On D List of Movie Reviews
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The Dogs of War (1980)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
11/12, 11/19
11/12:
Of course, Christopher Walken had to have the Manville 25mm Projectile Launcher.
It's a kick-ass type of gun that makes The Dogs of War a compelling film. In many ways, it's a
sequel to The Deer Hunter because Christopher Walken's character wants to take revenge on all who torture POWs.
Elsewhere, Tom Berenger is in pre-Platoon form but is mostly disappointing.
All in all, if you want to see a true mercenary picture, look no further than The Dogs of War.
11/19:
What's shown in The Dogs of War seems accurate but is tame as compared to the stark reality of living in
Sub-Saharan Africa as described in Keith Richburg's book Out of America: A Black Man Confronts Africa.
The film has a good build-up during the first hour and then loses momentum as soon as Christopher Walken's character is
forcefully sent back home. From there on, it ceases to be interesting although the ideas, most especially of the coup d'etat,
are good. The last twenty minutes is mundane and predictable. While the subplots with the black kid and the ex-wife
may appear terrible and worthless, they serve a purpose by sketching what kind of a character James Shannon is.
Yeah, the Manville 25mm Projectile Launcher looks awesome, but let's not forget the movie, guys. At least, the manually-turned
swinging bridge, which is one of the largest in the world, is cool to see. Here's a fun fact: the line "Cry
'Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war" was uttered by Marc Antony in Act 3, Scene 1, line 273 of William Shakespeare's
Julius Caesar.
Of the cast, Christopher Walken is the best thing going. Unfortunately, Tom Berenger is forgettable as he
makes no impression; it's been reported half of the film featuring him had been cut out. Married...with Children's
Ed O'Neill doesn't have much meat while JoBeth Williams is wasted.
All in all, The Dogs of War is the ultimate mercenary picture.