by Nick Nash

Created on: December 16, 2009

I have recently found out that The Bodyguard is one of my dad's favourite films (yes, my dad). This news prompted me to give it a new viewing having last seen it 10 years ago and I was oddly pleasantly surprised and actually enjoyed it. This is strange given that once reviewing it I realised that it is actually not a very good film at all. 

So, the plot for those that don't know. Kevin Costner stars as bodyguard to Whitney Houston's pop princess diva from hell. Whitney has been receiving some death threat letters and her aides call Costner in to protect her. Whitney is at first unsure but soon realises she is truly in danger and learns to trust and love Costner. He in turn is initially luke-warm to bratty Houston but too learns to love her. The killer gets ever closer and the film reaches it's predictable climax. 

This film is enjoyable if perhaps not very good. The fromage reeks through certain scenes and the set pieces are often ridiculous. Nothing is ever very well explained here nor developed. The plot involving the killer is thin and plays second fiddle to the longing looks between the 2 stars. 

Director Mick Jackson does an admirable job although this film is far from the heady heights of L.A Story in every sense. he gets the best out of his stars and there is good chemistry between the two. 

Costner thankfully gives a charismatic performance if never a very taxing one, something that has become all too rare certainly in his latter day appearances. Whitney is, well, Whitney. I don't think much acting was required but she pulls off the spoilt, charmless, brash diva expertly. One only wonders what Costner's character sees in her? 

The film has since been remembered for numerous scenes from the rescue and carry through the crowd, to the silk scarf ruined on the sword to the runway finale. And then there is that song to rival that other song from that other Costner box office smash. If this film has given us nothing else, it has given us many an entertaining night in the karaoke booth. 

So, looking back everything seems negative but the overall experience is always entertaining. If you don't take this film too seriously (like I have just done) and accept it for the trashy nonsensical romance it is then you'll find it entertaining... and sometimes that's all we can ask for.

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