S.W.A.T.

"S.W.A.T." is one of the most pleasant surprises in a summer movie season that's been filled with surprising unpleasantness.

Here's a film that actually holds human life in some regard — as compared to something like "Bad Boys II," which treats both its heroes and villains with equal contempt, and which kills both off with real viciousness.

"S.W.A.T.," on the other hand, is more about saving lives than taking them. If that isn't refreshing enough, it's also a tense little thriller that believes you can build tension if you actually develop characters and situations.

Sure, there are gaping plot holes and the character development isn't exactly deep, but that's not really the point of an action-thriller anyway (especially one as action-packed as this rather violent PG-13 rated movie).

Colin Farrell stars as Jim Street, a member of the LAPD's Special Weapons and Tactics unit. He and his partner (Jeremy Renner) are kicked off the team after a hostage crisis (in which his partner accidentally shoots a civilian). So Street finds himself behind a desk — at least until he's given a chance at redemption by Sgt. Dan "Hondo" Harrelson (Samuel L. Jackson).

Hondo is brought in to recruit a new crack team, which includes Street, Deke (LL Cool J) and Sanchez (Michelle Rodriguez), the first female to join a SWAT unit. While the higher-ups seem pleased, it appears there are some on the force who are actually rooting for Hondo and the recruits to fail. And they may get their wish.

The new SWAT team's first big crisis is a doozy. They're supposed to transport international criminal Alex Montel (Olivier Martinez) to a federal prison. But when he offers $200 million for anyone who frees him, they suddenly find themselves under siege from all sides.

There's nothing really new here. But thanks to Clark Johnson's competent direction, it manages to build tension and sustain it throughout the climax — though some of his moves are a bit obvious.

As for the cast, Farrell is as cocky as ever as the eager-to-prove-himself Street, while Jackson is more controlled, less over-the-top than he's been of late. He also seems to be having fun, which is nice to see.

On the supporting side, Martinez makes a thoroughly detestable villain and the usually dour Rodriguez actually manages to crack a smile. Also, watch for several homages to the source material, the fondly remembered 1970s television series of the same name (including a quick cameo by that show's star, Steve Forrest).

"S.W.A.T." is rated PG-13 for scenes of action violence (gunplay, fistfights and both vehicular and explosive mayhem), occasional use of strong profanity (including one usage of the so-called "R-rated" curse word), brief gore and some crude slang and gestures. Running time: 117 minutes.

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