Guarding Tess

This is an unexpected pearl of a movie. Neither of the two stars, Shirley MacLaine or Nicholas Cage, are normally high on my list of favorites, but they pull off this odd ball relationship to perfection. There's chemistry here, just not in the usual sense of the word! It's a plot idea unlike any I've previously encountered...

Doug (Nicholas Cage) is a Secret Service man assigned the dubious honor of "guarding Tess" Carlisle (Shirley MacLaine), the feisty, aging, crotchety widow of a former American President and friend to the current President (who owes her favors and she doesn't let him forget it!). Nothing Doug does pleases Tess; nothing ANYONE does pleases Tess. Yet, she has an obvious underlying affection for her Secret Service guard, the only agent she'll in fact tolerate, who most of the time wishes he had just about any other job. Tess's own son totally neglects her and she's a lonely lady, caught up in old memories of her past White House days, when she and her husband were objects of great respect, affection, and attention. Tess is a cantankerous character now (of course Shirley MacLaine's a natural for the part!) but altogether sympathetic. I won't give away the story but Doug has his work cut out for him, and not just putting up with her moods, whims, and assorted outrages. The plot thickens and drama awaits...

There's action and adventure but the movie is much more character driven than plot driven. It's a treat to watch the unfolding relationship between this unlikely pair. Whether it's a realistic scenario or not, it makes for an entertaining, amusing, and touching movie you're bound to enjoy.

Guarding Tess is a film that relies on character and dialogue for its impact rather than flashy special effects or frenetic action. The humour is subtle rather than sledge-hammer, a rare achievement for a modern comedy.

The interaction between the eponymous Tess (Shirley MacLaine) and her chief minder (Nicholas Cage)is well scripted and beautifully played. There are also some fine supporting performances from the likes of Richard Griffiths.

Well worth investing 90 minutes of your time to watch.

I have to admit, in some strange way, I enjoyed Guarding Tess very much. Despite it being predictable and they could have worked the comedy a little better, especially with Shirly, I think this was a decent little movie that anyone could enjoy. I think Shirly and Nicolas has very good chemistry. Nick also did a great performance for such a small movie, I felt for him so much in the end. You'll see what I mean on that part, I think we all could feel for him. It's just a nice movie that has some very heart touching moments, so I would recommend for a Saturday afternoon. I think you'll enjoy it.

7/10

Nicholas Cage is "Guarding Tess" in this 1994 film starring Shirley MacLaine, Austin Pendleton, Edward Albert, Richard Griffiths, and James Rebhorn.

Shirley MacLaine is a much beloved ex-first lady who has Secret Service protection, and one of her protectees, Doug Chesnic (Cage) is thrilled when his round of duty is over. However, Tess makes a request of the president (her husband's vice president) to let Doug stay on a little longer.

Annoyed, Doug starts standing up to her more, bringing on himself the wrath of the President of United States, who's sick of hearing from her. Doug and Tess finally start bonding - she in a way she could never do with her own son - and then something happens that threatens both of them in different ways.

I love Nicholas Cage in comedy - "Honeymoon in Vegas" comes to mind - and he has some hilarious moments in this as Tess and his situation become more aggravating to him. He does a terrific job. Shirley MacLaine is wonderful as Tess - feisty, annoying, vulnerable, and sad.

This is a very sweet and funny film and not at all cloying. It's a little contrived; however, the performances really make it a good rental.

This movie is a refeshing pause in Cage's over the top acting. He plays the foil for the ex first lady well- respectful but not cowering. this is a film about loyalty and duty and most of all about having compassion for someone who is lonely.