The surprising emotional amplitude of Stakeout, its generosity and
conviction, proves that it's still possible to achieve something of value
within the tight formulas of commercial filmmaking. It needn't all be
"Cobra" and "Lethal Weapon"--not as long as directors like John Badham
can find room to move. [5 Aug 1987, p.C3]
Strangely, considering the source, the most appealing aspect of Stakeout is Badham's success with the characters. Dreyfuss and Estevez work well off one another, Stowe and Dreyfuss are a likable couple and there's something approaching depth to most of the people on screen. [7 Aug 1987, p.D5]