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The Guardian offers satisfying entertainment with a no-nonsense combination of Hollywood formula and good old-fashioned star power. While honoring the men and women who serve as rescue swimmers for the U.S. Coast Guard, this predictable yet appealing drama is a well-crafted showcase for Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, who bring welcome depth and dimension to their formulaic roles. It's basically Top Gun for the Coast Guard, with Costner playing a legendary rescuer haunted by recent tragedy and the impending break-up of his marriage, and Kutcher as the hot-shot recruit whose bravado is tested when Costner takes over a grueling 18-week basic training course, where a 50% attrition rate ensures that only the best will make the grade. There's nothing particularly inventive about Ron L. Brinkerhoff's screenplay, but it's intelligently written and well-directed (by The Fugitive helmer Andrew Davis) as it shows how seasoned veteran and troubled but talented trainee build mutual respect while sorting through the trauma of accidents that left each of them as sole survivors, tormented by self-doubt and guilt. Bolstered by a strong supporting cast including Neal McDonough, John Heard, Sela Ward and Clancy Brown, The Guardian is a bit on the long side (137 minutes), but it never feels slow, and a romantic subplot (with Kutcher wooing a schoolteacher played by Melissa Sagemiller) blends nicely with thrilling ocean-rescue sequences incorporating a seamless blend of CGI and footage shot in a 750,000-gallon water tank. Music fans will welcome the scene-stealing appearance of veteran singer Bonnie Bramlett as the owner of a jazz/blues club near the training base, where The Guardian serves up yet another staple of its genre: the barroom brawl. Although Hurricane Katrina prevented The Guardian from being filmed in New Orleans in 2005, real-life footage during the closing credits makes it clear that the Coast Guard was essential in Katrina's aftermath, and this rousing drama pays overdue tribute to those who risk there lives (to quote the Coast Guard's motto) "so that others may live." --Jeff Shannon | | | | |
Average Rating : 
Rating :  - "Action-Packed"
Kevin Kostner and Ashton Kutcher star in "The Guardian", a film about the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers, people who save lives. Ben, played by Kostner, is given an assignment, one he doesn't want, and that is to train a cocky, arrogant new recruit, played by Kutcher. The two find themselves at odds at the beginning because each have their own secrets, but what develops is a deep and respectful friendship between two men who eventually find themselves relying on the other to survive. "The Guardian" is well-produced with intelligent action sequences and the performances are flawless. The Bering Sea was the actual location where this film was produced, often noted for its horrendous and terrifying water. The DVD comes with deleted scenes, an alternate ending, audio commentary, and a featurette on the making of the movie. Critic Jeanne Wolf says, "Kostner and Kutcher have never been more compelling and heroic".
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