Predictablestory about rescuers stays afloat

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, September, 2006 | by Steven Rea

Suggested double feature for the kiddies at the Demi Moore-Ashton Kutcher compound: First, G.I. Jane, in which a buzz-cut-coifed Moore endures the strenuous rigors of Navy SEAL basic training, verbally abused and physically tested by "Master Chief" Viggo Mortensen. Then, The Guardian, in which Ashton Kutcher gets similar treatment - push-ups, pull-ups, packing-full-gear runs - at the elite Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers school, as Kevin Costner barks at and belittles his splashing trainees.

A long, soggy tale of mentorship and courage - of jumping into stormy seas to pull folks from sinking ships, of staring deep into shot glasses, rueing the ones that got away - The Guardian is a pass-the-baton-of-bravery pic, with Costner as the old ace, and Kutcher the cocky newcomer....