The Sweeney

2012 • 112 minutes

About this movie

Detective Inspector Jack Regan (Ray Winstone) and his loyal partner George Carter (Ben Drew) are old school crime fighters enforcing the law in a modern underworld. Armed and dangerous, the Flying Squad have their own way of operating, and when an old enemy makes a re-appearance on the London crime scene, Regan and Carter will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Tearing up the streets of London, The Sweeney is a stylish, exhilarating action thriller directed by Nick Love (The Firm), and boasts a terrific British cast including Damien Lewis (Homeland), Hayley Atwell (Captain America: The First Avenger) and Steven Mackintosh (Underworld: The Rise of the Lycans). - Exponential (Sweeney) Limited Exponential (Sweeney) Limited

Ratings and reviews

The Sweeney is a poorly written modern thriller (offices filled with Apple computers, incandescent lighting throughout) juxtaposed with underwritten characters who are stuck in the 1970's. Unlike the characters from the original TV show the movie versions lack any form of charm and sympathy. A memorable villain for Regan to spar against would have helped tremendously; instead we get a bloke with a boat and some mute Serbians. The only highlight is a decent shoot out on the streets of London. Avoid.

Silly plot and very poor acting. Ray Winstone was ok, however his attempts at making his character complex fell short. All you felt towards Regan was disdain. Ben Drew effectively played himself. The action scenes were well done, considering the budget. There was a lot of talent in this movie, but just because the budget was low doesn't excuse a poor script and even poorer acting.

The action finale says it all- a car chase round a caravan site, pontins meets dukes of hazard. Zero effort plot and ridiculous characters. Yawn.