MovieChat Forums > S.W.A.T. (2003) Discussion > SWAT's not as bad as many like to say

SWAT's not as bad as many like to say

posted 13 years ago by lylesanford
6 replies | jump to latest

Sure, SWAT isn't a cinematic masterpiece worthy of critical acclaim. However, it is well-deserving of a reputation as a solid action film.

Three reasons:

1) The Cast. Jackson, Farrell, Renner and Martinez are the best characters. Cathey, Rodriguez and Charles did solid work too. I felt they all had a lot of chemistry and it helped the movie. Plus, Cathey has got one of the best voices I've ever heard. Every line he utters was gold.

2) Direction. I'm not that familiar with Clark Johnson's other work, but this movie moved along quick and was attractively shot.

3) Cinematography. In tandem with Johnson's direction, the photography was raw and beautiful. Some of the best shots were those which looked like they came from a documentary (e.g., the prisoner transport shootout and the replica of the North Hollywood bank shootout).

It is what it is. It's not meant to be a think piece, so don't expect it to be. It succeeds as an action movie.

[–] samsan_lee 13 years ago

I agree. a decent film. Nothing to be ashamed of by any of the cast.

[–] koffeenkreame41-1 8 years ago

I agree. a decent film. Nothing to be ashamed of by any of the cast.

Agreed w this and you too, OP. I really liked this film, never got the hate or dislike for it either.

"I'm the ultimate badass,you do NOT wanna f-ck wit me!"Hudson,Aliens😬

[–] gungfugilman 12 years ago

I liked it a lot. Renner was a fun villain, and his showdown with Farrell was exciting.

[–] smoko 12 years ago

@lylesanford I agree. Adaptations of TV shows are usually awful, but this was OK. No idea how much relation this had to the TV show though, as I never watched it. Maybe that's why I didn't hate the movie.

There is a sequel though, which apparently is as bad as many like to say.

[–] spookyrat1 10 years ago

No idea how much relation this had to the TV show though, as I never watched it.

This is arguably quite a lot like the TV show, updated 30 odd years, with an $80 million make over.

[–] cultfilmfreaksdotcom 8 years ago

Could have done without "Charles" altogether. Seemed like he was in this movie because... his agent.

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