Review of The Bodyguard (1992) by Gregory G — 13 Apr 2012

Part star vehicle and vanity project, this is a limp, transparent romantic musical about a pop diva (Whitney Houston) who receives death threats and hires a former secret service agent (Kevin Costner) to protect her.

A romance ensues. As both a thriller and a romance, the film's structure progresses in obvious fashion and the plot twists are vastly foretold. There is almost no chemistry between the leads and the dialogue is often static.

Costner has played this kind of role far too often; its a monotonous performance. Houston is limited as an actress - the part isn't much of a stretch - but she shines in her all too brief musical numbers.

But it was a big success at the box office due in large part to the wildly popular soundtrack. Songs: "I Will Always Love You," "I'm Every Woman," "Queen of the Night," "I Have Nothing," and "Run to You.

" Written by Lawrence Kasdan. Directed rather ineptly by Mick Jackson. With Gary Kemp, Bill Cobbs, Ralph Waite, Thomas Arana, Mike Starr, Michele Lamar Richards, Robert Wuhl, and Debbie Reynolds as herself.