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The Bodyguard
By Sandie Angulo Chen,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Great Whitney Houston songs, average love story.

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The Bodyguard
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What's the Story?
Kevin Costner is Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent whose latest gig is to be THE BODYGUARD for international pop star/actress Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston). At first, Frank declines, but after her manager and publicist explain that, unbeknownst to Rachel, she's been receiving death threats from a stalker, Frank relents and starts overhauling her security, setting rules about Rachel's outings, and prioritizing her safety above all else (including Rachel's own vocalized wishes for more freedom). Eventually, after a situation with a mob of fans unsettles her, Rachel comes around to Frank's ways, and the two start an uneasy romance while trying to escape a killer's attacks.
Is It Any Good?
The reason this average romance scored more than $410 million worldwide isn't due to Costner and Houston's lackluster chemistry. It's about the soundtrack, which stands as one of the highest selling in movie history and features six songs by Houston, including "Queen of the Night," a remake of Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman," "I've Got Nothing," and, of course, her signature cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You."
Houston's performance is strengthened by the fact that Oscar-nominated character Rachel sings all of the soundtrack's key songs on camera, instead of just having the songs play over scenes. Without Houston's powerful voice, the love story is reduced to schmaltzy dialogue and very little heat between the leads. Regardless of whether you're a Houston fan, her talent as a singer is what makes this movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Bodyguard's take on the price of stardom. Is society more celebrity-obsessed now than it was in the early 1990s, or less? Why are stars often portrayed as having stalkers, entourages, and self-absorbed personalities?
Do you think stars are just as important to society as top politicians, the way the Secret Service officers make it seem?
Was it OK that Rachel asked her hired bodyguard out on a date? Was it OK that, after he turned her down, she retaliated by making his job more difficult? What happens if you want to pursue a romantic relationship with someone who works for you? What if it's the other way around, and your employer asks you out on a date?
Are weapons celebrated in this film? Could Frank have protected Rachel without resorting to gun violence? Would a private bodyguard have more options today than in 1992, given advances in tech?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 25, 1992
- On DVD or streaming: February 1, 2005
- Cast: Whitney Houston , Kevin Costner , Bill Cobbs
- Director: Mick Jackson
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Warner Home Video
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Run time: 129 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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