The Guardian

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The Guardian ★★½ 2006 (PG-13)

Costner has settled comfortably into mentor mode in this familiar action story. Legendary Coast Guard rescue swimmer Ben Randall's wife has left him, his crew died during their last mission, and he's become an unwilling and unorthodox instructor to the Guard's latest recruits. Naturally, his biggest challenge is a cocky, younger version of himself—Jake Fischer (Kutcher). But Ben is just the guy to whip Jake into shape as they bond over past mistakes and insecurities. Kutcher's a surprisingly good match for Costner as the troubled newbie. 139m/C DVD . US Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher, Melissa Sagemiller, Clancy Brown, Bonnie Bramlett, Sela Ward, Neal McDonough, John Heard, Brian Geraghty, Dule Hill, Shelby Fenner, Alex Daniels; D: Andrew Davis; W: Ron L. Brinkerhoff; C: Stephen St. John; M: Trevor Rabin.