I frequently watch direct to DVD movies, enough that I am often more forgiving of any weaknesses they may have, and sometimes finding that the end results are pretty good. However, I am unable to muster much enthusiasm for this particular effort. Past IMDb user comments that the movie looks pretty tacky are unfortunately true; the movie really has the look and feel of a modestly budgeted television show. That might have been forgiven had the movie shown enthusiasm in other key areas, but sadly the bulk of the movie is not executed well. The script frequently has dialogue that sounds cliched and/or stilted, and plot turns that won't be much of a surprise, like who the mole in the S.W.A.T. team ultimately turns out to be. The action sequences, whether they are shoot-out or martial arts battles, are lamely choreographed and edited/directed in a mechanical manner. About the only bright spot in the entire enterprise is the presence of Michael Jai White, but even he can only do so much with his lame surroundings. The only possible useful thing the movie does is that it makes the original 2003 S.W.A.T. movie - which wasn't so hot - look much better.
Review of S.W.A.T.: Under Siege
