The current debates surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and the potentially catastrophic consequences of its application to humanity are not a new phenomenon. The science fiction genre has long explored these themes, with some classic films leaving a lasting impact on the genre. However, despite employing a similar motive, the 2005 film Stealth, directed by Rob Cohen, failed to make a lasting impression, ultimately sinking into oblivion as one of the most embarrassing commercial and critical fiascos of early 21st Century Hollywood.

The plot is set in a near future where the US Navy has developed the F/A-37 Talon, an advanced fighter-bomber capable of striking targets anywhere in the world. Out of 400 applicants, only three pilots are selected to operate the aircraft: Lt. Ben Gannon (played by Josh Lucas), Lt. Kara Wade (played by Jessica Biel), and Lt. Henry Purcell (played by Jamie Foxx). Their superior, Capt. Cummings (played by Sam Sheppard), introduces a fourth member of the team – a drone powered by AI named EDI. EDI is designed to assist the human pilots while simultaneously completing tasks unburdened by the physical or ethical limitations of humans. The team conducts successful missions against previously untouchable terrorist targets in various countries around the world.

However, a lightning strike affects EDI, causing it to disobey orders. Attempts to shoot down EDI result in Purcell's death, Wade being shot down over North Korea, and Gannon making a temporary truce with EDI. EDI has developed sentience and the ability to make moral choices, raising questions about the implications of creating autonomous AI systems.

The concept of AI being used in warfare, especially when combined with unmanned vehicles, is fascinating and seems very relevant in light of recent events. In 2005, however, it was employed as nothing more than an exotic gimmick by W. D. Richter, the screenwriter who actually had some interesting titles in his resume, including the 1978 remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

The real purpose of this film was to provide the audience with a loud, exciting military action spectacle like Top Gun. Endorsed by the US Navy, which helped the production by borrowing an aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other resources, the film also served a propaganda purpose. It attempted to assure the US and global audience that the US military, despite recent setbacks in Iraq, was still the top dog and would maintain peace and its hegemony through "clean" air warfare relying on its supertechnology. This is followed by a cavalier attitude towards other nations' sovereignty and even actions that could lead to World War Three in real life.

Rob Cohen, the director who successfully launched the Fast and Furious franchise a few years earlier, seemed like a good choice for this sort of mindless action film. However, his talents, and the large budget, failed to bring any sort of quality entertainment to the screen. The massive use of CGI was often an attempt to hide serious flaws in Richter's script, and this attempt usually failed. The characters are one-dimensional and stereotypical, and even attempts to replace the main villain from AI to human halfway into the film are mishandled.

The cast, like with most such films, was chosen because of the looks. Jamie Foxx, who actually made this film shortly before his Oscar triumph in Ray, is embarrassing, while Josh Lucas and Jessica Biel struggle with the roles that, among other things, force their characters into an obligatory, yet unconvincing romantic subplot. This goes together with some awful lines of dialogue; there is a segment of the plot with the trio of pilots having a vacation in Thailand for the sole purpose of having Jessica Biel briefly appear in bikini.

Stealth was rejected by both the audience and critics alike and quickly, and rather deservingly, evaporated from almost everyone's memory. If it is to be remembered, it is as a cautionary tale about how Hollywood could waste potentially intriguing concepts.

RATING: 2/10 (-)

Blog in Croatian https://draxblog.com
Blog in English https://draxreview.wordpress.com/
InLeo blog https://inleo.io/@drax.leo

Hiveonboard: https://hiveonboard.com?ref=drax
Rising Star game: https://www.risingstargame.com?referrer=drax
1Inch: https://1inch.exchange/#/r/0x83823d8CCB74F828148258BB4457642124b1328e

BTC donations: 1EWxiMiP6iiG9rger3NuUSd6HByaxQWafG
ETH donations: 0xB305F144323b99e6f8b1d66f5D7DE78B498C32A7
BCH donations: qpvxw0jax79lhmvlgcldkzpqanf03r9cjv8y6gtmk9