The Guardian

2006 – Inspirational/Action/Drama/Military by director Andrew Davis

Description: Senior Chief Ben Randall is forced to take a break from U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimming and is ordered to either instruct potential future swimmers at A school or ride a desk.  Airman Jake Fischer, is fresh out of basic training with awesome potential, has a massive chip on his shoulder, has a hard time with authority, and with being anything other than the best.  Although they are a few decades apart in age, these two have a lot more in common than either of them is willing to admit to and lay on the table. Watch as Randall pushes Fischer to his full potential and to humble his at the same time and Fischer forces Senior Chief to come to terms with his own demons.

Review: I love this movie!  It’s one of my favorites in the inspirational genre.  Kevin Costner played the role of Senior Chief amazingly.  And it was no shocker that Ashton Kutcher was completely believable as the cocky, smart-alecky, super star kid fresh out of his teens, but he did a really good job showing his serious side in this film.  This is a great movie for everybody but it is a good coming of age or accepting your age film… I really liked the chance to see the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers in the spotlight.  Great writing, great direction, great acting, just all over great!

My ratings:
Storyline & Plot – 10
Acting – 10
Comedy – 9
Drama – 9
Action – 8

My favorite quotes:

ü  “When storms shut down entire ports, we go out. When hurricanes ground the United States Navy, we go out. And when the holy lord himself reaches down from heaven and destroys his good work with winds that rip houses off the ground… We go out.”

ü  “What if another swimmer had cut into your lane? For the love of god, you could have been killed!”

ü  “There will come a time when you are going to have to say no.”

ü  “You might want to re-check your compass… This ain’t no puddle pirate bar.”

Lead cast: Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher, Sela Ward, Melissa Sagemiller
Supporting cast: Brian Geraghty, Neal McDonough, Clancy Brown

Rumor Has It

2010 – Comedy/Romantic Comedy by director Rob Reiner

Description: Confused and unsure of her place in the world and in her own family, Sarah brings her new fiancée home to Pasadena. While at home she uncovers a highly guarded, 3 generation old secret, her family is the Robinson's. That's right the Robinson family of the book and movie The Graduate. While trying to unearth the truths behind the story and what it might mean for her, Sarah ends up on a path taken by her mother and grandma. Suddenly she finds that NOTHING is what it seems in her family.

Review: Has all of the prerequisites for a romantic comedy: love, humor, complications, resolve, happy ending.  It’s a pretty interesting story line, a nice twist doing the other side of The Graduate story.  I'm always a little disappointed when the characters give in so quickly... If Jeff had held strong longer it would have been more realistic.  But at the same time, everybody loves a happy ending.  Shirley was great, as always, playing a strong willed and brash cougar! Kevin's character was briefly creepy but over all likable. Jennifer really pulled of the scared and confused 30 year old.

My ratings:
Story & Plot – 7.5
Acting – 8
Romance – 5
Comedy – 7

My favorite quotes:

F    “I'm being sucked, and not in a good way.”

F   “Life is short and marriage is long... So... Drink up - it will make it go a help of a lot faster.”

F   “Mrs. Richelieu, are you trying to seduce me?”

F   “Oh, yeah? You and what lightning hands?”

F   “That's the power of please, kids.”

Lead cast: Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner, Shirley MacLaine, Mark Ruffalo
Supporting cast: Richard Jenkins, Mena Suvari