THE SENTINEL — ** — Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria; rated PG-13 (violence, profanity, brief gore, vulgarity, brief drugs).

Kiefer Sutherland basically plays the same tough-talking agent role in "The Sentinel" that he does on television's "24." Which, of course, begs the question: Why anyone would pay to see this ludicrous, contrived thriller on the big screen when they can see something similar — and better — for free on the small screen.

"The Sentinel" is nearly suspense-free, and it's galling to watch Sutherland take a back seat to the aging Michael Douglas, who stars as Pete Garrison, a veteran Secret Service agent secretly carrying on an affair with the first lady (Kim Basinger).

Naturally, Pete is being blackmailed by someone — or some unknown group — that appears to have unlimited resources and inside information. But he decides not to tell his colleagues, which leads to his becoming a prime suspect when a plot to assassinate the president (David Rasche) is uncovered.

Rather than turn himself in and cooperate, Pete flees. And those pursuing him are David Breckenridge (Sutherland), an investigator who was once his best friend, and his protege, Jill Marin (Eva Longoria).

Director Clark Johnson ("SWAT") also takes a brief role as the first character killed in the film. And that's about his biggest contribution. But it isn't like he's working with first-rate material. George Nolfi's script is pedestrian, and the big surprising revelation at the end turns out to be obvious from the film's opening moments.

Douglas is pretty much on autopilot here, which leaves things to Sutherland, who at least adds some intensity to this rather blase thriller.

Their female co-stars don't really fare much better. Basinger is wasted in a go-nowhere role, and "Desperate Housewives" star Longoria pretty much founders in a more straightforward, less comic part, making her a negligible presence here.

"The Sentinel" is rated PG-13 for some strong scenes of violence (including shootings and explosive mayhem), scattered use of strong profanity, brief gore, some suggestive talk and use of vulgar gestures, and some brief drug content (use of over-the-counter painkillers). Running time: 108 minutes.

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