Guarding Tess

Doug Chesnic is an ambitious Secret Service agent assigned to protect Tess Carlisle, the widow of a former United States president. While Doug desires high-stakes action, he finds himself frustrated by the eccentric demands and stubborn personality of his charge. Despite his efforts to be reassigned, Tess ensures he remains on her detail. Their contentious relationship is tested when Tess is unexpectedly kidnapped, forcing Doug to shift from managing her whims to performing a dangerous rescue.

Directed by Hugh Wilson, this 1994 comedy-drama is the fourth film in his directing career, following Police Academy, Rustlers' Rhapsody, and Burglar. The movie stars Nicolas Cage as Doug and Shirley MacLaine as Tess, with a credited cast of 55 actors. Produced by TriStar Pictures and Channel Films, the project had a budget of 20 million USD and earned 27 million USD at the worldwide box office.

The film holds a rating of 6.2/10 on IMDb from 21,000 votes and 6/10 on TMDB from 362 votes. These audience scores are slightly higher than the film critics' rating of 5.7/10 based on 34 reviews.