After receiving rave reviews from the test audience a month back, “Behind Enemy Lines” was released early, not only due to the response, but also most likely to the extreme sense of patriotism being worn around these days. “Behind Enemy Lines” is a slick war movie that works as an adrenaline-pumping action ride and as a great recruitment ad for the U.S. Navy. Rarely has an F-18 roaring off an aircraft carrier looked as thrilling since Top Gun.
Owen Wilson stars in the film as Lt. Chris Burnett, a cocky U.S. Navy pilot who is sick of the day-in, day-out schedule of red alert drills and reconnaissance missions. Ready to leave after seven years, Burnett turns in his resignation to the Admiral of the ship played by Gene Hackman, although Hackman’s character has little impact on the film.
Assigned to a Christmas Day reconnaissance mission as punishment, Burnett and co-pilot Stackhouse (Steven Macht) spot suspicious Serbian activity in a supposedly demilitarized zone and get shot down by a Serb missile in an exhilarating flight sequence. Stackhouse is killed by the Serbian troops and Burnett is left fleeing on foot from the pursuing soldiers.
Wilson, known for his comedic turns in films like “Shanghai Noon,” “Meet the Parents” and “Zoolander,” pulls off the military act well. Easygoing and sure of himself, you believe this guy. It was a brilliant stroke of casting, as Wilson gets to play his goofy persona while playing off of it at the same time, demonstrating real disposition.
“Behind Enemy Lines” may have the Joe Blow plot that everyones seen time and again, but in a period when patriotism is at an all time high, this film is surely a winner, combining excellent action and suspense to form a decent war flick.
3.5 / 5 Stars
Starring: Owen Wilson, Gene Hackman, Steven Macht
Director: John Moore
