Surprisingly, Costner, Kutcher show skill in ‘The Guardian’
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By BLAINE HALVERSON
Wednesday, December 6, 2006 9:03 AM CST
The Chippewa Herald
I’ll admit: like anyone, I have preconceptions as a movie is released. Those prejudices could concern any element like storyline, the director, the actors. But as a critic, you do your best to set them aside when the theater lights dim.
“The Guardian” was one of those films that carried baggage for me from the first time I saw it announced. Why?
Well, YOU try to say: “An action drama starring Ashton Kutcher” without a slight snort-chuckle. And Kevin Costner, despite the few classics in which he’s starred, has also made more than his fair share of career missteps. Remember, this is the guy who turned down the lead in “Apollo 13” to star in “Waterworld” (Tom Hanks and Oscar thank him very much!).
But in spite of my misgivings, I also felt some anticipation for what seemed to be an original concept with strong inspirational potential. That little crack was enough to both pierce and shatter my pious “critic armor.”
What I had expected was an over-hyped, effects-heavy, poorly acted disappointment. What I experienced was “Top Gun” for the 21st Century.
Sr. Chief Ben Randall (Costner), one of the Coast Guard’s most decorated rescue swimmers, has just lost his best friend to the Bering Sea and his wife (Sela Ward) to his job. Reassigned to teach “A” School for new rescue swimmers, he’s drawn to young Jake Fischer (Kutcher), a cocky recruit determined to break Randall’s records. It’s Randall’s job to weed out more than half of the recruits ensuring that only the very best are sworn to uphold the motto: “So Others May Live.”
Ben and Jake’s relationship begins tenuously but soon blossoms with mutual respect as the men discover how alike they are. But can Jake overcome the chip on his shoulder and the skeletons in his closet? And will Ben learn the lessons in front of him so he can once again face the sea’s angry waves in search of lives to save?
It isn’t uncommon to be introduced to these questions in a film and find oneself thinking nothing more than, “Do I care?” While watching “The Guardian” however, I found that I did care. I couldn’t help it.
Kutcher is surprisingly solid. Costner is exceptional, something he’s capable of and just doesn’t achieve consistently. But one thing that is evident with Costner here is his level of intensity and commitment to his craft. And while many movies fall apart once you get past the principles, this cast is strong down the line as illustrated by noteworthy performances by the likes of Sela Ward, Clancy Brown, Brian Geraghty and John Heard.
I expected the special effects and action sequences to be memorable, and they didn’t disappoint. Portrayals of rescue swimmers braving the icy, angry sea brought on waves of empathetic anxiety akin to those experienced when I saw “Open Water.” Being helplessly tossed about by the ocean is one of the unspeakable fears that human beings share.
And while I recognized this film’s potential to inspire, the level of inspiration took me completely by surprise. It’s about time we met the unsung heroes of the United States Coast Guard and director Andrew Davis commits to making the introduction unforgettable. Real life disaster footage playing during classroom training sequences brings the death-defying work they do into the clear perspective of total awe and respect.
So while the film is definitely worthwhile as an entertainment commodity, its true value is in the commitment it makes to telling a story that makes its audience more deeply appreciate those who do nothing but wait for the chance to rescue us. Proof positive that you can’t judge a film by its billing.
‘The Guardian’
Rated: PG-13 for intense action sequences and some profanity and adult situations.
Grade: B+ — Not a masterpiece by any stretch, but worth seeing at the theater.
Also showing
“Open Season” — A very forgettable, mediocre animated movie with some funny bits, especially by Ashton Kutcher. But the bar set by “Cars” and “Over the Hedge” is much higher. Rated: PG. Grade: C.
“All the King’s Men” — Another remake brought to you by producer Todd Phillips. Sean Penn is tremendous but he can’t save it from a dull story arc and horrible southern accents by Jude Law, James Gandolfini and Kate Winslet. Rated: PG-13. Grade: C-.
“Jet Li’s Fearless” — Said to be Jet Li’s last martial arts film. Probably like the Eagle’s Farewell Tour or Jay-Z’s retirement from rap. Rated: PG-13 Not Reviewed.
Opening this weekend
“The Departed” — Martin Scorsese’s highly anticipated mob/fed flick (imagine that!) starring Nicholson, Damon, Dicaprio, Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin and Martin Sheen.
“Employee of the Month” — Up-and-comers Dane Cook and Dax Shepard star as two discount chain store employees competing for the affections of Jessica Simpson.
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