The Sentinel typifies the disease that Hollywood has lately, in that audiences — the very people the studios believed could never tire of half-baked, thrice recycled ideas — expect a movie to suck and avoid it. Or at least they do until reviewing the Internet rumors. When news of poor ticket sales hits the mainstream, even more potential viewers make the wait for DVD rental or catch it on an airplane without renting the headphones decision.

This cycle makes for carnage at the box office, and it’s a real shame, because the Sentinel is actually a decent movie. My preconceptions proved well placed. Expecting nothing, I got entertainment.

The story focuses on a Secret Service agent at odds with his environment. In the twilight of his career, he finds himself enmeshed in a conspiracy to kill the President. For added tension, he’s also servicing the First Lady. Secretly. Michael Douglas does well here — even for an old guy. And boy, face lift or not, the heir to Kirk is showing his age. No matter, though. Overall, this is a competent thriller.

What works:
1) If you like the TV show 24 or Tom Clancy movies, this story is for you.
2) Pacing – action never stops.
3) Concept – we have seen tales of betrayal at this level before, but this more than an Air Force one rehashed; it feels fresh.
4) Ending – reasonable and acceptable given the characters and story arc.

What needs improvement:
1) A few moments of MTV styled shots and production values I could do without, but otherwise the film works.