Stealth

U.S. Navy pilots Ben Gannon, Kara Wade and Henry Purcell are part of a close-knit elite division of test pilots flying highly classified stealth fighter jets, referred to only as Talons. They're the best of the best and they know it. Then their commanding officer Cpt. George Cummings introduces the team to their new wingman--an artificial intelligence-based UCAV, nicknamed "EDI." Although Ben is hesitant about taking "the human pilot out of the equation of war," Cummings orders the team to execute their first real mission alongside "EDI." To their amazement, "EDI" proves to be a cracker-jack wingman and they successfully eliminate their target. But on the return trip to their base aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Carl Vinson, "EDI" is struck by lightning. The drone's brain expands in ways its creators could never have predicted. Despite Ben and Henry's reservations, Cummings declares "EDI" ready to rejoin the team in the air. On their next mission against a nuclear-armed warlord in a remote Chinese province, "EDI's" seriously compromised circuitry problems only get worse. Ben decides that the risks of the attack far outweigh the benefits to himself, Henry and Kara, (for whom he has developed a romantic attraction). When he aborts the mission, "EDI" goes against orders and executes the hit anyway. The danger escalates when "EDI" decides to execute a top-secret mission that, if successful, could spiral into worldwide nuclear Armageddon. And only Ben can prevent it.

I find it hard to enjoy a movie when I am constantly having to shake my head at the unbelievability of scene after scene. From the idea that lightening can reprogram computers to the idea that a pilot can survive going from sub-mach to Mach 5 in under 2 seconds, the director was relying on the stupidity of the moviegoing public. The camera jumped from shot to shot so fast during the flying scenes that you had a hard time seeing what was happening. I did enjoy Jamie Foxx and Jessica Biel in this movie as they both did a great job. I just wish they had a better story to work with.

Everything offensive in this is typical PG-13 action fare. Violence, a bit of blood, some language and inuenddos might offend some. No nudity.

Frankly, this seems like a Michael Bay-esqe summer popcorn flick. The action scenes are pretty fun and you find yourself rooting for Jessica Biel and Josh Lucas to get together. This film can be fun, but remember to check your brain at the door.

3.2 out of 5