The Sentinel (2006)

Directed by: Clark Johnson | 108 minutes | drama, thriller, crime | Actors: Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria, Martin Donovan, Ritchie Coster, Kim Basinger, Blair Brown, David Rasche, Kristin Lehman, Raynor Scheine, Chuck Shamata, Paul Calderon, Clark Johnson, Raoul Bhaneja, Yanna McIntosh, Joshua Peace, Simon Reynolds, Geza Kovacs, Danny E. Gonzales, Jude Coffey

The murder of security guard Charlie Merriweather (Clark Johnson) is clearly a robbery. At least that’s what the police think. But David Breckinridge (Kiefer Sutherland), who is taking over the investigation on behalf of the Secret Service, sees through that. If he can conclude on the basis of overwhelming evidence that Pete Garrison is the first in the long history of this agency to commit treason, it suits him well. Garrison was his best friend, but Breckinridge is sure that Pete is having an affair with his wife and that has not helped their friendship.

Garrison is indeed having an affair with a married woman, but not with Breckinridge’s. He struggles to keep his affair with First Lady Sarah (Kim Basinger) a secret, allowing the conspirators to use him as a distraction from the real traitor within the service. After Garrison’s escape, his colleagues have a formidable adversary who has personally trained many of them and will always be one step ahead of them. Moreover, shooting at such a valued colleague and friend will not come easy to anyone.

‘The Sentinel’ is a fast-paced, suspenseful action film about the men and women who watch over the safety of the president and his wife. It’s a tight-knit group of people in smart suits and expensive sunglasses, using code words, earphones, and every imaginable technical means to prevent one of the many threats made daily to the president from actually being carried out. They serve with dedication, are extremely loyal, and are even willing to give their lives. The film rises above the level of an average thriller due to the good acting of Michael Douglas in particular. He portrays in a subdued, melancholy manner the secret agent who has spent his entire life in the service of the president. He looks slightly tired and is clearly ready for his retirement, but if necessary, he comes back into action and he is too quick for friend and foe. The rest of the cast is also convincing.

‘The Sentinel’ tells a story like it’s been told many times before, but in such a compelling way and with such experienced, well-playing actors that you’re in good hands, it won’t hurt to see that story again and then stare at it intently.