Movie Review: The Guardian

Starring:
Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher, Sela Ward, Clancy Brown, Melissa Sagemiller, Neal McDonough

Director:
Andrew Davis (Above the Law, The Fugitive)

MPAA Rating:
PG-13 for intense sequences of action/peril, brief strong language and some sensuality.

Release Date:
September 2006

Synopsis:
Appointed to teach at an elite Coast Guard school, legendary rescue swimmer Ben Randall is compelled to skillfully train and inspire cocky upstart Jake Fischer. Applying unorthodox coaching methods, Ben helps the young hotshot build his strength and character.

My Two Cents:
Becoming a Coast Guard rescue swimmer is tough as hell, but it grants the rescuer the satisfaction of saving someone’s life. The movie portrays the whole process it takes to become a hero.

Ben Randall (Kevin Costner) has become a legend among rescuers with a record for saving over 300 lives, and only agrees to become a teacher for new volunteers because of a terrible incident where three of his teammates died. He blames himself for what happened even when it was completely out of his control. This has turned him into a bit of an ogre as an instructor, because he believes only the very best should graduate from the academy.

One of the students is Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher), a swimming champion with as much talent as Randall, but nothing of his wisdom or experience. Randall pushes him to the limit, making Fischer as good as he can be.



The movie is among the most predictable ones I’ve seen, but it has powerful visuals and very human characters. Both Costner and Kutcher to a fine job of a sort of father and son, master and apprentice relationship that makes you care and cheer for them. The rescues they’re involved in are both amazing and frightening. You certainly come out appreciating the Coast Guard rescue swimmers’ job a whole lot more.

The film runs a little long even with all the fun training scenes and rescues. They could have edited about 15 to 20 minutes. Still, it’s a captivating and powerful drama that will make you admire the brave men and women that put their lives on the line to save yours.

Score: