The Sentinel (2006)

Michael Douglas plays Presidential bodyguard Pete Garrison in this so-so thriller. Highly respected because he once took a bullet intended for Pres. Reagan, he spends much of his time running from a special Secret Service investigator because he is now a suspect in a newly revealed plot to assassinate President Ballentine (David Rasche). Ironically, it’s a plot he came across because another agent who wanted to talk with him was killed before the two could meet. Pete is a suspect because he failed the lie detector test that all agents are periodically required to take. He stumbled badly on the question of whether anything he has done will endanger the President for a lurid reason—he has been carrying on an adulterous affair with Sarah, Mrs. Ballentine (Kim Basinger). Will he manage to stay ahead of his pursuers and foil the plot against the President? And should we cheer for a guy who seems to have no qualms about bedding down other men’s wives? (He may have even have committed adultery with his pursuers wife!) This amoral film could be a prime exhibit for those who delight in bashing Hollywood.