The Sentinel: A Tightly Woven Thriller

There are a few holes in "The Sentinel", starring Michael Douglas as Secret Service agent Pete Garrison but this movie is definitely worth a couple of hours of your time. Garrison is suspected of plotting to kill the President of the United States, a man he has sworn to protect. The story line identifies Pete Garrison as a long time agent who was one of President Ronald Reagan's Secret Service men who was shot while keeping him safe. You will see some old news footage of Reagan. At the beginning of the movie Garrision is approached by an associate as he walks through the halls of the agency; the agent tells Garrison that he needs to talk to him, but he never gets the chance, because he is killed on his doorsteps. When it is suspected that there is a mole hidden in the staff, Garrison meets with his informer who says that he has proof that there is definitely a plot to kill the President, and someone on the inside is part of it.

In addition to Michael Douglas, this movie also stars Kim Basinger as the President's wife. David Raschel is the President and Kiefer Sutherland is David Breckinridge, one of the agency's top investigators and one time friend of Garrison. You will enjoy Eva Longoria as Rasche's fresh, new trainee who immediately annoys Breckinridge by showing too much cleavage. When all of the President's agents are told they must take a lie detector test, Garrison fails for reasons known only to himself and the person who is plotting to kill the President. Tension grows when all circumstances point to Garrison, and he becomes the likely suspect in this old fashioned thriller. As Garrison is being secured, he escapes and the real action begins. He seeks out the one person he knows he can trust and can prove his innocence, but at what cost? Breckinridge is totally focused in his pursuit of Garrison, and although Breckinridge no longer trusts Garrison, he manages to keep a level head. You may be able to guess who the mole is, but the ending will surprise you.

The role of Pete Garrison is perfect for Michael Douglas, who has a certain arrogance that suits his character perfectly. You see it even when Garrison is running scared, he still looks capable of handling himself.

The cast includes Danny A. Gonzales, Raoul Bhaneja and Simon Reynolds.

This Film is Rated PG-13

-Vanette Ryanes

Vanette Ryanes is a true movie maven. She has been an avid movie fan for more than 35 years and has a video library of 200 plus movies. She has a vast knowledge of classic black and white, noir and vintage color movies. If you have questions about movies contact Vanette, (Vannie to her friends) for answers, advice and recommendations. 

Photo: The Sentinel Movie Poster allposters.com