You see, here’s why my taste in films is not governed by over-priced gasbags, such as these two. It’s incredible that their TV show lasted as long as it did! Like so many talking heads, they fell in love with themselves and their idea of “wit.” (Rex Reed, John Simon, and Pauline Kael were other examples of this phenomenon.) And they were as pretentious as film students who must have works by Fellini, Godard, Bunuel, and Costa-Gavras on their Top Ten lists - without really understanding them! Well, “The Wild Geese” remains a favourite of mine; along with a later film by the same team: “The Sea Wolves.” Both are examples of good, solid filmmaking, with good acting and exciting action. Both were written by Reginald Rose, produced by Euan Lloyd, and directed by Andrew V McLaglen. This may not have granted me entrance into Siskel and Ebert’s social circle - but who cares? I could always choose my own films, thank you! One last point: they should have done some homework. “X, Y, and Zee” starred Elizabeth Taylor, not Richard Burton. Also, while it’s true that Burton produced his share of turkeys he had, only the previous year, made the film version of “Equus” (which earned him his seventh Oscar nomination). Siskel and Ebert made the “thumbs-up” famous. If they were still with us, I’d tell them where to stick it!
I absolutely love The Wild Geese but perhaps you need to be British to really appreciate the film? All I can say is what a cast! And a really great soundtrack by Roy Budd. I think the action scenes are great with real squibs and explosions on a big level. As an action / war film I don't believe I've ever heard so much screaming and pain from the people being shot. I like the politics of the film. Soldiers being sent to war by rich bankers for financial gain, and then being left to die in the middle of a war zone because it's more cost effective works for me. If anyone ever finds the Siskel & Ebert Review for The Final Option (it's real title is Who Dares Wins) please let me know. Who Dares Wins is another British, Euan Lloyd produced action film that I have big soft spot for.
I am from Spain and I like this film a lot. You do not need to be british to enjoy a good merc movie. It is a nice bridge merc film betwen Dark of the sun and the Dogs of war. Real Pro cast & real mercenaries like Ian Yule (RIP) . By the way Lewis Collins of Who dares wins film worked in codename : wild Geese, a fun movie with other stars.
@@sabataskull9661 I enjoy Codename: Wild Geese and Kommando Leopard. Good action films with the late, great Lewis Collins and directed by Antonio Margheriti.
Just goes to show some so called critics didn't and don't know their stuff. The advisors on the film were Ian Yule (who appears in the film), and Mad Mike Hoare, both former real life mercenaries. Perhaps it was some form of jealousness as they were British and not American with a bit of anti British feeling creeping into the review also. The men in the movie were meant to appear out of condition and over the hill, and is explained during the recruitment section. They're ex servicemen who can't adjust to civilian life, miss the action. Thankfully we don't listen to critics, because if we did, this small gem of a film would be forgotten and not loved like it is now, especially here in the UK.
This is an absolute gem of commando movie, my only problem with it is Richard Harris death! Just crushing. Pisses me off. Also, the critics are completely out of their depth on this, they have no clue about Mad Mike Hoare's autobiography and what went on in Africa in the 60s. The movie is absolutely believable.
Siskel and Ebert were two halfwits who sometimes combined to make a full wit. Neither one had very good taste but since they rarely agreed, it was generally agreed that if they both liked a movie then it would be a crowd pleaser. That's the only reason they become a famous team.
Interesting they also took the time to criticise Richard Burton's (who is from Wales, btw) recent choice of film roles in the 1970s including Exorcist II: The Heretic, The Medusa Touch, Hammersmith Is Out, X, Y & Zee, Bluebeard and Assassination Of Trotsky during their review of The Wild Geese.
You see, here’s why my taste in films is not governed by over-priced gasbags, such as these two. It’s incredible that their TV show lasted as long as it did! Like so many talking heads, they fell in love with themselves and their idea of “wit.” (Rex Reed, John Simon, and Pauline Kael were other examples of this phenomenon.) And they were as pretentious as film students who must have works by Fellini, Godard, Bunuel, and Costa-Gavras on their Top Ten lists - without really understanding them!
Well, “The Wild Geese” remains a favourite of mine; along with a later film by the same team: “The Sea Wolves.” Both are examples of good, solid filmmaking, with good acting and exciting action. Both were written by Reginald Rose, produced by Euan Lloyd, and directed by Andrew V McLaglen. This may not have granted me entrance into Siskel and Ebert’s social circle - but who cares? I could always choose my own films, thank you!
One last point: they should have done some homework. “X, Y, and Zee” starred Elizabeth Taylor, not Richard Burton. Also, while it’s true that Burton produced his share of turkeys he had, only the previous year, made the film version of “Equus” (which earned him his seventh Oscar nomination).
Siskel and Ebert made the “thumbs-up” famous. If they were still with us, I’d tell them where to stick it!
Great comment.
I understand why you don't like their reviews, but I still like Roger Ebert better than Gene Siskel.
@@JasonBagherian Thank you, Jason!
Siskel sounds a like an American Draco Malfoy, who is always constipated.
I absolutely love The Wild Geese but perhaps you need to be British to really appreciate the film? All I can say is what a cast! And a really great soundtrack by Roy Budd.
I think the action scenes are great with real squibs and explosions on a big level. As an action / war film I don't believe I've ever heard so much screaming and pain from the people being shot.
I like the politics of the film. Soldiers being sent to war by rich bankers for financial gain, and then being left to die in the middle of a war zone because it's more cost effective works for me.
If anyone ever finds the Siskel & Ebert Review for The Final Option (it's real title is Who Dares Wins) please let me know. Who Dares Wins is another British, Euan Lloyd produced action film that I have big soft spot for.
I am from Spain and I like this film a lot.
You do not need to be british to enjoy a good merc movie.
It is a nice bridge merc film betwen Dark of the sun and the Dogs of war.
Real Pro cast & real mercenaries like Ian Yule (RIP) .
By the way Lewis Collins of Who dares wins film worked in codename : wild Geese, a fun movie with other stars.
@@sabataskull9661 I enjoy Codename: Wild Geese and Kommando Leopard. Good action films with the late, great Lewis Collins and directed by Antonio Margheriti.
Wild Geese rules.
Siskel and Ebert were more wrong than right about movies.
Sometimes Siskel and Ebbert were a disgrace to their profession. The Wild Geese is an awesome film. Great clips though.
Just goes to show some so called critics didn't and don't know their stuff. The advisors on the film were Ian Yule (who appears in the film), and Mad Mike Hoare, both former real life mercenaries. Perhaps it was some form of jealousness as they were British and not American with a bit of anti British feeling creeping into the review also. The men in the movie were meant to appear out of condition and over the hill, and is explained during the recruitment section. They're ex servicemen who can't adjust to civilian life, miss the action. Thankfully we don't listen to critics, because if we did, this small gem of a film would be forgotten and not loved like it is now, especially here in the UK.
Ebert calls this an embarrassment! This coming from the man who gave Speed 2 a rave review.
Wild Geese is Fxcking BRILLIANT !!
“On your feet you fucking abortion!” Best line of the whole training scene.
Who cares what any film critic thought of this movie. It was excellent, and entertaining.
This is an absolute gem of commando movie, my only problem with it is Richard Harris death! Just crushing. Pisses me off. Also, the critics are completely out of their depth on this, they have no clue about Mad Mike Hoare's autobiography and what went on in Africa in the 60s. The movie is absolutely believable.
Their extreme liberal viewpoints often clouded their judgement on movies.
Great movie.
Siskel and Ebert were two halfwits who sometimes combined to make a full wit. Neither one had very good taste but since they rarely agreed, it was generally agreed that if they both liked a movie then it would be a crowd pleaser. That's the only reason they become a famous team.
It's a crap movie, but it's one of my favorite crap movies.
Saw this movie in 1978 and still one of the best of that era. I even have the book that l've read a number of times since then.
Interesting they also took the time to criticise Richard Burton's (who is from Wales, btw) recent choice of film roles in the 1970s including Exorcist II: The Heretic, The Medusa Touch, Hammersmith Is Out, X, Y & Zee, Bluebeard and Assassination Of Trotsky during their review of The Wild Geese.
Richard Burton was not in xy&z Michael caine was
What a hilarious review