Is Stakeout Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Stakeout is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 116 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Stakeout Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Stakeout emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Comedy, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Two detectives observe an escaped convict's ex-girlfriend, but complications set in when one of them falls for her. Unlike standard genre fare, Stakeout attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Stakeout features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Dreyfuss . Supported by the likes of Emilio Estevez and Madeleine Stowe , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Stakeout (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Stakeout Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Stakeout is a Action, Comedy, Romance film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Stakeout Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Stakeout concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Stakeout reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Stakeout?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Stakeout Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $14.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $65.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Stakeout Budget
The estimated production budget for Stakeout is $14.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Stakeout
- Richard Dreyfuss – Det. Chris Lecce
- Emilio Estevez – Det. Bill Reimers
- Madeleine Stowe – Maria McGuire
- Aidan Quinn – Richard "Stick" Montgomery
- Dan Lauria – Det. Phil Coldshank
Top Highlights
Richard DreyfussDet. Chris Lecce
Emilio EstevezDet. Bill Reimers
Madeleine StoweMaria McGuire
Aidan QuinnRichard "Stick" Montgomery
Dan LauriaDet. Phil Coldshank
Forest WhitakerDet. Jack Pismo
Earl BillingsCapt. Giles
Jackson DaviesFBI Agent Lusk
Ian TraceyCaylor Reese
Denalda WilliamsFarol Bernie
Where to Watch Stakeout Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Stakeout is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, Stakeout stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stakeout movie hit or flop?
Stakeout has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Stakeout worth watching?
Stakeout is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Comedy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Stakeout online?
Stakeout may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Stakeout Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Stakeout
"Stakeout" is a perfectly packaged film which has been expertly crafted to successfully achieve maximum results. It has been aimed directly at the commercial market and this would ordinarily mean a somewhat cynical and by-the-numbers motion picture experience with lots of money thrown at it to accommodate the noisy action sequences with very little attention being paid to the rest of it. Of course a good deal of that also applies here, although with the significant difference being a lot more attention has been paid to making this entertaining above all else. What all this amounts to on this occasion is a very engaging and well paced film with considerably more depth of character and story than you would expect and it has a fair share of humorous and perilous surprises thrown into the mix for good measure.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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