Starring
Sam Jaeger, Adrianne Palicki, Michael Jai White, Kyra Zagorsky, Ty
Olsson, Matthew Marsden, Olivia Cheng, Zahf Paroo. Directed by Tony
Giglo. (2017, 89 min).
I
barely remember 2003's S.W.A.T., which cashed in on viewers'
nostalgic fondness for a 1975 TV show that was, save for a nifty
theme song, equally unmemorable. And I had no
idea an in-name-only sequel (S.W.A.T.: Firefight) was released
on video in 2011.
I
don't know...maybe I recently slipped into a parallel dimension where
S.W.A.T. is a beloved brand name, because not only is it
scheduled to return as a TV series, here's a second sequel to the
movie. But if you're also new to this dimension, worry not. There's
no need to go back and revisit the SWATverse because, like Firefight,
S.W.A.T.: Under Siege bares no relation to the original film
or TV show (not even the theme song).
 |
| "Tag! You're it!" |
Though
I've always resented the time-honored practice of using misleading
titles on movies that wouldn't find an audience otherwise,
at least this one's subtitle is accurate (unless you're expecting
Steven Seagal to show up). A Seattle S.W.A.T. team led by Travis Hall
(Sam Jaeger) are ordered to raid a terrorist group's warehouse, but
only find a mysterious man nicknamed "Scorpion" (you'll
immediately see why). They take him back to S.W.A.T. headquarters,
where Scorpion (Michael Jai White) informs them that, because of
information he possesses, the terrorists will stop at nothing to get
him, which includes attacking the precinct.
 |
| "Tag this!" |
Sure
enough, dozens of terrorists lay siege on the compound, trapping
everyone inside. Gunfights and close-range fighting ensue, along
with a few plot twists that reflect a bit more narrative ambition
than your average direct-to-video actioner. And even
though none of it is particularly memorable, the film is competently
acted, its budget-conscious action and gunplay well executed. I
wouldn't look for a ton of logic, though.
While
it definitely behooves the viewer to check their expectations,
S.W.A.T.: Under Siege works pretty well for what it is: a low
budget action-fest masquerading as a sequel for those who don't know
better. We've all seen them before, but this one is a decent enough
time-killer that, title notwithstanding, we don't feel completely
duped afterwards.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
None
KITTY CONSENSUS:
NOT BAD...LIKE CAT CHOW
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