Starring Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria, Martin Donovan, Kim Basinger
Written By: George Nolfi
Directed By: Clark Johnson
Studio: 20th Century Fox
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The United States has never had to worry about spies and traitors within the Secret Service, until now. Starring Michael Douglas and Kiefer Sutherland, play Agents who are out to thwart a Presidential Assassination attempt. What they must find out is how it’s going to happen and stop the inside man from attempting such a dangerous act. An entertaining thriller with great suspense and some action, fans of the genre will enjoy this movie.

Pete Garrison (Douglas) was the best agent around. Respected, and talented, Garrison has had a great run. Now having to face the music, someone is out to blackmail him as he is having an affair with the First Lady (Basinger.) Of all people, why her! It doesn’t stop there. Forced out of his job through the blackmail, Garrison is on the run from his former employer because he’s been named in a plot to assassinate the President. David Breckinridge (Sutherland) was Garrison’s apprentice climbing the ranks of the Government and now he was in charge of the whole investigation. He’s just as bright and talented in the organization. Breckinridge is a hard ass, stern, and protective of his field outfit. On top of all this, he has to deal with a new hire, Jill Marin (Longoria.) Why she really is in this movie is beyond me. Eva plays the girl who tries to hack it in a generally male role. Eva thinks she can solve every mystery, clue, etc. and all this in the first days of her new job. I didn’t buy her role in the movie at all. Kiefer’s character seems annoyed most of the time that he has to deal with her at all, almost like a babysitting gig. Back to the story, Garrison goes on the run to clear his name. All the evidence as of right now, points to him, but really its all the blackmail.

While I enjoyed the movie, I was not completely sold on the film. Yeah, it had an interesting story, thrills, and action but this could have been a made for TV movie if they wanted to. If it wasn’t for the marquee names, this could have been on A&E or FX. Plus the story was a bit “hacky” in the sense it was similar to Clint Eastwood’s In the Line of Fire. The action was tamer, the suspense was moderate, and the story really could have been stronger. The actors performances were the only saving grace to the movie really.

Extra features on the DVD are Full length commentary by Clark Johnson and Screenwriter George Nolfi, featurettes, Deleted Scenes, and an Alternate Ending. Just your typical extras on here. I’m sure fans of Kiefer and Michael Douglas will want to own the movie, but if you are into heavy and intense stories, this film was lacking.

Features:
-Alternate Ending And Deleted Scenes With Optional Commentary By Screenwriter George Nolfi
-Full-Length Audio Commentary By Director Clark Johnson And Screenwriter George Nolfi
-The Secret Service: Building On A Tradition Of Excellence Featurette
-In The President’s Shadow: Protecting the President Featurette

Audio:
-ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 CC
-SPANISH: Dolby Digital Surround
-FRENCH: Dolby Digital Surround

Video:
-Widescreen 2.35:1 Color

Subtitles:
English, Spanish

Favorite Scenes: On the run, Kiefer yelling like usual
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 108 minutes
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating: