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Visitors Review

rbverhoef 2012-05-25 13:41:49

For action fans

'S.W.A.T.' is a movie that does nothing more than deliver. It promisesnice action scenes and gives us some. They look pretty good, so I guessin that way I can recommend the movie. The story is, of course, aboutS.W.A.T., a respected part of the LAPD. We follow a team with leaderHondo (Samuel L. Jackson), Jim Street (Colin Farrell), Sanchez(Michelle Rodriguez), Deke (rapper LL Cool J), Boxer (Brian Van Holt)and T.J. (Josh Charles). They have to deal with a criminal named AlexMontel (Olivier Martinez) who offers 100 million dollars to the peoplewho will help him escape from jail.The movie opens with Jim Street and his partner Gamble (Jeremy Renner)saving people from bank robbers, but they do that after disobeying anorder. Both are punished but Gamble thinks Street has betrayed him soGamble leaves the fore while Street gets a job out of action. The moviecontinues six months later, leaving us with the feeling we will hearmore from the Gamble-character. We feel correct. These facts, and maybe that Street used to date Boxer's sister, are kind of important toknow, although every event serves the action or the one-liners that arenot that impressive.Yes, events are implausible, but not in a way they become annoying. Foractions fans the movie does exactly what we expect and what we want,entertaining enough. If you are normally not an action fan, only whenit is done very good, I should skip 'S.W.A.T.'!

Mike Clark 2012-05-24 20:42:02

There have been far worse movies this summer, but the best justification for seeing this spinoff of the mid-'70s TV series is if your date or mate is holding you hostage in the theater.

2012-05-23 07:42:46

Brain in neutral, go along with the roller-coaster

In the beginning, I wasn't that much interested in watching SWAT. But I went anyway, expecting a kind of pilot-of-the-series with lots of endlesse gun-shots, unbelievable car-chases, predictable plot-twists, etc. I was wrong. SWAT is a very good action movie. The script was written in a way so that the viewer does not increase mental activity even for a second while watching the film. And that's not bad. SWAT is pure action, from beginning to end. There's no emotional elements (well, in fact we get a glimpse of Farrell's character's love life, but that's just a scene), there're no plot-twists or plot-holes that made me role my eyes. You know who's good and who's bad from the start. No surprises. Just go along with the action and everything will be fine. In the end, the viewer fells he/she was not cheated. This movie doesn't treat the watchers on a condescendent basis, like they were dumb. Collin Farrell (shaved now) and Samuel Jackson are the acting pillars that support the good direction, tailor-made, though not revolutionary, for an action flick. Grade 8.3/10

2012-05-23 05:54:51

I would like to get this video

This review is from: S.W.A.T. (Widescreen Special Edition) (DVD) This is the third time that I have tried to purchase this Video but each time the same thing happens. We start the video and it just gets to the disclaimer before the picture starts and then keeps repeating the disclaimerand goes no further. I have tried to get it to go past this spot but have no luck. I have had no trouble returning this and am glad that I am dealing with you when something like this happens. I would love to get this video but with this problem I am about to give up. All three of the videos that we got were new in there original covering. Thank you

MLDinTN 2012-05-21 12:06:57

It was OK...

but the bad guy, Alex, should have been a bigger player earlier in themovie. Plus over half the movie was dedicated to the training of swatmembers instead of dealing with criminals trying to break Alex out. But itwas entertaining even though the plot got really farfetched toward the end. Like there would be that many shoot outs in the streets of LA in just a fewdays. But then it got really cheesy when Street's ex-partner comes back inthe story. You could see it coming a mile away. (Spoilers) He, along withanother swat member, free Alex for money. It was such a hollywood plottwist.But Samuel L Jackson was very good as the tough, wise cracking team leaderand Colin Farrell is as cute as always. Michelle Rodriguez does nothingexcept sneer a few times. Why did they even have that character? AndOliver Martinez was OK, but we don't get to see his character do a whole lotof bad things. He's rather polite in jail.FINAL VERDICT: It's pretty good for an action film. And I thought it wasbetter than it is because I do like Jackson and Farrell. So, it's one tocheck out if you're looking for a little hollywood action.

2012-05-21 05:17:32

Not bad, but not good either

I'm a fan of the cast, Colin (although he needs to start making better movie choices or he's going to get swept under the radar), Michelle and LL...not a huge fan of Jackson although he's not terrible (kicked @$$ in Pulp Fiction but since he's run a little tired) Anyways, that said, I just was not impressed entirly by this film. Sure it has some nice eye-candy as far as special effects and good looking actors are concerned, BUT, the plot was just a little weak and, as has been said before, uninspired. The story revolves around Jackson who is hired to put together a new S.W.A.T. team that consists of single mother Michelle and bad-boy Colin who has been penalized for a mistake made in the past and sentenced to work in the guncage. You see, Colin's former boss (played by Larry Poindexter...who just let me say was my favorite charactor) hates his guts and so is unwilling to have Colin on the team. But alas, its Jacksons team and so Colin is in. After training and such the team gets the job of transporting the head of the European crime cartel (Olivier Martinez...is it just me or is this guy the most annoying actor alive...I just hate this guy!) to the pen...the only problem is he's declared on television that he'll give $100 million to anyone who gets him out. So it only suits that every thug in the area tries to spring him. The ending has a twist, but it's a twist that you saw coming so it's not that impressive. Bottom line is, this is not a BAD movie, it's just not a GOOD one either. I mean, I own it and have watched it more than once, but it's not a film that will stick with you, not a film that will really catch your eye...it's just there. Watch it, but don't expect too much.

Glenn Whipp 2012-05-18 00:54:53

S.W.A.T the movie is two hours long, but doesn't contain enough interesting material to fill a one-hour episode of the short-lived television series.

2012-05-17 13:19:53

Good old fashion American Action Movie

This review is from: S.W.A.T. (Widescreen Special Edition) (DVD) Great movie, Colin Farrell and Samuel L. Jackson are two bad a$$ American cops in Los Angeles (my current home town) when an effeminate French arms dealer tries to shmarm his way through town the LAPD takes him down (by coincidence because they check every last thing and get him for a broken tail light) and he offers 100 million dollars to anyone who can get him out of custody, so then an army of opportunistic gangsters descends upon the SWAT team who are supposed to escort him to prison, eventually of course, wholesome all-American good guys prevail over the effete delicate french criminal and his army of minions. Also there's a good jab at vegetarians thrown in when Samuel L Jackson's recruiting his team, and that's a plus.

charlieque99 2012-05-11 19:48:54

Good, But Could've Been Better

**SPOILERS MAY BE AHEAD.I just watched the movie, "S.W.A.T.". I wasn't that impressed by it. Itcould've been better. The movie has some impressive cast members likeSAMUEL JACKSON (Sgt. Dan 'Hondo' Harrelson), COLIN FARRELL (Jim Street),LLCOOL J (David 'Deke' Kay), and MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ (ChrisSanchez).The first part of the movie has a long S.W.A.T. training sequence thatplayslike a law enforcement training video (with a rocking 2003 version of the1970's S.W.A.T. theme song) that just drags on forever. Jackson andFarrellare the main reasons to see this film. They both have a commandingpresencethat just makes their performances stand out. LL Cool J looked like hewasjust there to show off his rippling abs.I don't see why Michelle Rodriguez was in this movie. I think MichelleRodriguez was just there for window dressing. Rodriguez portrays abeautiful, but tough, S.W.A.T. member. She didn't really have anyoppourtunity to show off her great acting abilities that I've seen inothermovies (like "GIRLFIGHT", "FAST & THE FURIOUS", and "BLUE CRUSH"). Sheisbeautiful to look at, but I wish the writers gave her character somethingmore to do in this film.The second part of the movie was just one long chase scene.I like this film, but I thought they should've took a little more timewriting a better storyline.

Peter Travers 2012-05-11 17:41:01

What we have here is a model for the paint-by -numbers, perfectly generic, proudly soulless summer action flick.

Bill Clark 2012-05-11 00:03:03

Watching the wheels come off of S.W.A.T. is quite a sight.

saggingpantsmatt 2012-05-10 13:35:29

not a bad movie but doesent reach it's full potential.

This movie had alot of potential for being good.I thought there were somefunny parts,and ll cool j deserves more credit as an actor. I thought thefight scene between gamble and street went on too long and that made themovie lower then it's expectations.

angelfan2602 2012-05-02 02:38:35

GREAT

This film is very good i really enjoyed it.its got great action for the blokes to enjoy the film and the girls plus ithad great actors likecolin farell overall 9/10

WDPrystauk 2012-05-01 12:56:48

More Mindless Hollywood Trash

A pathetic script and poor directing form the foundation for this mindless,over-the-top and totally unrealistic film.It's nothing more than mindless Hollywood trash that probably leaves realSWAT or Tactical team members crying in utter agony.Save your time, money and brain cells by avoiding this overdone tale full ofoutrageous action sequences.I can't believe that the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J and ColinFarrell agreed to make this garbage. I guess they were blinded by bigpaychecks - or they must have been absolutely desperate at thetime.

uptowngirl86 2012-04-26 22:58:43

QUITE ENJOYABLE

Let it be said upon first seeing the trailer for S.W.A.T I had absolutelynofaith in it. Granted Colin Farrel is gorgeous and Samuel L. Jackson is theman but the previews looked pathetic and a little too similar to TheRecruit. Having seen it I have to say the trailer is very misleading. Theaction sequences were extremely well shot and beautifully choreographed.S.W.A.T. is the return to the believable cop movies Hollywood has seem totake a departure from. Obviously there is not a helicopter falling out ofthe sky everyday in L.A. but the chase and fight sequences are not full ofunpractical martial arts and moves only an acrobat on crack could pulloff.Samuel L. Jackson's colorful character even makes reference to that whenhepokes fun at the summersaults trainers are doing by saying they "only workin a John Woo movie". At the heart of the action the young and talentedcastare very interesting to watch. They are all playing the typical roles butwithout each one's delivery of the velveeta filled lines the movie wouldbeincomplete. Farrell plays the maverick better than anyone, LL Cool J isthesleekest tough guy on screen this summer, and Michelle Rodriguez as alwaysplays the give-the-men-a-run-for-their money character perfectly. S.W.A.T.did not come out in the typical height of the summer blockbusters but ittheperfect way to close out your summer movie visits.

2012-04-26 19:21:27

Every American stereotype in bold relief.

You have seen this movie before. No really. You have. Maybe in different movies, but you have seen it. Every cheesy stereotype that typically is part of the Hollywood film experience is here and you will groan in recognition. The rebellious protagonist, the tough single mom, the insufferable, paper pushing boss, the team of people that no one believes in who prove themselves in the end, the evil foreigner and oh, the weak link in the group who betrays them. The only stereotype missing is the Jewish best friend. Even the dialogues are full of what the script writer thought were smart one liners. The action scenes are slick and the movie moves along at a fair clip, but you've seen it all before, and better rendered so why bother watching this?

2012-04-24 23:51:08

I am about to write a review for S.W.A.T

Zzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzz ZzzzzzZzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzz ZzzzzzZzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzz Zzzzzz ZzzzzZzzzzz....Sorry did i fall asleep? i must have accidentally pressed play on the DVDfor SWAT again. silly me.

2012-04-24 15:26:33

Colin Farrel & Sam Jackson RULE THIS MOVIE!!!!

I watched this movie in theatre & was astounded at all the awesome traning they show that a swat member goes through. Colin Farrel & Samual L Jackson were awesome pic for a movie like this. I would give you a review on what the movie is about but, that would totally ruin the movie for you. IT IS DEFINENTLY WORTHY OF 1 VEIWING even if your not a fan of swat or the cast!!!

tec56ems-1 2012-04-24 01:07:57

OK flick

The usual chases and gunfire although nothing terribly original. Rod Perryand Steve Forrest from the original series have brief cameos.I was an enthusiastic watcher of the TV series when it was on the air inthemid-1970's. This was the pre-PC era and mowing down the bad guys by thetruckload wasn't considered objectionable. Heck, you could buy the AR-15rifle in Woolworths. Ah, for those heady days of the past.

2012-04-23 08:50:18

(Insert Sound Effects and Explosion Here)

Boom! Crash! Bang! Boom! Rat-a-tat-a-tat! There - I've just summed up S.W.A.T. for you. Starring Samuel L. Jackson (the second coolest black man in Hollywood) and Naughty Boy of The Moment, Colin Farrell, this run of the mill police shoot 'em up is average. And by average I mean that when something is supposed to go boom, it does. There's little to no ingenuity, little to no originality, heck, they even brought the catchy S.W.A.T. theme back (updated of course). The good guys are cool, the bad guys are bad, and that's about the size of it. The one thing that really bothered me was seeing the wonderful Michelle Rodriguez co-starring as the stereotypical Tough Latina Girl (tm). After a wonderful screen debut in "Girlfight" (go rent it now!), she has yet to star in anything resembling good since then. "Resident Evil", "The Fast and the Furious", "Blue Crush". In every single one, she's Tough Latina Girl, and that's just a shame. It was also a treat to see Jeremy Renner as the S.W.A.T. cop gone bad, as I'd seen him audition and get the role in Bravo TV's "The IT Factor" a year earlier. So the bottom line is - if you're looking for a good film, then try elsewhere. If you're looking for something to stare at on your television screen for an hour or two, without any danger of thought or emotion, then S.W.A.T. will do just fine, but if you like your police work with character and emotion, go rent "Homicide" directed by David Mamet.