S.W.A.T.
Clark Johnson's big-screen adaptation of the 1970s television series S.W.A.T. stars Colin Farrell as Jim Street, a young special weapons and tactics team member who, in the film's opening sequence, is demoted after his hothead partner Jeremy Renner shoots a hostage while trying to kill her captor. In need of good press, the higher-ups call in SWAT expert Hondo Harrelson (Samuel L. Jackson) to put together an elite team that can bring some luster back to the badge. He chooses Street, veteran T.J. (Josh Charles), and tough single mother Chris Sanchez (Michelle Rodriguez). The new team survives a series of tests before hitting the streets. Their first big assignment involves transporting an international criminal (Olivier Martinez) to federal authorities. The criminal had offered a hundred million dollars to anyone who can bust him out.
Director: Clark Johnson
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Farrell, Michelle Rodriguez, James Todd Smith, Josh Charles
One of the best cop thrillers since "Training Day."
Aware of its own cuteness because the dialogue plays by the rules of meta-entertainment.
What we have here is a model for the paint-by-numbers, perfectly generic, proudly soulless summer action flick. An original idea would die for lack of oxygen in S.W.A.T.
By the time you've given up guessing whether S.W.A.T. wants to be a half-serious action pic or just affably jokey, its storytelling has turned so ludicrously melodramatic that it doesn't matter.
Those who love police overkill, guns, jingoistic race-baiting, guns, macho smugness, and guns will be well served.
Top Box Office Films
ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (2004)
Best Actor
BET Awards (2004)
Best Film
Black Reel Awards (2004)
Location Professional of the Year - Features
California on Location Awards (2003)
Best Action
Golden Trailer Awards (2004)
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