The Guardian

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by Willie Waffle

The Guardian

I have to admit, my first reaction to the movie was not one of excitement and anticipation. In one of my most embarrassing moments as a movie critic, I was sitting in a press-only showing of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, when the trailer for The Guardian came on. As soon as they showed both Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, I exclaimed, “OH NO!” I didn’t think I could ever involuntarily spout off with something like that, and have it be loud enough for the whole theater to hear. It turns out, my worst fears were not recognized.

Costner stars as Ben Randall – a legendary Coast Guard rescue swimmer stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. Everything is falling apart in his life, including his wife (Sela Ward) dumping him, and his entire crew dying in a brave, but failed rescue attempt. To get his head back on straight, the commander suggests Ben teach for a semester at “A” school – the training facility where the Coast Guard prepares the next generation of rescuers. The class is made up of a motley crew, led by cocky swimmer, Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher). Along the way, Ben, knowing what it takes to do one of the most dangerous and important jobs on the planet, pushes each of the students to the brink, and riles up the rest of the staff, who are not wild about his unorthodox methods.

Who will have what it takes? Is Jake as good as he thinks he is?

With all of its “borrowing” from other films, you might feel like you have seen The Guardian twice after walking out. From Top Gun to Dead Poets Society to An Officer and a Gentleman, The Guardian walks familiar territory, but doesn’t make you totally regret the journey. Director Andrew Davis presents some interesting montages and cool water rescue scenes that make you feel the danger these men and women face every day. At times, it is a thrilling film and emotional journey led by two fine actors.

Costner easily is the most underrated and overly mocked actor of his generation. He always brings a very natural approach to all performances, whether the character is in the pits of despair, or having a good laugh. Costner always lets us feel the character’s pain, anger, and delight without overly extroverted contortions. Then, Kutcher shows he can hold up his end of the bargain.

Granted, no one will confuse Kutcher with Leonardo DiCaprio when it comes to acting talent, but he knows his role, and comes through. He is very funny when the script calls for some comic relief, and his chemistry with Costner excels in these moments. Kutcher’s story is the most cliché of the bunch, but he is able to credibly take us through each twist and turn. Plus, every woman gets a chance to be Demi Moore for a night as you watch him swim around in his speedos.

Sadly, The Guardian is a movie that just won’t end. Writer Ron Brinkerhoff seems to have wanted to get every possible ending crammed in here, when just one would have been sufficient. The movie doesn’t end with “A” school graduation. It doesn’t end with the big Top Gun-esque mission. The Guardian just keeps going and going and going, until it delivers an ending that is silly and practically insulting to our intelligence, which is what leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth.

The Guardian is an average movie. Also, make sure you get the small soda. At 2 hours and 15 minutes long, with all of those water scenes, you need to properly plan.

2 ½ Waffles (Out Of 4)

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