DotTheEyes
Movie Fan
(I saw a sneak preview of this film. It opens in theatres nationwide on September 29th. You can watch the trailer here.)
The Guardian utilizes a tried-and-true film formula (two people, one at the end of his/her life and the other the beginning, who rise above their differences and teach each other a meaningful lesson) which can be applied to almost any setting or situation. Here, it's the world of Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers. Kevin Costner is the seasoned veteran. Ashton Kutcher is the hotshot newcomer. The story follows their tense relationship as they go from feuding teacher and student to dedicated colleagues and culminates in a nail-biting search-and-rescue action sequence set in the Bering Sea.
The screenplay is unspectacular as it never diverts from the expected formula, but it does do a fine job of blending action and drama into a satisfying whole. Andrew Davis' direction is better. After rising to fame with the Academy Award winning The Fugitive, he did a series of disappointments, including Chain Reaction, Collateral Damage, and Holes. Here, however, he returns to form and creates a film with a fast pace and stylish action.
Performances are across-the-board good. Kevin Costner might be a tad out-of-shape and over the hill to be playing a character who jumps out of helicopters and swims against violent currents everyday, but his natural charisma shines through regardless and we come to sympathize with his hard-edged character. Ashton Kutcher is also decent, giving a charming and energetic performance. Mr. Demi Moore once again proves he's a gifted actor underneath the built-for-MTV exterior. Of the rest of the performances, I'll give a shout-out to rising star Melissa Sagemiller, who brings warmth to her thin love interest role.
Despite being slightly overlong at two hours and fifteen minutes and swimming along an expected, pat trajectory, I recommend The Guardian because it's a rousing tribute to heroes which comes complete with nice performances, superlative action sequences, and, best of all, a good, well-intentioned heart.
The Guardian utilizes a tried-and-true film formula (two people, one at the end of his/her life and the other the beginning, who rise above their differences and teach each other a meaningful lesson) which can be applied to almost any setting or situation. Here, it's the world of Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers. Kevin Costner is the seasoned veteran. Ashton Kutcher is the hotshot newcomer. The story follows their tense relationship as they go from feuding teacher and student to dedicated colleagues and culminates in a nail-biting search-and-rescue action sequence set in the Bering Sea.
The screenplay is unspectacular as it never diverts from the expected formula, but it does do a fine job of blending action and drama into a satisfying whole. Andrew Davis' direction is better. After rising to fame with the Academy Award winning The Fugitive, he did a series of disappointments, including Chain Reaction, Collateral Damage, and Holes. Here, however, he returns to form and creates a film with a fast pace and stylish action.
Performances are across-the-board good. Kevin Costner might be a tad out-of-shape and over the hill to be playing a character who jumps out of helicopters and swims against violent currents everyday, but his natural charisma shines through regardless and we come to sympathize with his hard-edged character. Ashton Kutcher is also decent, giving a charming and energetic performance. Mr. Demi Moore once again proves he's a gifted actor underneath the built-for-MTV exterior. Of the rest of the performances, I'll give a shout-out to rising star Melissa Sagemiller, who brings warmth to her thin love interest role.
Despite being slightly overlong at two hours and fifteen minutes and swimming along an expected, pat trajectory, I recommend The Guardian because it's a rousing tribute to heroes which comes complete with nice performances, superlative action sequences, and, best of all, a good, well-intentioned heart.