understanding how dumb and goofy this one is even with different film studios taking over. The target audience is still the teenager just like the other two though the first movie,Iron Eagle, does it better. However, the character developments are too stereotypical. For example, the Japanese pilot, SU, in his Japanese World War II (WWII) aircraft would always boastful and "honorable." Towards the end of the film he would kamikaze into cargo aircraft full of drugs, and the minor antagonists. The stereotypes would continue throughout the film with the British pilot in his WWII British aircraft et cetera. One of the things I like in this film is comedic relief which should've been in the first two movies as well. If I were to watch this movie in the year 1992 C.E., I would dislike this movie and be pissed that I spent my money buying a ticket for this dumpster-fire. Watching this movie now with modern notation is probably the best knowing all the cliches because again, this movie was made for the dumb teenagers back then. In my prior reviews about the Iron Eagle series, I didn't care how realistic the aerial dog fights were, and I applaud the cool camera shots with the aircraft, but the WWII era aircraft was just dumb. It should've been Chappy teaming up with the DEA and the villagers with Chappy in the F-16 or whatever aircraft he flew in the U.S.A.F. I wanted to give this movie a solid three stars out of ten, but because of the over the top stereotyping I'd give movie just one out of ten stars. Yea, I guess this whole movie is funny if you really like stereotypes being played out.
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membleek19 October 1999this was an absolute thrill to watch. i was very suprised to see rachel mclish do so well in this movie. her muscularity made her perfect for this. i especially liked the close up on here beautiful, bulging arms. a great cast makes this a must see
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Jonathan Horner22 December 2001Aces: Iron Eagle 3 is a pretty good movie despite it's bad reviews I've read between critics and other IMDB users.
I didn't really go mad for the original Iron Eagle and I thought Iron Eagle 2 was rubbish but Aces: Iron Eagle 3 does get my approval. I like the idea of four different men from different countries coming together as one to fight on the same side.
One huge flaw in this movie is the plot, there's no way old WW2 fighters, no matter how good they look, could take on modern jet fighters...it could be done, maybe if the modern fighters had no wings!
Overall a good entertaining "TopGun" style movie, if a little unrealistic.
6/10 -
lost-in-limbo27 June 2011The third entry to take off the runway "Aces: Iron Eagle III" happened to be the only feature from the series not to have director / writer Sidney J. Furie involved and he was replaced by director John Glen (who would be well known for his contributions to the 007 cycle). However Louis Gossett Jr. would return as everybody's favourite pilot Charles 'Chappy' Sinclair. Everything about this one is fairly far-fetched, lively and over-the-top, but for me it would have to be the most enjoyable of the series. Far better than the tepid last film. This b-grade effort plays out as if "Top Gun" met "Rambo" in a drug war, but with a twist as the planes used here are vintage aircrafts manned by veteran fighter pilots of different cultures. America, England, Germany and Japan are teaming up to battle corruption in an American Air force base and a German drug lord (played by Paul Freeman with venomous aplomb) living it up in South America. Gossett Jr. seems to be having a good time in the role, along with other actors Hortz Buchholz, Sonny Chiba and Christopher Cazenove. The chemistry between the four simply crackles. Also bodybuilder Rachel McLish would appear for some flexing of her muscles and to kick some ass --- doing her best impersonation of "Rambo". There are some more recognisable faces turning up; Fred Dalton Thompson, Mitch Ryan, Juan Fernandez, Tom Bower, J.E. Freeman and a comical turn by Phill Lewis. Streaming through it is a comic-book tone, where it balances out its serious side (honour and pride) with some clowning humour (witty exchanges aplenty) and a wicked death here or there (death by bell anyone). Again like the other films in the series, it's slow to start off --- characters gelling, plans are being schemed and investigations are occurring, but when it takes flight. It's time to go up against the odds. Director Glen comes to the stage, constructing blistering action set-pieces of genuine excitement (which wouldn't be out of place in a Bond presentation) and stellar airborne sequences --- especially the cat mouse scenes with the old-school planes up against the F-16s. Maybe unbelievable, but it gets the blood pumping along with Harry Manfredini's soaring music score. Senselessly clichéd, but fun action escapism.
"You want miracles. Why don't you call the pope." -
B.T.23 June 1999This movie is just a strange plot.Imagine a german a japanese person and an american named Chappy who all have planes from their country during WW2.No this isn't a joke its the movie Iron Eagles 3 Aces .This flick does have its moments though.If you're looking for a good war movie id recommend Top Gun or Iron Eagle and Iron eagle 4.This is only for Iron Eagle buffs.
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Hey_Sweden15 May 2021Series star Louis Gossett Jr. Is once again in the thick of things in his role as flying ace Chappy Sinclair. This time, he and his friends / fellow aces, played by Horst Buchholz ("The Magnificent Seven"), Christopher Cazenove ("Eye of the Needle"), and Shin'ichi Chiba ("The Street Fighter"), come to the aid of the very sexy and very tough Anna Morales (female bodybuilder Rachel McLish, "Raven Hawk"). Her people are being exploited and abused by a Latin American drug cartel led by a maniacal German named Kleiss (Paul Freeman, Belloq from "Raiders of the Lost Ark").
Series veteran Kevin Elders wrote the silly script, complete with reams of silly dialogue. But most of us who would watch something like this would never watch it for the story. We watch it for the large-scale death and destruction, and "Aces: Iron Eagle III" delivers on that front. Directed by John Glen, a veteran of the James Bond franchise whose credits include "Octopussy" and "Licence to Kill", it *does* feature excellent flying sequences, and a pleasingly high body count. One debit was the character of Tee Vee (Phill Lewis, "City Slickers"), a homeboy who lends Chappy some assistance in a rough neighbourhood and then believes this has earned him the right to tag along on the mission. Lewis isn't dislikable, but his comedy relief really doesn't work.
Although they've certainly had better material to work with during the course of their careers, it's a top cast full of familiar faces that is the most watchable element of this sequel. The stunt casting is a good hook, even if the guys playing Chappy's comrades are definitely too young to be believable WWII veterans. Co-starring are lawyer-turned-actor-turned-politician Fred Thompson ("Die Hard 2"), "Lethal Weapon" villain Mitchell Ryan, Rob Estes ('Melrose Place'), J. E. Freeman ("Miller's Crossing"), Tom Bower ("River's Edge"), Juan Fernandez ("The Collector"), boxing legend Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini ("Timebomb"), Bob Minor ("Forced Vengeance"), and Branscombe Richmond ("Hard to Kill").
With a rousing score by Harry Manfredini (best known for his scores for the "Friday the 13th" series) as accompaniment, "Aces" makes for passable entertainment, goofs and all. It's the kind of thing you can enjoy without having to tax your brain too much. It IS appealing seeing war veterans from different nations who are friends and who unite for a noble purpose.
Six out of 10. -
lor_18 July 2023My review was written in November 1991 after watching the film at a Manhattan screening room.
New Line should do fine business with "Aces" an action-packed, campy entry in Lou Gossett's "Iron Eagle" series. Pic was originally slated as an off-season January 1992 release by since defunct distributor Seven Arts, but now receives a prime summer slot.
Best in its cartoonish moments, this followup helmed by James Bond director John Glen notably introduces the beautiful body-builde Rachel McLish. Though she has to strive mightily to get out her lines of dialogue.the fledgling actress is perfectly cast and could well become an important action heroine.
Producer Ron Samuels shifts here from the youth-oriented storyline of the first two "Eagle" pics (both helmed by Sidney J. Furie) to an over-the-hill gang premise reminiscent of the British "Wild Geese" pics.
Air Force pilot Gossett rounds up a group of fellow veteran fighter aces to fly to Per3u and blow up a cocaine factory.
The American government won't support this mission so the guys use vintage World War II-era planes they've been flying in air shows.
Gossett fights the drug lords because a friend was killed by them and his sister (McLish) captured and tortured. He frees McLish, who turns out to be more than the equal of any of the male combatants.
Scripter Kevin Elders, who has worked on all three "Eagle" films, throws in a streetwise ghetto kid (Phill Lewis) who stows away on the mission and offers a combination of comic relief and heroism.
Film's camp value derives from the mocking use of the fighter aces, including Christopher Cazenove in the Roger Moore role, vet action star Sonny Chiba as the Japanese kamikaze pilot and a very fit Horst Buchholz as the German wiz.
When not making corny patriotic speeches Gosett is a steadying force here.
McLish is terrific in action scenes and merely needs intensive coaching on her acting to supersede Sigourney Weaver and Linda Hamilton in genre roles.
Paul Freeman reprises his stock Nazi from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" as the nominal heavy.
Dogfights in the air and pyrotechnics on ground are up to the high standards of Glen's 007 credits. -
stoney2430 January 2009Aces: Iron Eagle III is the first and only film in the series not directed by Sidney J. Furie, and I have to say it's all the better for it. However that doesn't make it good. The Film came off as more a rejected episode of the A-Team then as a great stand alone film. While the film is not exactly horrible, it's fun and it has a nice pace and energy, it's Sonny Chiba that really drew me in. In one of his few American film appearances, Chiba turns in a performance that in some ways raised the bar a little, that was then subsequently lowered very single time Rachel McLish opened her mouth. It was funny to watch her shot a gun, as she tried to hold it like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone, yet also sort of flinching too. If only she could of acted, even a little, she might of had a career as an action star, but she flat out sucks! If she had any less emotion in her voice she might have been suspected of being a robot. Gossett Jr. tries his best to keep the film moving, and for it's time and budget it worked alright. Overall it felt like a made for TV ripoff then a actual sequel. I wished they would of explored Chappy's and Doug's further adventures in these sequels, but alas they chose to churn out stuff like this, that while not bad, it's Still better then number II...just isn't enough to make it work.
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Coxer999 August 1999Still getting over the fact that the first "Iron Eagle," had been made...here's the third installment in this awful series of films about a fighter pilot, a musclewoman and some vets that hit a Peru drug lab. Silly from the word GO!
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Let me begin by saying that this film was utter tripe. I couldn't begin to tell you what on earth this thing was actually about.
THAT SAID - I sat and watched this ridiculous rubbish from beginning to end. I have seen it three or four times since then, just when it's been on telly (TV to you Yanks) and you DO sit and watch it, even if it's 10 minutes from the end.
It's strangely compelling, like the scene of a terrible accident, you have to slow down and take a look. It's worth watching just to see the unique and inventive way in which the bad guys get their cummupance (I don't consider this to be a spoiler, sorry if it is, surely you realise the bad guys have all got be killed in the most unlikely and elaborate ways!)
In summary - as other critics of this film have said, the idea of WWII aircraft taking on state-of-the-art fighter jets is ludicrous but then the film is ludicrous. So is the cast of characters, particularly Christopher Cazenove playing the stereotypical Englishman that makes Brits like me want to strip them of their British passports! However, this mindless rubbish is entertaining for its pure stupidity.
It's perfect if you've just ate a big meal and simply want to veg out infront of the box while your food goes down. -
kalex25 September 2004OK, guys. Lighten up. It's not THAT bad--and as another commenter said, it has Horst Buckholz (cf: "One, Two, Three," with Cagney, not to mention "The Magnificent Seven," for crying out loud!). Name me another great fly-boy shoot-em up fantasy flic that has United States Senator Fred Thompson AND Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini in it? Plus great warbird flying footage?
As an Air Force vet, a little boo-boo that stood out immediately to me: In scenes where Chappy (Lou Gossett's character) is in his "dress blue" Air Force uniform (eagles on the epaulets correctly indicating a colonel) he clearly has ENLISTED MAN'S (airmen and sergeants) "U.S." insignia on his lapels. It shows the "U.S." inside a ring. That's how it looks on an enlisted man's uniform. A colonel (an officer) would have just plain "U.S." without the circle around it. Have a look at his boss's (the general) lapels. He has the correct ones. -
marc24228 October 2003The Movie is a complete trash-fest. There are so many glaring errors, its almost too funny to watch. But painting a P51-Mustang in Luftwaffe Camouflage,is really over the top. They actually want us to believe this is a "Me 109". Terrible Movie,but entertaining on a Trash-Level.
Did I already say that the Acting is pure torment? Never seen such seemingly uninterested looking actors.
marc 242