massjazzfan
I am extremely impressed with this movie, and I feel like it is under-appreciated. This movie is not the fast-paced action movie that we are used to with military films. Instead, this is an inspirational story about overcoming the challenges in one's life. The movie follows the character development of Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher) and Ben Randall (Kevin Costner). In the movie, both characters are facing similar struggles, and when they first meet, they are dealing with they're ghosts in different ways. But, together they overcome them and become the heroes that they need to be. I love this movie because it helps to inspire people to become better. These characters are rescue swimmers or training to become rescue swimmers, and they must overcome their own personal struggles to be able to help save others. You gain a deeper appreciation for real life coast guard swimmers. You also feel as if you yourself are able to make a difference in the lives of other people. This movie is a great representation of overcoming one's self to become a person that will make a difference in the lives of others.
Matthew McNaughton
It's rare for a movie to actually make me feel good, but damn did this one. Kutcher is a staple in comedy, but he's just as good in serious roles (see: "Butterfly Effect"). He and Costner were an excellent pair, working together and against one another at the same time it seemed. Kutcher's classmates were also great, especially Hodge and Lindsey. I recognized Clancy Brown from "The Shawshank Redemption" but I think I prefer this character more.I believe that "A" School is difficult, but seeing it in the movie did help a little. I love movies that are based on real groups, like "Act of Valor" and "G.I. Jane", but what set this apart was the connection between Costner and Kutcher. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to see what the Coast Guard goes though on a weekly basis.
csimpkins53
This is not a bad movie but nearly every military movie has a scene in which the "hero" bets his buddies that he can pick-up a woman in the bar that they happen to be in. Our hero, of course to the surprise of his buddies is successful and wins the bet. This same plot device is used in "Top Gun", "G.I. Blues", "annapolis" and who knows how many other military movies and "The Guardian" also uses this. Come on movie makers, drop this tired old cliché' and come up with something new! Oh boy, here we go again with this ridiculous requirement that my review must have ten lines! I've already said what is necessary, I don't need ten lines to present this view. Why is this ten line rule required? It simply makes reviews much wordier than they need to be!
annehexste
I never got to see this one in the theater, but it seemed interesting enough to give it a try. The story involves the Coast Guard's elite rescue swimmers. These are the men and women who go in during storms to rescue people, or if a ship is sinking, or any other waterborn operation. They have a very risky job, and only the best make it through the training. The story involves a young recruit(Kutcher) and a legendary older veteran(Costner). Kutcher is a champion swimmer, but he is hiding something inside him and may not be there for the right reasons. Costner has just lost his best friend on a mission, and is being forced into the position of teacher for some down time. He is also dealing with his wife leaving him. This movie is about growth in the student and teacher, and about sacrifice. It is shades of An Officer and a Gentleman with a little Perfect Storm thrown in. It is a well told and made film. Costner is a bit wooden at times, but he gets by with typical Costner charm. Kutcher is decent in the role. I still have trouble seeing him in non-comedic roles. Though I did like him in The Buttefly Effect. Overall this is a good movie. I would give it a try.
AD
