The Guardian (2006) Director: Andrew Davis. Stars: Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher, Sela Ward, Melissa Sagemiller, Clancy Brown, Omari Hardwick. Extras: Commentary, alternate ending, “Making Waves” behind-the-scenes featurette, “Unsung Heroes” featurette, deleted scenes. (Buena Vista).
Click here to purchase The Guardian on Amazon.

Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher star…..do I really need to say anything else? Ok, if you insist. Costner plays an aging rescue fella that is himself rescued by his protégé played by Kutcher. After seemingly reviving his career with outstanding supporting performances in The Upside of Anger and As Rumor has it (Trust me, Costner’s performance was about the only good thing in that film.), Costner steps back into the leading role with this action flick.

“After losing his crew in a fatal crash, legendary Rescue Swimmer, Ben Randall (Kevin Costner), is sent to teach at “A” School, an elite training program for Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers. Wrestling with the loss of his crew members, he throws himself into teaching, turning the program upside down with his unorthodox training methods.

While there, he encounters a young, cocky swim champ, Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher), who is driven to be the best. During training, Randall helps mold Jake’s character, combining his raw talent with the heart and dedication required of a Rescue Swimmer.Upon graduation, Jake follows Randall to Kodiak, Alaska, where they face the inherent dangers of the Bering Sea. In his initial solo rescue, Jake learns firsthand from Randall, the true meaning of heroism and sacrifice, echoing the Swimmer’s motto…”So Others May Live!”

I apologize for not being able to give you a review, but Mr. Kutcher makes me break out in hives.

This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006) Dir.: Kirby Dick; interviews with John Waters, Kevin Smith, Matt Stone, Darren Aronofsky, Kimberly Peirce, Allison Anders, David Ansen, Atom Egoyan, Steven Farber, more. (Genius Products).
Purchase This Film Is Not Yet Rated on Amazon.

This film becomes all the more interesting with the MPAA’s announced changes to their system and their making much of their process public for the first time.
All film buffs owe it to themselves to take a look at this fascinating investigation into the MPAA ratings system and the impact it has had on the American culture.

Troubled Waters (2006) Jennifer Beals, Shauna Black, Stewart Arnott, Olivia Ballantyne. Thriller with twists and turns about an FBI investigation into a kidnapping. (Genius Products).
Purchase Troubled Waters here.

Walker, Texas Ranger: The Complete Second Season (1994-95) Seven-disc set with 23 episodes, $54.99. (Paramount).
Purchase Walker, Texas Ranger The Complete Second Season here.

Alright, I will be making no Chuck Norris jokes….well, just one: When Chuck Norris falls into the water, he does not get wet, the water gets Chuck Norris. Yes, all of the others are just as bad.

Jeremy