Usually when a DVD advertises an alternate ending,
it just means that the same thing happens in a different room of the house.
Rarely is it really an alternate outcome to the storyline, but The
Guardian has one of those rarities. If you have not seen the
film yet, read this review no further, but if you have, then rest assured
that this alternate ending is the opposite of the final cut.
DVD Review: The Guardian
Director Andrew Davis makes a really big deal about
how they only shot this alternate ending at the studio's insistence and
thank God the test audiences reacted to Davis's intentions and they never
had to use it. Good for them, but frankly, I wanted this ending and I like
the alternate better.
We know Kevin Costner loves to die in movies. It's one of his things, like
three hour running times. But it's not always right for the story. The
Guardian is fine, but having a tragic sacrificial ending doesn’t
make it any more meaningful. Really, the plot is set up in a way to let
Ashton Kutcher's character save him.
That's exactly what happens in the alternate ending.
They pay off the "holding on" story. Now, it's clear that they
don't play the drama of it because their hearts weren't into shooting this.
But if they could have dragged it out a bit longer, this is the ending I
would have wanted to see, and at least there's a version of it on DVD.
Add to Heffee!
