I'll be the first to admit I don't go to the cinema half as much as I really should do to be going a lot more often. I'm still to see the latest Matrix film although from what I've heard about it here I'm still slightly dubious. However have been given the opportunity to see SWAT I took it ... Read review
They're the best of the best, the elite of law enforcement. And they've been recruited for ... more
their most dangerous mission ever.From the Producers of The Fast and the Furious and XXX, this explosive action-thriller stars Academy Award nominee Samuel L Jac...
Samuel L Jackson and Colin Farrell swagger throughS.W.A.T., a guns-and-big-trucks macho ... more
extravaganza based on the 1970s TV show of the same name, in which police teams are brought in to take care of extremely dangerous situations. Jackson plays a serge...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Samuel L Jackson and Colin Farrell swagger throughS.W.A.T., a guns-and-big-trucks macho ... more
extravaganza based on the 1970s TV show of the same name, in which police teams are brought in to take care of extremely dangerous situations. Jackson plays a serge...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Production Year: 2003 - Action/Adventure - Director: The Wachowski Brothers - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett Smith, Monica Bellucci
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Advantages: Some brilliant action sequences Disadvantages: An obvious set up for more films
I'll be the first to admit I don't go to the cinema half as much as I really should do to be going a lot more often. I'm still to see the latest Matrix film although from what I've heard about it here I'm still slightly dubious. However have been given the opportunity to see SWAT I took it up in a flash. The trailers I had seen looked pretty good and the fact it has Samuel L Jackson in it was just a bonus.
The story line is unsurprisingly ... ...SWAT team are called in to deal with the hostage takers. It all ends in tragedy when one female hostage is shot by Brian Gamble (Jeremy Renner) and as he and his partner Jim Street (Colin Farrell) disobeyed an order to hold they are in serious trouble. Brian opts for the easy way out and quits the force.
However Street decides to return to normal Police service and tries to work his way back into SWAT. This decision doesn’t sit well ... more
I'll be the first to admit I don't go to the cinema half as much as I really should do to be going a lot more often. I'm still to see the latest Matrix film although from what I've heard about it here I'm still slightly dubious. However have been given the opportunity to see SWAT I took it up in a flash. The trailers I had seen looked pretty good and the fact it has Samuel L Jackson in it was just a bonus.
The story line is unsurprisingly simple. After an armed raid on a bank the LAPD SWAT team are called in to deal with the hostage takers. It all ends in tragedy when one female hostage is shot by Brian Gamble (Jeremy Renner) and as he and his partner Jim Street (Colin Farrell) disobeyed an order to hold they are in serious trouble. Brian opts for the easy way out and quits the force.
However Street decides to return to normal Police service and tries to work his way back into SWAT. This decision doesn’t sit well with Brian who thinks Street has ratted him out to the boss. About six months later a new SWAT team leader has been brought in by the Chief to get the team into shape and get together a crack team. SGT Hondo (Samuel L Jackson) isn’t one of the Captains favourite people so his choice of team was always going to be hard to get approved.
While this is happening Alex Montel, one of the worlds most wanted and dangerous criminals in the world has been arrested. The new SWAT team are given the job of transporting the prisoner. Only problem is he’s offered anyone who breaks him out a hefty $100 million. The SWAT team have to watch their back as everyone is trying to get this guy out for the ‘reward’.
The film flows pretty easily although there is a large section devoted to the training of the SWAT recruits training, which suggests they are building this into a franchise. Although this is fairly significant to the development of the film and the team you can’t help but feel the producers are going to be looking at a couple of films at least.
Other than that there are no major complaints with the script, which is well written and really lets the director add a few good touches into it. There are a few comedy moments attempted within the script but apart from a few one liners from Hondo there really isn't anything of note. There is a lot of time spent developing the character of Street which I felt was really important to the film. Building up the relationship with his ex girlfriend’s brother who just so happens to be on SWAT adds to the tension while the new team is created. There is no where near the same character build up for the other characters, but if there was it would make the film really boring.
The director Clark Johnson has really come from no-where to making a blockbuster film. His directing credits seem to be limited to a number of TV series including an episode of the West Wing. However there was obviously something spotted there, as it is very unusual for an unknown Director to be given the responsibility of a film like this. Of course aided by a decent script there wasn't too far he could go wrong. The action sequences particularly are shot well.
It’s within these action sequences where we see the director being a little bit creative within the script to really bring the film to life. The ambush on the police convoy seems to be one such moment. These parts of the film are put together and directed so well that they appear a lot more believable than they otherwise might have seemed. Overall I’d say Johnson has done a cracking job on this film and I shall certainly be looking out for his future efforts.
The film is mainly filmed in downtown La and the locations used suit what is needed for the film. The underground locations especially are done very well and add a nice twist to the film as does the ending but no more details on that or I'll be spoiling it for you. Overall the locations fit the script well and are used as well as they could.
The casting I feel has been done very well. Of course the film has its two big stars and then works in a cast of lesser known actors around them. First up Samuel L Jackson as SGT Hondo is an inspired choice. It’s very rare that Samuel L Jackson Is in a poor film and this is no exception to that rule. He leads the cast well and of course has most of the films better lines. As usual Samuel L Jackson steals the show coming across as confident and in charge but also adding the few witty lines of the film to his less serious side.
Of course Farrell has made quite a name for himself in films over the last couple of years and it’s only recently I’ve taken notice of him. After a decent performance in the Recruit he again impresses me in this. His role as Street is almost made for him and alongside Jackson I think they both work off each other extremely well. The only think that annoys me is where he tries to hide his Irish accent and when it makes the odd appearance it does sound strange. Farrell’s personality seems to slip nicely into the way Street was written showing a fairly serious side to his character. However he has a couple of attempted funny segments which don’t quite come off.
The rest of the cast are pretty much unknown to me apart from LL Cool J who plays one of the SWAT team. I have always been pleasantly surprised that LL has been good in the few films he’s been in and again this is no exception. Michelle Rodriguez comes across quite well as Chris Sanchez, the obligatory female member of SWAT but at the same time I find her a little wooden in places much like her performance in the Fast and the Furious.
I’m still largely undecided on Jeremy Rayner who plays Brian. In certain scenes he’s impressive but there are parts where you just really don’t like him. The only bad casting decision though in my eyes is Oliver Martinez who plays Alex Montel, the crime lord. He just doesn’t seem right for the part although he is rather slimy so that may have helped him some. As far as I’m aware I haven’t seen him in anything else but doubt I’ll be rushing to either.
The soundtrack is fairly good featuring the likes of Linkin Park and The Rolling Stones. This definitely adds a little extra to the film as it seems a lot of thought has gone into the type of tracks for each part of the film and really do suit it well. In fact looking at the soundtrack it may actually be worth buying or at least downloading.
It’s certainly a film I would recommend. Obviously some will watch it for Colin Farrell, others will prefer the action sequences. However, as a package of action and drama it works very well indeed and should therefore appeal to a wide market. The film is obviously being set up for a franchise with the possibility of a number of films coming out of it as long as they can keep the cast together which is quite worrying for the future integrity of the movie. Overall though, I’d say this film is a success and works really well. If you are into action movies or just fancy some brainless entertainment and the trailers have grabbed your attention then check it out. You won’t be disappointed.
Advantages: some good action sequences Disadvantages: dreary, cliched, by the numbers, missed opportunity
Fads are everywhere these days. A couple of people take an interest in Pokemon Cards for example and before you know it, the whole world is doing. In Hollywood, it's exactly the same. There are four big fads floating about in Hollywood at the moment:
1) Adventure/Epics : those big budget box office tyrants that not only try to sweep the box office but the award ceremonies as well.
2) Comic Book Adaptations : Spider-Man, X-Men, Daredevil, The Hulk, ... ...that's not all, we have The Punisher, Fantastic Four and Hellboy to look forward to in the near future...
3) Sequel Franchises : yes, filmmakers today have become better businessmen than storytellers with endless sequels for films that sometimes aren't too good in the first place to rake in the money.
4) Remakes of old films/TV shows : an unhealthy amount of TV shows have been adapted into films including Charlie's Angels, Starskey & Hutch and ...
DarkMark 14.06.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of S.W.A.T. (DVD)
Advantages: Action and Adrenalin Disadvantages: None
After being dropped from the SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) squad, due to a bungled mission, Officer Jim Street (Colin Farrell) chooses to swallow his pride and work in the stations gun cage, servicing guns and polishing shoes, whilst his partner quits the force.
When Sgt. Dan "Hondo" Harrelson (Samuel L. Jackson) arrives at the police precinct with the task of creating a new SWAT team, he sees the potential in Detective Street and offers him ... ...the new SWAT team is ready for action.
Their first job is to escort drug lord Alex Montel (Olivier Martinez) out of Los Angeles and into the hands of the Feds. The cunning Montel offers a huge reward to anyone who can bust him out. This makes the SWAT team's job a lot more difficult as their job is compromised by a band of ruthless mercenaries.
SWAT is loosely based on the American television series of the 70's and thankfully they decided to set ...
christianfilmcritic 05.02.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of S.W.A.T. (DVD)
Advantages: OK action scenes, whiles away an afternoon Disadvantages: Cliche ridden, average generally, nothing special
You've probably all seen the adverts for the film - arrested villain offering LOADS OF MONEY! ( $100M for anyone who's interested ) to anyone who get's him out. - sounds like the start of a good action movie, doesn't it ? Well it might have been, if that were the start of the movie, unfortunately all those adverts were completely misleading, this is barely half the film ( though admittedly the better half ). Apparently it was based on a 70s TV series, ... ...think the title is a misnomer as it isn't really about SWAT so much as about greed.
The first half of the film is seems to be there mainly to set the scene for the second half ( the action part ) and supposedly provide character development. The film actually starts with a bank robbery, bullets flying everywhere as the villains seem to have gone mad and are shooting off automatic weapons indiscriminately with the SWAT team cooly taking them out ...
rory7411 17.12.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of S.W.A.T. (DVD)
...new venture for this genre S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons And Tactics).
This real life organisation is America's top urban passification department and is called out for armed sieges, terrorist acts etc. where the ordinary police force can't manage (as the bill-board say's 'Even cops dial 911). It is also loosely based on a 1970s TV show of the same name (most of the character names are the same and a few of the original cast make cameo's as well).
... ...named Jim Street (Hollywood golden boy Colin Farrell). Street and his partner Brian Gamble (Jeremy Renner) are part of a siege breaking team. The reckless Gamble moves early and the end result is an injured hostage suing the city. Gamble is kicked off the force, but Street is just busted down (leading his ex-partner to think he betrayed him).
Cut forward in time and we see Street training in a Rocky-style way for re-selection to a new unit being ...
pdoyle007 06.05.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of S.W.A.T. (DVD)
Advantages: good action film Disadvantages: having to buy it
...become fully fledged members of S.W.A.T. In comes the baddy of the film, Olivier Martinez, who plays “Alex Montel” wanted all over the world for weapons trafficking and murders. During a routine visit to LA, to kill his uncle, he is arrested for a broken light on the car he is driving. He announces on worldwide television that he will pay $100 million to whoever rescues him from prison, making his transfer to a federal prison slightly ... ...a 70’s TV series called S.W.A.T. and keeps the characters name and parts of their original traits, although updated as far as weapons etc. One of the special features on the disc is a feature on the TV series, worth watching as you can see how it all started. Not sure of the 70’s fashion though. A good cast give a great performance, as you would expect from the list of stars contained within it. Samuel Jackson plays the veteran, old school ...
AndyLoz 09.06.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of S.W.A.T. (DVD)
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Advantages: Action-packed on the edge of the seat stuff Disadvantages: if you don't like loud noise this isn't for you
CERTIFIED 12 Columbia Pictures
Produced by Neal H Moritz }
Dan Halsted } The Fast and the Furious, xXx
Chris Lee }
Directed by Clark Hohnson
Starring:-
Samuel L Jackson (Pulp Fiction)
Colin Farrell (Phone Booth, Minority Report)
Michelle Rodriguez (The Fast and the Furious, currenlty LOST)
LL Cool J (Deep Blue Sea)
Oliver Martinez
Brian Van Holt
Jeremy Renner
Josh Charles
Special Features:- 2 Commentaries from the Cast and Director
8 Deleted Scenes
The making of S.W.A.T
Blooper Real
Filmographies
Theatrical Trailer
S.W.A.T ...
allyoxley 02.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of S.W.A.T (2003)
Advantages: Pretty good and principle Disadvantages: result missed a bit
Jim Street (Colin Farrell) and his partner Gamble (Jeremy Renner) are members of a Los Angles S.W.A.T. unit (Special Weapons and Tactics). Gamble is a bit headstrong; when he disobeys orders (but saves the hostage) at a bank robbery he puts both of their careers in danger. The very arrogant, Capt. Fuller (Larry Poindexter) wants to demote them for their activity - Gamble quits the force but Street is willing to take his lumps in the off chance that he can rejoin S.W.A.T but he's going to have to shine a lot of boots and clean a bunch of guns before that's going to happen.
"Hondo" (Samuel L. Jackson) comes back under Fuller, and is given the opportunity to recruit and train 5 cops for a new S.W.A.T. team. "Hondo" rounds up the best of the best - 2 guys he has already worked with, Boxer (Brian Van Holt) and T.J. (Josh Charles), the very ...
Advantages: Bad Boys 1 & 2 a must see for all! Disadvantages: S.W.A.T? They could have chosen a better third film
Having been a fan of Bad Boys 1 & 2 since they came out, putting them in a box set with swat doesn't do them justice. But for the price of the box set is a worth while investment. Bad Boys 1 & 2 can be watched over and over again and should be a definite in anyone DVD collection. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are the main characters and work well together on screen providing a action packed story line with hints of light hearted comedy make the films very enjoyable.
S.W.A.T is worth while watching but can be a bit slow to get into the story line, leaving a lot of the action till right at the end. I think S.W.A.T is a good film but compared to Bad Boys it comes no where near the same entertainment value.
For me this is a great price for bad boys 1 & 2 so its an even better price when you get S.W.A.T thrown in too. A worth while ...
Director And Cast Commentaries, Screenwriters And Technical Consultant Commentaries, 8 Deleted Scenes, Blooper Reel, 3 Featurettes, Making Of Feature, Filmographies, 6 Set Top Elements, 2 Easter Eggs, Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio
2.40 Wide Screen, 1.78 Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1, Stereo
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English Italian, Stereo English French German
DVD Description
Television director/actor Clark Johnson makes an impressive feature-film debut with S.W.A.T. Inspired by the 1970s show of the same name, S.W.A.T. is set in modern day Los Angeles. Recently demoted officer Jim Street (Colin Farrell) gets a chance to redeem himself when aging veteran Hondo (Samuel L. Jackson) is put in control of a new team. Joining Jim are Deke Kay (LL Cool J), Michael Boxer (Brian Van Holt), T.J. McCabe (Josh Charles), and Chris Sanchez (Michelle Rodriguez), all outcasts in their own right. But after an intense training period, the team is ready to hit the streets. Their first big assignment involves one of the world's most dangerous criminals, Alex Montel (Olivier Martinez), who makes an on-camera declaration that he'll give $100 million to whoever breaks him out of jail. Pretty soon, everyone's trying to get a piece of the action, including Jim's former partner, Brian Gamble (Jeremy Renner), who uses his own S.W.A.T. team experience to plot the escape of a lifetime. It's up to Hondo and Jim to outsmart the bad guys and make sure that Alex is safely transported to a federal penitentiary. S.W.A.T. is an entertaining adventure made all the more engaging because of the way Johnson concerns himself equally with the quality of the film's drama and its action.
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