The Guardian
Dir: Andrew Davis
2006
***
I'll give The Guardian all the credit it deserves but I do wish it had ended much sooner than it did. First of all, it's nice to see Coastguards get a bit of recognition, sure Baywatch was entertaining (ahem) but it didn't really show the lengths that these people go through and the bravery involved. The Guardian doesn't skimp on what it is to be a Coast Guard rescue swimmer or how you become one, this is the films great strength. The unfortunate truth is that the film just doesn't know where or how to end. It's structured throughout but then just gets a little muddled and messy towards the end. Don't get me started on the whole 'Fisherman of Men' idea. Ashton Kutcher is perfectly cast as a young smug arrogant, you could say he played the part effortlessly, but he does have trouble convincing during the emotional scenes. I thought Kevin Costner was great throughout the film and it works because of him. The script is cheesy as hell and all the better for it.