S.W.A.T. (2003)

Directed By: Clark Johnson 
Written By: David Ayer & David McKenna 
Story By: Ron Mita & Jim McClain 
Based on Characters Created by: Robert Hammer 
Cinematography By: Gabriel Beristain 
Editor: Michael Tronick 


Cast: Colin Farrell, Samuel L. Jackson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jeremy Renner, Josh Charles, LL Cool J, Brian Van Holt, Oliver Martinez, Domenick Lombardozzi, Reginald E. Cathey, Larry Pointdexter. E. Roger Mitchell, Reed Diamond, Lucinda Jenney, Denis Arndt, Ashley Scott, Octavia Spencer 


Based off of a one time T.V. show, two Los Angeles S.W.A.T. officers Jim Street and Brian Gamble were sent in to foil an extremely violent bank robbery. Although they thwarted the robbery, they shot a hostage in the process. Street was suspended from S.W.A.T. while Gamble was fired altogether. After 6 months, a veteran S.W.A.T. officer, Daniel Harrelson or "Hondo", is told to assemble a S.W.A.T. team for his division. He chooses other S.W.A.T. officers as well as 3 rookies. However, after they pass the S.W.A.T. training, they receive a message that a French crime boss, known as Alex Montell is trying to escape from prison. This will not be easy to prevent, especially after Montell promises $100 Million to his rescuers.


The first time is saw this movie I remember hating it thoroughly, with the test of time and fate. I found myself watching this movie again.

Now I find it just disappointing for the same reason I had years ago. It brings nothing new to the table. There is nothing exactly wrong with the film. it’s directed competently.

It’s just so generic and uninspired that it ends up pretty basic and the only reason it seems to be above the line is it has stars and Isa a big screen adaptation of a popular television series of the past.

The film easily lends itself to being a film franchise. Where you could easily take some stars out and keep replacing them. Making the few who stay the more recognizable faces of the franchise. Which might be whet it had a straight to DVD sequel.

The film seems made Just for the title alone. It has stars but this easily could have been some anonymous action film with no big names. As the film has a recognizable title and some ties to the show. It is also has a paint by numbers script with the angry captain who hates the team Of which each member has their typical role the female, the wise guy, the heartthrob, etc.

The script even has the lead played by Colin Farrell lose a love interest relationship early in the film for no real reason and she never comes back, but sets up unnecessary tension on the team as one of the senior members is the girl’s older brother. So now he has an adversary on the team. I remember the actress Ashley Scott being shown in the advertisements as eye candy and here is in one scene. (Think the advertisement for DIE HARD 5. the sexy woman on the motorcycle who is in that film but the director uses totally different angles then what seems promised)

The film just comes off as a reason to put some hits or a hit movie behind the up and coming and one established star. That they don’t really have to sell. As the name and genre does all the work. As no one here makes a mark nor is memorable. Everything feels typical not one is truly felt except maybe Samuel L. Jackson.

The film is entertaining to a degree but so predictable and offers no surprises. Not even any of the action sequences really stand out. Nor do any of the characters.

The villain of the film comes off more as spoiled then dangerous. Plus he eventually becomes more of a second thought or means to an end for a grander more dangerous villain. who is doing most of the dirty work and is motivated by greed and revenge. You can even pin point which team member might turn and sell out the team.

The film has nothing that sets itself apart. Which was a major problem for me at the time when this came out. Where studio movies particularly action films seemed to offer very few original aspects. There was nothing special about them and they all seemed and felt the same except for their titles. Where they felt more like attractive posters then having or sharing their true identity. More made to be followers. Maybe that is truly what the movie is at heart. Doesn’t mean you have to like it.


Grade: D+