I’m convinced that somewhere, studio executives and producers are looking at films they have given the green light for and saying, “Okay, so it’s a political thriller. We need someone who looks cool running around, talking on their cellphone and carrying a gun . . . . Hey! Keifer Sutherland isn’t filming 24 right now, is he?” Sutherland and his character Jack Bauer have become the hero to many a television viewer, and after five seasons, he’s now become the ideal actor for anything involving government agents trying to solve unfathomable crimes. Sutherland was actually the main reason that I was prompted to have any interest in watching his latest film, The Sentinel, in the first place.

Based on the novel by Gerald Petievich, The Sentinel looks at a much different aspect of the government, the Secret Service. Pete Garrison (Michael Douglas) is currently assigned to protecting the President’s wife, First Lady Sarah Ballentine (Kim Basinger) though he’s taken his duty a bit further. The two have fallen in love and have started an affair, and although they’ve kept it secret, it seems as though someone is about to expose everything. There’s an even bigger problem however when one of the agents is murdered right on his front door step and David Breckinridge (Sutherland) is called in to investigate with his new trainee Jill Marin (Eva Longoria.)

Garrison however soon finds there is more going on than just his tryst; someone is planning on assassinating the President and all evidence points to it being someone within the agency. As he works to uncover whom it may be, it soon appears as though it may very well be Garrison himself that is the suspect and soon he finds himself on the run from his own agency with Breckinridge and other Secret Service agents close behind.

The concept behind The Sentinel is an interesting one because, just as the previews suggested, in the history of the real Secret Service, there has never been any traitor on conspiracy due to the overwhelmingly strict guidelines that have been put in place. In the world of fantasy however, anything is possible, and The Sentinel has a primary objective to keep you guessing, even when the clues may seemingly point in a completely obvious direction. The fact is that while many Hollywood films are filled with the usual thriller guidelines, The Sentinel does in fact pull a rabbit out of the hat that comes as being unexpected.

The biggest draw for many however will comes down to the cast, and Sutherland is the golden boy of political thrillers these days, and that’s all thanks to 24. His character of Breckinridge does have some similarities to his more popular persona of Jack Bauer. Even with is initial meeting with Marin, there are moments when it feels as though he’s gong to break into some type of interrogation, though I don’t think there’s any fear of the use of electrical cords. Seeing him run around, weapon drawn, or having cellphone conversations is a reminder of 24, though The Sentinel is only 2 hours, so that may not be enough Keifer for some fans. Michael Douglas is another fantastic addition to the cast, though he is an actor whom I will say can take on some outstanding roles, but then appear in something less impressive, but not in this case. There are even some nods to The Game, though certainly unintentional, in this role, though unfortunately nothing that would point to Falling Down. I guess Hollywood isn’t ready for a Secret Service agent who has been pushed over the edge (though it’s not a bad idea.)

The film boils down to being a “whodunit” of sorts, though it’s more of a “who is going to do it,” and ideally the movie beings to hone in on what Garrison has learned in his years working for the Secret Service. This means that while facing one of their own, the agents are dealing with someone who is just as crafty as they are, and since it is a familiar face, even pulling the trigger if necessary isn’t going to be something that comes easily. We do in fact get a moment or two where that is witnessed (hey, you’ve got to have Keifer pull the trigger at some point.) However, The Sentinel also isn’t just some man on the run film, and little by little we get the clues necessary to solve the mystery. In my case, the revelation came with a moment of “oh, I’d never even though of that person.” But, I don’t want to ruin that moment for you.

The Sentinel excels at dragging you into the story, and aside from the cast and the well-written script, that’s one of its biggest triumphs. A number of other so-called political thrillers start out well, but then become bogged down with poor story-telling or pointless action. The Sentinel does have a fair share of action, but it’s not necessarily the heart that pumps the blood in this case, and it simply serves to push the film in a good direction. It’s mystery and intrigue that are really the core of the film in my opinion, and it’s a good change of pace from what has become the norm in Hollywood films.

If you’re looking for more beyond the film, the DVD does come with a few special features. A release without some type of commentary track has become somewhat uncommon for the most part, and The Sentinel features insight from director Clark Johnson and screenwriter George Nolfi. There also is a collection of deleted scenes and an alternate ending, all with optional commentary. However, behind the scenes are what may be the most interesting part of this release. The Secret Service: Building a Tradition of Excellence looks at the real Secret Service and features not only the agents that really have worked in a agency, but also many of the cast members. Keifer Sutherland these days certainly is no stranger to working with government agencies on his projects, and you’ll find him featured quite a bit here (though, Mr. Sutherland, I notice you have time for DVD extras, yet no time to speak with us. Come on.) In the Presidents Shadow looks even deeper at the Secret Service, so if you wanted to know more about this elite force, both features will provide plenty of information.

The Sentinel is a good, solid film with a perfect balance between action and gripping story. The perfect casting and great story really are what makes this an addictive film to watch and one that you can’t just turn away from for a moment. Once The Sentinel has pulled you into its tangled web, you’re in it for the long run and it’s definitely nice to see a film that looks at the men behind the President instead of just the office itself.

-mike-

 

Directed By: Clark Johnson   Written By: George Nolfi   Based Upon the Novel by: Gerald Petievich   Cast: Michael Douglas Kiefer Sutherland Eva Longoria Martin Donovan Kim Basinger Blair Brown David Rasche Kristin Lehman Raynor Scheine Chuck Shamata Paul Calderon Clark Johnson Raoul Bhaneja Yanna McIntosh

DVD Features: Available Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French & Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround English & Spanish Subtitles Commentary w/Clark Johnson & George Nolfi Deleted Scenes w/Optional Commentary by George Nolfi The Secret Service: Building a Tradition of Excellence In the Presidents Shadow