स्टील्थ

I recently went to see the movie "The Island", a movie that contains about 60 straight minutes of action. However, all the chasing and stuff blowing up was meaningless, and hence, uninteresting (see my review). "Stealth", on the other hand, actually had a plot, albeit of the pulp military thriller novel variety, but nevertheless a story you can follow. This movie was critically panned more than "The Island", but I was more entertained by far with this film.

First of all, the flying effects sequences are like playing a high quality video game. Since I don't play video games, this was a fun ride. In fact, I was taken aback somewhat at how many intensely complex effects shots there were in this film. Along with it, virtually everything in sight is blown up. Blown up real good. Yes, it is possible to blow things up with a certain amount of creativity and originality. You could possibly be reminded of "Apocalypse Now" with the size and amount of fireballs riddled throughout.

Oh yeah, characters. Well, the only real name you recognise is Jamie Foxx. Obviously cast before his success with "Ray", he is actually a pretty minor character. There is competent acting, but this movie isn't about Academy Award performances. The story, as one critic characterised it, is a live action version of "Team America". Enough countries are invaded and attacked to start World War III, (but then again, all good things come in threes). You are not expected to buy any of the implausible details of the film. If you are capable of not exercising your mind too much in a situation like this, you can accept that most of the big thrills in this film were probably thought up first, and then a story built around it. But that means you are not side-tracked with much of any dumb fluff (save a completely uneventful visit to Thailand).

So, in comparison to Michael Bay, Rob Cohen is up to par, and maybe even exceeds with a slightly more entertaining product. You certainly could do far worse.

'Stealth' was a box office bomb. Critics hated it. Audiences didn't like it. So why did I enjoy it so much then?

Many of the comments expressed distinct dislike towards the fact that EDI, the warplane, could talk. But let's think about this for a second. Back in the 80's there was a talking car, KITT from Knight Rider. Today we have computers, electronics, gadgets, phones, etc that talk to us. So why not a plane - which essentially is a computer itself ?

The film revolves around the said plane, EDI - an unmanned fighter-bomber stealth plane. The future of digital warfare is here; a plane that 'thinks' for itself. Quite honestly, if this would eliminate soldiers dying in war, I'm all for digital warfare!

Three pilots were chosen for the program: Lt. Ben (Josh Lucas), Lt. Kara (Jessica Biel), and Lt. Henry (Jamie Foxx). I must be honest, I didn't like the Henry character. I got the feeling they needed a third pilot merely for comic relief (initially), and to create a turning point in the movie. This character was underdeveloped with lousy dialogue and it seemed they didn't know what to do with this character until he was needed for the turning point, as mentioned. He slowed the movie down...

After being hit by lightning, EDI malfunctions and becomes unstable and destructive. The action sequences are really good. The visual effects are not always good, but for most parts it were pretty good. The film takes us on a rollercoaster adventure from the US to Russian airspace, North Korea, and Alaska. The main antagonist is Captain George Cummings (Sam Shepard), who has ulterior motives and as a result makes questionable decisions.

'Stealth' is an action adventure thriller I actually thoroughly enjoyed. I've watched it a few times now and enjoy it ever time. And yes, I did enjoy it more than 'Top Gun'. (I've tried watching 'Top Gun' 3 times already and I simply can't get into that movie!! I find it boring with annoying characters). There, I said it; now crucify me for being honest!

'Stealth' has a really exciting finale. Oh, and just saying; Josh Lucas is a feast for the eyes!!

Would I watch it again? Yes.

Oh so sorry action thriller that steals ideas from most every earlier film of the kind and weaves a long, pointless and tiring demolition derby in the high skies. Three anti-terrorist U.S. Naval pilots (Jessica Biel, Josh Lucas and Jamie Foxx) get a fourth teammate in a computer-operated stealth aircraft that does very little other than talk back calmly, steal music from the Internet and disobey every order thrown its way. Amazingly though, the Hal 9000 clone is still probably the best performer in this air ball effort. Typical conflict on the ground between military men Sam Shepard and Joe Morton takes place while our three heroes go through chaotic situation after chaotic situation. Throw in Seattle computer nerd supreme Richard Roxburgh and we have a tiring lame duck of a movie that flies for a few minutes on broken wings and then thankfully dies well before we come to a conclusion about as interesting as an empty airport runway. Very obvious that Foxx won't repeat his 2004 successes. 2 stars out of 5.

This is the type of movie that you need to shutdown the brain and enjoy the special effects, the beauty of Jessica Biel, the action scenes, the chemistry of Josh Lucas, Jessica Biel and Jamie Foxx, the landscapes in Thailand, the soundtrack… But the most important, i.e., the plot itself is very stupid and corny, and insults the intelligence of an audience of average IQ. In about two hours, the ozone layer might be much reduced, with the number of explosions in this story, in a world that is not in war in this moment (just avoiding). The pilots invade North Korea, Russia, and Alaska, explode, shoot, kill, but they are the "good guys", aren't they? It is better off watching a video game without playing. My vote is four.

Title (Brazil): "Stealth – Ameaça Invisível" ("Stealth – Invisible Menace")

I was so looking forward to this film but it turned out to be a really barebones movie. It has the smallest semblance of a plot, the actors are given nothing to work with and the tension is not really believable. The story turns out to be really dumb and have no payoff.