Action. Check. Laughs. Check. Special effects. Check.

“The Guardian” has everything necessary for a blockbuster movie. It opens a door to the life of the Coast Guard rescue swimmers.

“So others may live,” the rescue swimmer’s oath, explains their dedication to the people they strive to save.

Ben Randall (Kevin Costner) is a veteran rescue swimmer, whose whole life is the Coast Guard and saving lives; All but his own.

The movie begins with Randall being called to a rescue. He and his team are sent out to the Bering Strait off the coast of Alaska. In the process of the rescue, Randall’s helicopter is hit by a boat carried by a big wave. There is a massive explosion and, in the end, he is the only survivor.

After this accident, Randall is told either to retire or take a teaching job.

Once Randall arrives at the school, he takes control and runs the students through tests of endurance and a battle of wills to narrow the class to those who are truly dedicated to being a rescue swimmer.

Enter Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher), the overly-confident student who stands out from the first day, swearing to break all the school records held by Randall.

Throughout the movie, there are parallels between Randall and Fischer. They unfold as the movie progresses and there are comparisons made which link them together. They are both fighting inner demons and barely keeping their heads above water – no pun intended.

Costner has no problem commanding the leading role comfortably. He remains a strong leading man, even if last year’s “Rumor Has It” wasn’t his greatest work. Costner shows his versatility as an actor in this film.

Although Kutcher is known for his slap-stick comedy and pranking abilities, his portrayal of Fischer is touching. He carries the dramatic role with a refreshing amount of ability. He isn’t serious the entire film; providing the primary source of laughs.

Sela Ward of “House” fame supports the cast as Costner’s wife in the movie.

The film was directed by Andrew Davis whose last movie was the 2003 family-oriented “Holes.”

This isn’t just another military movie; It is about the human spirit and the fight to stay alive, by passing the torch for someone else to carry on.

As the movie states, “There’s a legend … a man who lives beneath the sea. A fisherman of men, who have been left behind … he is ‘The Guardian.'”