The Popkorn Junkie

Maybe there is something in the air or the water. Why? Because, during any normal summer movie season, I would loathe a film like "S.W.A.T.". I mean -- it has all of the ingredients for disaster: (1) it is based on an old TV cop show, (2) it stars LL Cool J, and (3) the trailer looks absolutely awful from beginning to end. Normally this film would be on my crap list. However, this year just feels different for me. Maybe I am just in the mood for silly, ridiculous action flicks. That is the only explanation I can offer for saying that "S.W.A.T." is an excellent action film, and entertaining throughout. Go figure.

Samuel L. Jackson stars as Lieutenant Dan Harrelson. His job is to assemble a top notch group of young officers for the S.W.A.T. team and mold them into athletic, intelligent machines of war. Who does he recruit? Colin Farrell, of course -- the best eye candy around, as far as I am concerned. Also, throw in LL Cool J and Michelle Rodriguez.

The plot really gets interesting when a billionaire criminal (Olivier Martinez) offers millions of dollars to anyone who can break him out of prison. The S.W.A.T. team finds themselves under attack from everyday citizens, and even some of their own.

Why does this film work? Samuel L. Jackson, no matter how stereotyped he is, can always add excitement and energy to a film, which he does here, the same way he did with "Basic". Colin Farrell is always fabulous and I am not just saying that because he is one of the most attractive people in Hollywood. LL Cool J is -- well -- he's LL, and that's all I can say about him. And, it was nice to see Olivier Martinez in another film, since his exceptional performance in "Unfaithful" last year.

Sure, some of the action sequences are just rip-offs from other action films, and some of the dialogue is very, very corny, but this film never takes itself too seriously, and that is why it is entertaining throughout. This summer has been very different in that the films you expect to be so enjoyable turn out to be duds, and the films you expect to be awful and predictable are exciting and fresh. If only every summer could be like this.

So, skip "Bad Boys II" and "Lara Croft Tomb Raider", and go see "S.W.A.T.", an action film that delivers on several levels and does not manage to disappoint so obviously that we would care about it after the credits have rolled. This may not be Oscar worthy cinema, but it is cinematic pleasure nonetheless, and that is pretty good for a summer release.

-- Billy Ray ( 3 out of 4 pops )

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Other Junkie's opinions.....

Matt ( 3 1/2 out of 4 pops )

You can argue that I've just been easily satisfied this summer, as far as the movies go. But trust me--"S.W.A.T." is a must-see! Like Roger Ebert said, what makes this movie special is it's not another video-game-style action flick; the action scenes in this movie CAN actually happen in real life. I'm personally tired of seeing people spinning around in mid-air in slow-motion. Ever since "The Matrix" directors have felt that the only way to engage an audience during an action movie is to bombard them with million-dollar CGI effects. Well, I'm not impressed. What makes this film is work is not the action itself, but the mix of a good action and a good story. Plus, it gives you an insider's look at S.W.AT., including their many training activities. I can tell the writers and director did their research. Samuel L. Jackson is great as always, and seems to be having a ball with his role. Colin Farrell also turns in another fine performance, but he still needs work on his American accent. Colin, hire another dialogue coach! I know his thicker-than-thick Irish brogue is difficult to cover up, but he did it well in "Phone Booth." The beautiful Michelle Rodriguez (from my town of Jersey City) is right at home, playing her usual tough girl role. Olivier Martinez, who was great in "Unfaithful," is a wonderfully creepy villain. Hopefully, he's onto more and more success in the states. Jeremy Renner is also in the cast. Contrary to what many critics felt, I thought he was very good in "Dahmer," playing the title role and he's just as good in this movie. The great climax kept me at the edge of my seat, and the pulse-pounding soundtrack is very enjoyable. Even if you thought all the previous summer action movies were trash, this one is definitely worth watching!