This was an interesting story to watch, with Costner playing the “old lion” and Kutcher playing the “young lion.” Costner plays Ben Randall, a character who sees a lot of talent in Jake Fischer (Kutcher), but wonders whether he really joins the Coast Guard to save people or to show off his abilities. The character development is well done and the story is realistic as Randall endures a separation from his wife, who is tired of his continual absence due to the nature of his job. Fischer has his own private pain which surfaces to the top near the end of the film.

Unfortunately, the film has very strong language and a sexual relationship between two unmarried people so we at Dove, as “guardians” of wholesome family entertainment, and in advising our readers of the content, cannot award “The Guardian” our Dove Seal of Approval.