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Derek Malcolm's rating
They're not waving but drowning
By
Derek Malcolm
12 Oct 2006
This paean of praise for the US Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers covers every Hollywood cliché in the book, and then some.
It stars Kevin Costner as a veteran rescue ace who loses his best friend in a storm; he gets sent to teach at a school for rescue divers and tangles with an arrogant young champion swimmer (Ashton Kutcher).
Added to that, his wife divorces him. His life's a mess but he's determined to turn boys into men.
Andrew Davis's film is full of tub-thumping moments as the recruits learn that it's not who you save from the sea that matters but who you lose. Apparently they are trained like Marines but get less pay and credit.
Much the best parts of the movie concern the various rescues we see. The rest is macho dross, hard-nosed and sentimental at the same time, and much, much too long .
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (2)
Saw this film yesterday absolutely loved it.
I am 9 months pregnant so a bit emotional, couldn't stop crying near the end!
- Kelly Brown, London, England, 25/10/2006 20:48
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Caught this at an early preview and I knew Derek Malcolm would hate this movie.
I thought it was great. Lots of action, some clever twists in the script, lots of lassie style cheesey moments and a few laughs too.
It's one of the best films I have seen this year. The only complaint was that the ending was just plain ridiculous. That aside, for the vast majority of the male London population, this is a must see.
- Allan G, Wimbledon, London, 16/10/2006 09:56
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