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'''Iron Eagle''' (1986) is a movie about a hotshot teen pilot whose father's plane was shot down by [[MiG]]'s of an [[Islamic]] country over the [[Mediterranean Sea]].

'''''Iron Eagle''''' (1986) is a movie about a hotshot teen pilot whose [[F-16|father's plane]] was shot down by [[MiG-23|MiG]]'s of an [[Islamic]] country over the [[Mediterranean Sea]].

Doug Masters spent more time on a jet fighter simulator than doing his homework, so his grades were not good enough to get into the Air Force Academy. To avenge a prank against his girlfriend, Doug challenges the town bully to a plane vs. car race through Snake Canyon - but the bully (and his gang) are cheats.

Doug Masters spent more time on a jet fighter simulator than doing his homework, so his grades were not good enough to get into the Air Force Academy. To avenge a prank against his girlfriend, Doug challenges the town bully to a plane vs. car race through Snake Canyon - but the bully (and his gang) are cheats.

The next day, Doug graduates from high school, reflecting on the inspiring words of the valedictorian's speech: "Be grateful for the freedom and sustenance we received, and believe in ourselves." He gathers his friends together, like Colonel Blaze's son who gets the latest intelligence reports by sneaking past Hazel (to the tune of [[Twisted Sister]]'s "We're Not Gonna Take it").  

The next day, Doug graduates from high school, reflecting on the inspiring words of the valedictorian's speech: "Be grateful for the freedom and sustenance we received, and believe in ourselves." He gathers his friends together, like Colonel Blaze's son who gets the latest intelligence reports by sneaking past Hazel (to the tune of [[Twisted Sister]]'s "We're Not Gonna Take it").  

[[Lou Gosset]] applies his "flair for projecting quiet authority" <ref> [http://www.louisgossett.com/] </ref> to his characterization of an airplane mechanic willing to help Doug plan a clandestine rescue mission. Chappy's Motown jukebox provides an amusing intergenerational contrast with Doug's Heavy Metal. Col. Masters earned Chappy's respect when he stood up for him against some racist pilots.  

[[Lou Gosset]] applies his "flair for projecting quiet authority" <ref>http://www.louisgossett.com/</ref> to his characterization of an airplane mechanic willing to help Doug plan a clandestine rescue mission. Chappy's Motown jukebox provides an amusing intergenerational contrast with Doug's Heavy Metal. Col. Masters earned Chappy's respect when he stood up for him against some racist pilots.  

While some may have felt the film's plot was cheesy, the air combat scenes were quite realistic. <ref>The Israel Air Force puts in an unaccredited cameo role in the Iron Eagle series. All the aerial work was shot in Israel using IAF pilots and IAF F-16, Kfir and F4 Phantom jets.  The [[F-16]]s, of course, were painted in [[United States Air Force|USAF]] colors and the Kfirs and Phantoms were supposed to be the evil enemy MiGs. ... the flying is sublime. [http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds?$=main/review/dvd3.htm] </ref>

While some may have felt the film's plot was cheesy, the air combat scenes were quite realistic. <ref>The Israel Air Force puts in an unaccredited cameo role in the ''Iron Eagle'' series. All the aerial work was shot in Israel using IAF pilots and IAF F-16, [[IAI Kfir|Kfir]] and [[F-4 Phantom]] jets.  The [[F-16]]s, of course, were painted in [[United States Air Force|USAF]] colors and the Kfirs and Phantoms were supposed to be the evil enemy MiGs. ... the flying is sublime. [http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds?$=main/review/dvd3.htm] </ref>

This movie's evil twin is the ultra-liberal "[[Top Gun]]".

This movie's evil twin is the ultra-liberal ''[[Top Gun]].''

==Critical evaluation==

==Critical evaluation==

Despite being panned by the critics, "Iron Eagle" contains many iconic themes and ethical lessons for young men. Patriotism, love of father, respect for people of other races, honor, gratitude, loyalty, initiative, perseverance & determination, bravery, teamwork.  

Despite being panned by the critics, ''Iron Eagle'' contains many iconic themes and ethical lessons for young men. Patriotism, love of father, respect for people of other races, honor, gratitude, loyalty, initiative, perseverance & determination, bravery, teamwork.  

==Notes==

==Notes==