The commercials finally end and suddenly you are in the midst of a bank robbery, the screen flashing from hostages to police cars to the robbers. As things move quickly along, eventually you get drawn into this high stress situation, and anticipate what is about to happen. Suddenly, some S.W.A.T. members go against direct commands and take out the robber.
After being scolded by their favorite, Captain Fuller, we quickly learn about the loyalty that is built between partners. Finally, our main character is singled out. Jim Street, played by Colin Farrell, as he goes home to be dumped by his girlfriend.
Then, shockingly, there is a loud scream from all 12 year olds in the audience as they get to watch Street do his daily workout topless. When the rain starts to fall, the squeals get louder.
While this movie definitely docks on the crowd-appeal factor of Colin Farrell, there is a storyline that is entertaining. Street takes a low-end job with hopes of getting back onto S.W.A.T., and while cleaning guns he uses his spare time to build contraptions he feels will be useful in the field.
Then a change begins taking place in the L.A.P.D. as they bring back the old veterans to spruce up the force. This is when Sgt. Hondo walks onto the screen holding all the cards. He gets to build his own S.W.A.T. team of 5 members of his choice.
As his group bonds, they quickly show they are the best of the best. This is when S.W.A.T. starts to pick up. The high-paced, fast action starts as the newest prisoner gets a message out to the public that he will pay $100,000,000 to anyone who helps him escape.
As the plans to get him to a high-security prison are made, many are planning how to stop it. This is the time the team we watched grow gets to shine. The truest of the blue rise to the many challenges, and the others are weeded out.
While it certainly deserves no Oscar, S.W.A.T. does hold some entertainment value, and can make a night on the couch enjoyable. Of course, you will miss out on the sound of 12 year-old girls swooning over a hottie. S.W.A.T. draws the viewer in and keeps the action moving. While the plot may not be completely original, it is tried and true.
