When a consipiracy threatens the President's life, his first line of defense, the Secret Service, scrambles to defend him, as led by chief agent Alex McGregor. Only this Alex is a woman. Daryl Hannah (Blade Runner, Splash, Steel Magnolias) plays McGregor, described as a "female James Bond" in the press kit. I think that description does her a disservice, however, as this story and her portrayal play more like a best selling thriller novel than a hackneyed super action hero.

Ms. Hannah takes over the role of McGregor from Mariel Hemingway, who starred in 1999's First Daughter, the most popular original movie in basic cable history with a 6.9 rating (meaning it went to more than 5.3 million homes). Hannah is a good choice for McGregor. She is lean and athletic, intelligent and attractive, and exhibits a control and suredness here that has only been glimpsed briefly in earlier roles. She holds her own against a clump of five o'clock shadows, turncoats, and dastardly assassins, exerting an authority and confidence that belies conviction and strength.

Her love interest is Doug Savant (TV's Melrose Place, Godzilla), who is cast as a red-bearded river guide in an attempt to avoid total emasculation of the supporting male. Mr. Savant testosterone levels seem up to the challenge of playing the hero's love interest, a role usually filled by a female. He flexes well, postures well, and reveals a sensitivity which is touching. Mr. Savant is a very good television actor who seems to be in need of an opportunity to really stretch out and show off a little. That time may yet come.

Gregory Harrison (TV's Trapper John, M.D., the indie film It's My Party) is fine as President Jonathan Hayes. His portrayal is tough and decisive but also compassionate and concerned. Gregory Harrison does a fine job in this role, and I found myself wanting to see him in more roles like this. He seems to have a natural feel for action roles, and he has gained some depth over the years that makes him truly interesting to watch.

The story is clandestine and convoluted, as all good suspense thrillers should be. There are a good number of twists and turns, and plenty of action to hold the viewer's interest. Complex plotlines revolve around a change in policy, as lead by President Hayes. There are assassins on his trail, including a sexy femme fatale (Ona Grauer of Sliders) who is a weapons expert and martial artist. The action and suspense in First Target are excellent, and this made for cable film should earn as many viewers as the original.

My only complaint is that the filmmakers seemed to hold back in letting the audience buy in to a strong female lead. The men in this film get equal billing at the end. It's almost as though they were afraid of losing the guys in the audience. And that's too bad, because First Target is a fine opportunity to finally let the female lead kick some butt and show she is just as righteous an action hero as any would-be James Bond.

However, First Target is still a good action film, and a better suspense film than most. For those who enjoy popular suspense novels, this story fits that bill. The direction, by Armand Mastroianni (he also directed First Daughter) is above par, the script by brothers Carey and Chad Hayes is on target, and the production is good quality. Catch it on TNT or at your local video store.

Del Harvey, founder of FM, is a writing living in Chicago. He used to work for Disney, Lucasfilm, and The Directors Guild of America.

Got a problem? Email Del at filmmonthly@hotmail.com