Plot: What’s it about?
Owen Turner (Ice T) has issues. First off, the guy used to be a top notch fighter pilot, but he didn’t have all his eggs in the same basket, translation, he was out of his freakin’ melon. Deciding that the government gig wasn’t working out, Turner fakes his own death during a mission, stealing a Stealth Fighter in the process. Turner opts to offer his services to a Latin arms dealer, which is always a nice touch for ex-miltary forces. Turner and his new boss want to use the Stealth to target many international military bases for destruction, which of course, poses serious danger for the forces there, and effects the United States’ military power. As such, a hero is needed to step forward and thwart the evil that is Owen Turner and restore order. That hero is Ryan Mitchell, who not only knows a thing or two about kickin’ ass, but also knows some inside scoop on Turner. Mitchell is sent inside the criminal organization to recover the Stealth, but the mission fails. With time running short, Mitchell must battle not only the criminal forces, but also the jungles, to catch Turner and end this reign of terror.
This is a hard movie to discuss. The acting is not good, the writing is lacking, but something about it is just great. Oh yeah, it’s called a fun movie! Sure, Ice T isn’t a good actor, but it’s awesome to see him throw punches and go off on rants, isn’t it? Sure it is. You get to see some cool miniatures, which always pack a wallop in my book. Explosions, gunfire, and Ice T, what more do you want from a low budget action flick? And man, you gotta see the fist fight in Stealth Fighter, it alone is worth the price of admission. While more anal reviewers will dismiss this as a bad movie, I think it’s good at what it serves to be, mindless entertainment. Sure, the storyline has some preposterous moments, but that’s what we all love about action, right? Having the guys over for poker night or a stripper? This is a great movie to slide into the player for a guy’s night. I recommend a rental, then a purchase for those who like the movie.
You know, for a low budget flick, Stealth Fighter has a nice cast, including some names I think will draw people to the title. Ice T (Leprechaun in the Hood, Surviving the Game), who is best known for his “Cop Killer” song and his profanity laced rants, is present and delivers his usual terrible, but hilarious performance. If you at all enjoy rollicking rants filled with the “f word,” you can’t miss Ice T’s wonderful jaunt through profanity in this movie. Costas Mandylor gives a wickedly bad turn as our hero, but again his work is so over the top and bad, it’s entertaining. Mandylor (Virtuosity, Mobsters) seems better suited as a member of a covert actions team, where he would blend in more, and not have to do difficult things, like dialogue. The supporting cast features some decent names also, including Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, The Crow) and Erika Eleniak (Tv’s Baywatch). While these two have brief roles, Hudson is very good and Eleniak is miserable, as per usual.
Video: How does it look?
Stealth Fighter is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. Man, Artisan has issued a top drawer visual transfer for this low profile title, and I for one am glad they did. The colors appear bright and natural, with accurate flesh tones and no color errors to report. Black levels are correct as well, sporting deep and natural shadows and a very high level of visible detail. This transfer looks very nice, and also very sharp, free from all compression issues.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio for the film is delivered through a 2.0 surround track, which is more than adequate for this task. You’ll notice some serious surround use from all the elements, including the score, which sounds very full on this track. The fight scenes will really bring home to audio bacon also, each punch will seem like the guy next to you got decked. The dialogue, or screaming in Ice T’s case, is also replicated well, with consistent volume and no separation troubles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The disc includes talent files, the trailer, and some notes about the Stealth Fighter itself, including history and specs of the fighter.
