S.W.A.T: FIREFIGHT

US, 2011, 89 minutes, Colour.

Gabriel Macht, Robert Patrick, Carly Pope, Giancarlo Esposito.

Directed by Benny Boom.

This is comparatively brief action show, in his time straight to video. However, it drew on the popularity of films about S.W.A.T as with the television series.

The initial setting is Los Angeles, an episode with the team in action, introduction to Paul Cutler, played by Gabriel Macht, his success, his being ordered to go to Detroit and train the team there for certification with the FBI. Initially unwilling, immediately feeling the hostility of the local commander, played by Giancarlo Esposito, he meets the men, various attitudes, criticism, many scenes of their exercises of training. And there is also a female psychologist played by Carly Pope.

The focus is on an episode with a psychopath played by Robert Patrick and the death of the woman he had as hostage. Motivation for Paul, for the group, and Walter mysterious, tantalising, setting Paul up for mistakes, and eventually an elaborate confrontation.

TThe film moves continuously, some sympathetic characters, the psychopathic villain, and plenty of action for the fans. (And, possibly, the good promotion film for anyone wanting to join S.W.A.T.)

1. Audience interest in S.W.A.T, films, television series? Anchored in reality? Imagination?
2. The Los Angeles setting, the initial hostage situation? The transition to Detroit, the range of views of the city, police precincts, training precincts, warehouses and crises? The musical score?
3. Paul Cutler, experience in Iraq, police, dedicated to his work, in charge of the team, the initial confrontation, negotiating, the backup, the snipers? Discussions with his superior, his being sent to Detroit, unwilling? The scene with the girlfriend, his commitment to his work?
4. Attitude towards Detroit, the encounters with Inspector Hollander, resentments, chain of command, relationship to the FBI, the certification of the men? The introduction to the men, characters, attitudes, work, the scenes of their training? The program for certification?
5. The episode with Walter? Getting into the building, the confrontation, water and grows, her killing herself? Walter’s reaction? The effect on the team, on Paul, his first loss of a hostage?
6. Lori, joining the group, the background of Iraq, comradeship, her skill, shooting, sniper? Part of the team?
7. The encounter with Kellogg, his attitude, at the bar, the competition, his being disqualified? His later dealings with Paul collaboration?
8. Walter, Government background, as an agent, the collaboration with his partner? The setting up of Paul, entering the wrong house? The motivation, vengeance, Hollander letting Walter go, Walter and his taunting, being present?
9. Kim, her work as a psychologist, discussions with Paul, his attraction, the meal, the night together, her being targeted by Walter?
10. The buildup to the final confrontation, Walter and his killing of the two agents? The setup, Lori and the explosives, Kim the explosives, the targeting of the team, Walter’s and his attack, his death? The other injuries? The final confrontation, Paul and the fight with Walter’s associate, his death? The timing, the skills with Lori, her escape, sniper? Freeing him, the confrontation with Walter, his falling to his death?
11. Hollander and his change of mind, the team, Lori staying, Paul returning to Los Angeles, the invitation to Kim to visit her sister?