The Guardian (2006)

I am extremely impressed with this movie, and I feel like it is under-appreciated. This movie is not the fast-paced action movie that we are used to with military films. Instead, this is an inspirational story about overcoming the challenges in one's life. The movie follows the character development of Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher) and Ben Randall (Kevin Costner). In the movie, both characters are facing similar struggles, and when they first meet, they are dealing with they're ghosts in different ways. But, together they overcome them and become the heroes that they need to be. I love this movie because it helps to inspire people to become better. These characters are rescue swimmers or training to become rescue swimmers, and they must overcome their own personal struggles to be able to help save others. You gain a deeper appreciation for real life coast guard swimmers. You also feel as if you yourself are able to make a difference in the lives of other people. This movie is a great representation of overcoming one's self to become a person that will make a difference in the lives of others.

Continuing my plan to watch every Kevin Costner movie in his filmography in order, I come to 2006's The Guardian Plot In A Paragraph: Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher) a high school swim champion, enrolls in the U.S. Coast Guard's "A" School, where legendary rescue swimmer Ben Randall (KC) teaches him some hard lessons as he believes he is there for the wrong reasons.There is absolutely nothing new here, we've seen everything before. Mainly in An Officer & A Gentleman, The Guardian is as cliché as it gets. But I for one find it an enjoyable movie.Almost every cliché is ticked along the way, (I think the only one they missed is Kutchers love interest not being KC's daughter) but that doesn't meant it isn't good. Both leads put in good performances and are well backed up by Neal McDonough, Clancy Brown, Brian Geraghty and John Heard.As for the characters, KC is grumpy, Kutcher is arrogant, Geraghty is suitably shy and nervous, but it's McDonough who I believe is what an instructor would be like in a place like this.Slated upon release, I can't recall reading one positive review, but I enjoyed it then, and I still do now, it's one both of my kids like too. It's one of the movies that if the kids walk in a room and I'm watching it, they will sit with me and watch the rest of it.

This movie was so underrated in my opinion. I have to admit, I originally had low expectations and only saw it because I actually think Kutcher is a pretty good actor. I have to admit I was surprise. The movie was not slow, it kept the viewer engage and all these people crying about how sappy & cliché it was, I don't know what they're talking about. One of the things I like best is that unlike similar movies such as "a soldier and a gentle men",or damn near every military movie ever made, it tried to not dwell in the clichés too long. The movie did'nt dwell in the love story, or the young man coming into him self story, nor did it harp on the coast guard the way most propaganda military movies do. It was quite balance in my opinion. Now, I must admit, there were little moments that were slightly over the top but never unrealistic. These so called critics amaze me with their crappy reviews that seem to like nothing unless it's historical, overly politically correct or is a representation of what they deem even worthy which is usually boring. How could they pan this movie and give rave reviews to total crap like looper...I'm done!

Having heard lots of good about this movie, I was kinda excited about it. It was awesome. A truly inspiring movie. I'm actually very surprised to see such a low rating here. The rating and the movie does not match at all. It's definitely underrated. The main reason probably is cause some people were left disappointed by the end. The story moved at a slow pace but ending was very fast-paced. Well, it didn't matter to me. It was still very emotional.Kevin Costner is an old fox. He just knows how to play someone who is good at what he does but not that good at personal life. Ashton Kutcher is great. He shows that he can be not just funny guy but a serious drama actor too.Swimming is a great activity. This movie here likes to anybody who fancies swimming. Guaranteed or money back. If you need a good amount of inspiration, this is your film.