The Guardian
The Guardian Image
Metascore
53 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 106 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Kevin Costner
  • Summary: After losing his crew in a fatal crash, legendary Rescue Swimmer, Ben Randall (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 (Kutcher), who is driven to be the best. (Touchstone Pictures)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Chris Kaltenbach
    83
    The Guardian is that rarest of cinematic commodities: an action movie displaying brains and heart and the opportunity for its stars to do something more than keep the narrative flowing between explosions.
  2. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: M. E. Russell
    75
    The Guardian doesn't offer too many surprises. Except for one: it's genuinely well-made and, at least when it comes to the character Ben Randall, kind of moving.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: James Greenberg
    60
    That the film doesn't rise above the formulaic is a particular disappointment as these stunningly brave Rescue Swimmers deserve a film as daring as they are.
  4. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Kyle Smith
    38
    The men who made The Guardian strive to be the averagest of the average - and don't quite succeed.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 50
  3. Negative: 7 out of 50
  1. LisaL
    10
    This movie was AMAZING! I was so inspired and it just makes you realize how much we take for granted the amazing work people do. the acting was really good too. I'm reminded again of how great of an actor kevin costner and ashton kutcher are.… Collapse
  2. SteveG.
    8
    Not an all time favorite but it contained the elements of a good but predictable plot. Overall worth a rent. Worth buying for the fan of military type movies.… Expand
  3. A.M.
    7
    Good job Costner! This is a solid movie, I had my reservations, but it was good. Kuchner was surprisingly decent as an actor, too. This is a good rental, everyone will like it.… Expand
  4. Billb
    4
    When watching this movie, I feel like I'm just watching a more modern version of An Officer and a Gentlemen. Yes, some of the parts were inspiring and uplifting, but I've seen inspiring and uplifting and it's making me bored!… Expand

See all 50 User Reviews

Related Articles

  1. Movies

    Ashton Kutcher: All Films Considered

    Ashton Kutcher: All Films Considered Image
    Published: June 3, 2010
    Though he generates headlines, Ashton Kutcher has yet to make a good movie, and his newest action-comedy "Killers" likely won't change that. We look back on his career to date and pick out some of the actor's worst films.
    More »

Current Movie Releases

Full List »
  1. Before Midnight
    Metascore: 95
  2. Star Trek Into Darkness
    Metascore: 72
  3. This Is the End
    Metascore: 68
  4. Iron Man 3
    Metascore: 62
  5. Fast & Furious 6
    Metascore: 61
  6. Man of Steel
    Metascore: 55
  7. The Great Gatsby
    Metascore: 55
  8. Epic
    Metascore: 52
  9. Peeples
    Metascore: 52
  10. Now You See Me
    Metascore: 50
  11. Pain & Gain
    Metascore: 44
  12. The Internship
    Metascore: 43
  13. The Purge
    Metascore: 41
  14. After Earth
    Metascore: 33
  15. The Hangover Part III
    Metascore: 30
  16. The Big Wedding
    Metascore: 28
  17. Scary Movie 5
    Metascore: 11
All Current Movies »