Everybody now – “da, nah, nah, da, nah, nah, da, nah, nah.” Honestly, I remember the Rhythm Heritage song better than I remember the TV show. Are we out of ‘70’s shows we can make into movies yet?

Have no fear – if you do not remember the TV show, you can spend the first hour of this movie getting reacquainted. After a brief look at the LAPD S.W.A.T. team in action in a clear imitation of the North Hollywood bank shootout from a few years ago, the movie spends plenty of time setting up who the S.W.A.T. people are, how they train, and how they relate to each other. I gave it a chance, but one hour is too long for a set-up.

At least they could have been more accurate. Instead of punishing a couple of S.W.A.T. guys for shooting a hostage, they could have made them even more admirable by punishing them for letting one of the crooks bleed to death. That is, after all, what did happen. Ah, but that’s too controversial for Hollywood. What we get is the usual couple of rebels suspended for doing the right thing by the usual anal retentive, overly politicized police captain.

Colin Farrell plays one of the punished guys, but gets his chance for a comeback when Samuel L. Jackson is brought back to run a new S.W.A.T. team. Throw in LL Cool J and Michelle Rodriguez, and you have the new, diversified, tough and ready LAPD. Only problem is, they seem to have little to do.

Eventually, and I mean, eventually, we are introduced to our bad guy. He is an international outlaw played by Olivier Martinez. After being picked up on a routine traffic stop, and failing to escape with his own thugs help, he offers $100 million dollars to anyone that helps him get loose. Yes, the power of the media broadcasting that message leads to all hell breaking out. Ridiculous, but, hey, at least it finally led to some action sequences. Check out LA’s finest gang members with their elaborate plot to cash in- as if the fugitive has a check book with him. This movie only works when things blow up and people get shot at, and that’s not frequent enough for me.

Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell are two pretty fine actors, but what can you do with parts that only require you to look tough and act noble? Nothing would have worked without Farrell, because he’s the brains who figures out things. I’m not sure why Jackson was even necessary. The dialogue is pat and the real villain is obvious from just the first few scenes. I also felt vaguely set-up for a sequel (again). Hey, but at least they once again use the Red Line subway in a movie. I’m beginning to think that happens so frequently because, let me see, because no one is using it?

I’m not asking for my money back because I think I got exactly what I figured I’d get-just a more elaborate version of the TV show. I give “S.W.A.T.” a “5.0” on the scale.