Stealth - Arma suprema

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.

Let me start out be stating that this is absolutely not the movie of the year. But I rather enjoyed it anyway because of the endless amount cliché lines, the way you can't really tell if it's actually meant to be a comedy or if it's supposed to be the action/scifi-movie of the year. The perfect movie for the guy or gal who knows nothing about computers, chemistry or the air force, and couldn't give a rats ass what's wrong or right. The acting isn't much worse than what you'd expect from a high school class, but don't expect not to be offended by some terrible lines and acting jobs. Warning: This is not a movie anyone should try to think about. Doing so will make you want to throw up. Do not think about how the facts have been messed up. Do not think about how the plot must have been written in the 80's and most of all: Do not think of admitting to your friends you watched this movie and liked it. All you have to do is fall back into the seat and enjoy watching things blow up for an hour and 55 minutes.

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.

'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.

'Short Circuit' meets 'Top Gun' in Rob Cohen's CGI-packed action-fest Stealth, in which a trio of ridiculously attractive elite US fighter pilots (Josh Lucas, Jamie Foxx and Jessica Biel) must do battle with the latest in aeronautical warfare technology—an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), flown by a computer called EDI, which goes haywire after it is struck by lightning.

Tearing out of the stratosphere at Mach Impossible to blast the crap out of anything that looks even the slightest bit foreign, the hi-tech aircraft in this film are about as stealthy as a herd of stampeding fluorescent pink elephants blowing vuvuzelas; they sure are cool looking though, and provide action fans with plenty of moments of spectacular mid-air madness, Cohen's virtual camera whipping in and around the state-of-the-art aircraft with as much speed and agility as the planes themselves.

Anyone looking for realism need not apply (the film's corny plot is about as believable as an email from a Nigerian businessman), but with endless huge explosions, a psychotic A.I. jet plane, Foxx ploughing into the side of a mountain, and gorgeous Jessica Biel in a bikini, those after some slam-bang, big-budget popcorn trash to give the old brain cells a rest could do a lot worse than Stealth.

6.5 out 10, rounded up to 7 for IMDb.