C+

The Sentinel is a by the book, entertaining action flick. Its much too similar to cat and mouse movies like In the Line of Fire and Double Jeopardy to stand out. However, it lacks the focus, tightness, and thrill of those "superior" films. Performances are decent but unremarkable.

The direction, however, occasionally feels at least a bit unconventional. I'm reminded of The Manchurian Candidate with the opening scenes and recurring "whispers". The cinematographer did a good job capturing the slight paranoia of Douglas' character - this being demonstrated as he focuses on the faces of random people and what not (Those who see the film will probably understand this reference). Also, the score occasionally provided some of the tension which was unfortunately absent in chase/action scenes.

The Sentinel isn't a bad movie and might be a fun way to pass a few hours, but stick to flicks like Inside Man for more fleshed out characters and a more unconventional storyline.

Meh. By the numbers and by the book. Its not a bad film, but it really could have been so much better. The last act is a bit too action packed after the rather tame first portion. It doesn't help that the filmmakers added a few plot elements and stylistic additions that really aren't needed either. C+

B-

It's good, but never great. I liked the performances (and seeing Eva Longoria for two hours is never bad), but it was just too predictable and never that exciting or engaging. Just a decent, predictable action flick.

Fairly entertaining, but the film is just so predictable that I lost interest very quickly. Michael Douglas is in his typical thriller mode, although Kiefer Sutherland is a hoot as someone who may as well be Jack Bauer with a different identity. Eva Longoria and Kim Basinger are fine, though neither woman is given much to do. The film's "villain" ends up being such a non-entity by the end of the movie, I began to wonder what the whole point of it all was. Still, reasonably diverting. C+

how can an actor be defined as being a "hoot" by simply playing the same character their stamped for? Any other actor [or indeed, and more commonly, actress] would be lambasted for such lazy role choice

Well, I think you said Garner was great in Elektra. Which, I would say, was just as much of a lazy choice.

Because he basically was Jack Bauer in this. And I loooove Jack Bauer.

The Sentinel was a good action thriller movie, it's really entertaining. for the first 30 minutes is abit slow. but the rest are okay to watch. Michael Douglas performs good in his role. as for Kiefer i think he just repeating another character which is very similar to his TV shows 24. Eva Longoria is hot and sexy, oh and don't forget Kim Basinger, she is still very tempting in her ages at this time around. well i had to say there are some part of the movie that has a weak plot, but it still an enjoyable movie. B

And Daredevil. Basically she has already taken two roles that are "ass-kicking chick" roles.

Besides, Kiefer has rarely played the good guy in a movie before. Even though I hardly consider Jack Bauer a good guy.

This movie was just a taste of what the 24: The Movie will be in summer 08. I wish Kiefer had the main lead as he is far more fun to watch and kick ass than Douglas. A fun and entertaining movie to watch in the afternoon but I wanted more
Jack Bauer.

B-

"Worth a look if you're in the mood for some slick Hollywood escapism that's done well enough, though not brilliantly."
-- Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

"Well-crafted Secret Service thriller lacks plausibility and character development."
-- Kirk Honeycutt, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

"It's a competent, if forgettable and implausible, thriller with some decent acting..."
-- Claudia Puig, USA TODAY

"I could identify the mole in 'The Sentinel' the first time he appeared on camera. Don't you hate it when that happens in a movie?"
-- Betty Jo Tucker, REELTALK MOVIE REVIEWS

Political thrillers have always been an easy sell to audiences across the country. Actors sign on with ease, knowing to expect a profit, and audiences often turn out in droves with the illusion that they are witnessing something important. While not all films live up to this expectation, most are able to entertain the audience with twists and turns that they won't see coming. The Sentinel is the latest film to follow this style, following in the footsteps of last year's The Interpreter by dealing with the planned assassination of a famous world leader. While that film dealt mostly with foreign territories, The Sentinel hits much closer to home - dealing with a plot to murder the current President. But while the film boasts a strong cast and stylish direction, the element of surprise is obviously missing from the mold.

Pete Garrison (Michael Douglas) is a respected Secret Service agent who works to protect the President (David Rasche) and his wife Sarah (Kim Basinger). While he may seem like the ideal agent to the public eye, he actually has many dark secrets, including the fact that he is having an affair with the First Lady herself. On the other end of the spectrum is his former best friend and current rival David Breckinridge (Kiefer Sutherland) and his ambitious new partner Jill Marin (Eva Longoria). The three are all drawn into the same case when a prominent White House official is assassinated. Thanks to the help of a mysterious informant it is discovered that a plot is underway to assassinate the President. But that's not the most surprising news to come out. It turns out that Pete is the prime suspect.

Clark Johnson directs The Sentinel and at many points the film resembles his previous effort, the 2003 hit S.W.A.T. The film moves at a fast-pace and the action sequences are appropriately intense. The cinematography, while not extraordinary, is flashy and gives the film a specific look and feel. It also takes advantage of the scenery. Shot on location in Washington, D.C. and Toronto, Johnson makes great use of the locations he is in, showing the grandeur of each city.

The place where the film falters, however, is the weak screenplay. Written by George Nolfi, who brought high-class espionage to life in Ocean's Twelve, utilizes every cliche in the book in bringing this tale to the screen. This creates a fun, if incredibly predictable, experience where you can see everything coming way before it happens. The dialogue can also venture into mediocrity, with the unofficial thriller catchphrase "Who sent you?!" appearing in excess here. Also, aside from the three leads, not many characters are given much development. Even the villain is less than terrifying because we know so little about him in the first place.

Performances here are actually quite strong. Michael Douglas is back in his element, playing the quintessential flawed hero of the picture. Ironically, despite his pedigree, he is only decent here - not making much of an impression upon the audience. Faring much better is Kiefer Sutherland, a fascinating actor who always delves into the character that he is portraying. I found myself very interested in his character here, and Sutherland delivers a strong and multi-layered performance. "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria makes her feature film debut here, and actually turns in a strong performance. Known for her comedic talents, The Sentinel gives her the opportunity to delve into new territory. She is believable and undeniably likable here, displaying strong dramatic chops as well. Kim Basinger and the other supporting characters aren't given much to do here, but do the best with what is given to them.

Overall, The Sentinel isn't a bad film at all if you take it for what it is - a fun and harmless action-thriller with decent-enough performances. Unfortunately, the screenplay offers little surprise and sticks to familiar cliches throughout the running time. It is worth seeing, but it would have been better if it upped the suspense and surprise that audiences know and love.

7/10 (B-)

A thriller that actually thrills. Nice performances by all the main players.

Why Kim Basinger not cast in more movies is beyond me.

A-

The Sentinal was... how should I say... good. Now, by all means, it was nowhere near great... nor was it anywhere near bad... it was... good. I enjoyed watching it, I enjoyed guessing whom was doing what, which I figured out quite easily. But overall it was just that... good... nothing more.

8.6/10 B

I started out thinking that this film was working as a straight genre flick (just like Take the Lead which I saw earlier today), but by the end - this movie just plum wore me out. It's okay - nice to see the Douglas/Bassinger pairing as a retro fantasy (though sadly under-exploited) - but far from anything special...

2 out of 5.

I went to see this because Kiefer Sutherland is in it and I love 24.I'm being very generous in giving this a B- as I found it nothing special and instantly forgettable. The B- is only because of Kiefer who was in Jack Bauer mode in the film.

B-

B-


This was just average, but I pretty much got what I expected. I wanted a nice way to waste two hours at the movies without being bored and this is what the movie managed. It is pretty much a generic, straight-up action-thriller, but just lacks action and is fairly predictable. The showdown at the end is quite good and seeing Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer #2 is always good (even though he was a very tame version of Bauer). Douglas still does pretty good in action roles. Longoria's character was just unnecessary and underwritten. Overall, it was just okay.

Nice thriller and fairly enjoyable

B-

I thought it pussied out.

It reminded me of 90s political thrillers like In the Line of Fire - but not as good.

Still likeable enough thanks to the cast and not as boring as The Interpreter - Grade: B-

A pretty awful movie with Sutherland completely mis-cast, Longoria having possible the most pointless role I have ever seen and a script riddled with cliched lines.

Even the normally reliable thrill of the chase wasn't very thrilling. And did anybody else notice how wrinkled Kim Basingers hands were?

D

How can Sutherland be miscast if he plays the very same role in "24" for many years now?

No in The Sentinel he's the by the books agent. In 24 he's a wild card type of character similar to Douglas in The Sentinel.

Pretty solid thriller with an interesting story and a quick pace. The plot moves along quite rapidly, but never gets lost or becomes confusing. The ultimate villain reveal is a bit of a cop-out, but the final gunfight is exciting and well-staged. Some great performances all around, especially Kiefer as Jack Bauer-lite. Michael Douglas is decent as the action lead, though clearly getting up there in years. The build-up of the story throws a few twists into the generic action/thriller plot, though the end is fairly predictable. Overall, a pretty familiar thriller, though one done very well, with some interesting plot developments and some pretty good performances.

I saw it yesterday, but I'm still not able to connect all the dots. So, any help in answering these questions is appreciated:

1) Who exactly was blackmailing Michael Douglas? And who took his photos his photos with the first lady? Is it the Russians, trying to pin it all on him?
2) Why were the Russians watching the dead Secret Service agent house? I mean, listening to phone calls would've made sense, but watching the house?
3) Did the informant try to get Michael Douglas killed or not in the mall? Or was the assasin there to kill the informant? IMO, it's the latter but I'm not sure.

I have some other issues like why the agent shot dead at the mall wasn't wearing a kevlar like Douglas, how came Sutherland's ex-wife was still single 10 years after they broke up, etc....but they're not as important as the above questions.

Thanks :smile: