One Classy Action Movie
This entire summer, we've been subject to killing machines, cops rampaging innocent people and Jennifer Lopez. As the summer draws to a close, we are given one last action movie, and this one actually works. The action is fast, it is relentless and the acting is exceptional. It's an action movie from another time, in the vain of movies like Speed, in this is why I enjoyed it.
The story begins with a bank robbery gone wrong, and a SWAT team is called in to remedy the situation. Two partners, Jim Street (Colin Farrell) and Brian Gamble (Jeremy Renner) do not hold when they are supposed to, and as a result, a hostage is wounded. Though the robbery is averted, both Street and Gamble are thrown off SWAT. 6 months later, Sgt. Hondo Harrelson (Samuel L. Jackson) must put to together a young SWAT team, and of course he chooses Street. Also on the team are Chris Sanchez (Michelle Rodriguez) and David Kay (LL Cool J, who proves once again that he can act.). After an international drug kingpin is arrested, and pledges 100 million dollars to whoever gets him out. The SWAT team is assigned to his transfer, and all hell breaks loose from there on in.
You've got to imagine that a movie starring both Colin Farrell and Samuel L. Jackson has got to have some good acting, and this one certainly does. The conversations are witty, and the intensity is very real. LL Cool J is instantly likeable as always, and Michelle Rodriguez is surprisingly good for some one who was in "The Fast and the Furious".
This is one loud movie, which works in it's favor. Since it is rated PG-13, it can't show much violence. But it makes up for this in pure grit. Gangs firing automatic weapons will shake you up a bit, especially seeing them spray crowds of people. The action is a bit over the top, but it never feels like it couldn't happen. Sure, a plane landing on a bridge isn't realistic, but in this day and age, you never know what could happen. The only thing I disliked was the fact that an inner city gang had access to rocket launchers. It's plausible, but a bit far-fetched.
This movie is all about having fun. The characters are cool, the action is nice and the story isn't packed to the brim with multiple plot twists. It's simple action movie, and that's the way it should be.