Movie Reviews Net

This is a political thriller directed by Clark Johnson. I went to see this movie because I thought I couldn’t go wrong - it contains a strong cast and the plot was interesting. I was disappointed.

The plot involves former members of the KGB conspiring to assassinate the President. The assassins have a mole within the team of Secret Service agents assigned to protect the President.

Michael Douglas plays veteran agent Pete Garrison. Garrison, who is having an affair with the First Lady, is trapped when he is blackmailed about the affair, and framed for being the mole.

Special agent Breckinridge (Kiefer Sutherland) is put in charge of investigating who the mole is. However, his investigation of Garrison is biassed. Garrison is a former friend whom he longer trusts (he believes Garrison had an affair with his wife).

Good performances by both Sutherland and Douglas. Jill Maren (Eva Longoria) did not give a convincing performance as an agent assigned to protect the President. How effectively can you run after an assassin with 5 inch heels?

During the investigation, it’s business as usual for the President (David Rasche). He is as busy as ever, pays too little attention to his wife, and is constantly surrounded by bodyguards. Meanwhile, First Lady Sarah Ballentine (Kim Basinger) portrays herself as a dutiful woman to the public, but is having an affair with Garrison behind closed doors.

The Sentinel could have been a great movie. However, while the most of actors perform well, the scenes were not powerful enough. Take for example the assassination attempt on the President. This is the focus of the movie, but is a big letdown. The scene seemed rushed, and everything conveniently falls into place at that time. As well, there is not much originality in this much-anticipated scene.

You won’t be missing much if you decide not to see this movie. Let me know your opinion, by adding your comments below.