The Navy has “Top Gun.” The Army has “Platoon.” The Marines have “Full Metal Jacket” and the Air Force has “Iron Eagle.” The action thrillers have dazzled audiences with their oftentimes shocking and always heroic glimpses into life in the US military. But what is missing in this lineup is the presence of the US Coast Guard. But the wait is over as Touchtone Pictures production of “The Guardian” made its way into theatres on Friday, Sept 29.

The film features Ashton Kutcher as Jake Fischer, a Coast Guard cadet arduously working through basic training. Kevin Costner plays Ben Randall, Fisher’s rugged and agitated instruction bent on breaking new recruits. A high school swim champ, Fischer’s mind is set on being a rescue diver, however his confident and over zealous attitude strikes a chord with Randall and the two immediately develop a rocky and sometimes cynical relationship.

The two play two versions of the same character, each in different stages of their turbulent lives. Fischer envy’s Randall’s legendary success and experience and Randall sees much of himself in the young Fischer. The two develop a father-son type relationship as Fischer quickly becomes the leader of the training class and an un-likely friend of Randall’s as they each discover their pasts are near mirror images of each other.

At 136 minutes, “The Guardian” is about 20 minutes too long and is over-meticulous in tying up loose ends that never had beginnings. Kutcher successfully continues to burn away his tattooed slacker image stemming from “That 70’s Show,” and delivers a cool and concise performance as both a loose talking ladies man as well as an intense semi-action star.

It’s Costner however, who shines brightest as his character’s fading strengths are just muted enough to spotlight Randall’s insecurities and depression. The aloof but astringent drill instructor is played to perfection as Randall’s drowning home life begins to take a toll on his work and vice versa. And although both Costner and Kutcher share the common interests, the all important morale-of-the-story seems lost at sea.

And the love story-who could forget the love story? Don’t all movies need one, appropriate or not? The love story tie-in will leave audiences scratching their heads. While Randall’s sinking relationship prefigures Fischer’s budding one, the connection between the two goes MIA until the befuddling, self-defeating conclusion.

While it may not be as provocative as “Apocolypse Now” or as embarrassing as “In the Army Now,” “The Guardian” will keep viewers’ anxiety high and their eyes amazed. Well timed light moments accent the encompassing strenuous ones and the life and death decisions keep the suspense rolling. Along with the vast and epic setting of remote Alaska and the literal chilling effect of icy plunges into dark ocean waters “The Guardian” is a brisk blast of adrenaline and fun.

Rating: 2 1/2 Stars

Total stars possible: 4

Josh Huggett can be reached at [email protected]