Ah, the gritty reboot... The trend for remaking movies wholesale seems to be on its way out, but that of taking just about anything older than ten years and adding more violence is just in time to replace it. This doesn't always result in disaster. I can't say I'm all that familiar with the original incarnation of The Sweeney (a bit before my time), but I've seen a few episodes here and there on channels that should seriously consider some original programming. The opening credits are very slick and I was quite enamoured with the rousing score. Despite the fact that both the titles and the musical accompaniment wouldn't seem ill-suited to a procedural drama, somehow it still works. Brit flicks have a disagreeable habit of laying the nostalgia on thick when it comes to the soundtrack, but to my surprise (and relief), this avoids such a drawback and differentiates itself from the pack a little in the process.
The first thing that I noticed about the film was London. As seems to be the norm with films set in my fair city, the environment plays as big a role as some of the characters. Every opportunity is taken to present sprawling vistas and landmarks aplenty. At no point will you forget where we are, that's for sure. Also of note in this regard are the cast.
For the most part, when Ray Winstone's name is attached to something of this ilk, you know exactly what you're going to get from him. There are several scenes in which he demonstrates that he's still got it, so to speak, and his capability of making the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention remains. He's not quite as downright intimidating as he is in, say, Nil by Mouth, for example, but it's still a great showing if you're a fan.
The movie itself is as polished as the credits and there are more than a few examples of visual flair that contribute to this sheen. The action is breathless and sublimely edited, particularly the car chases, making good use of unusual angles and camera positioning that put me in mind of the best of John Frankenheimer's Ronin. The shootouts too are expertly realised, even taking in Trafalgar Square as a setting at one point. If you are a fan of the genre, there's little chance of disappointment.
It's not all roses, however, as there are at least a couple of bizarre leaps in logic when it comes to the plot. These aren't just petty indiscretions either, they make absolutely no sense. I tend to be quite forgiving in this respect and could understand if these points were essential for moving things along, but that's not the case at all. As far as I can tell, the writers dug themselves a hole and had to do something silly to get out of it. Just write something else!
It doesn't seem too fashionable to say that you liked this movie, but regardless, I have to say I did. Granted, it's pretty brain dead, but let's be honest, you don't sit down to watch a film like The Sweeney for cerebral engagement.
The Verdict:
Stirring action sequences and plenty of attitude make this an entertaining diversion. Fans of the genre will find much to enjoy.
No comments:
Post a Comment