Ray Winstone and Ben Drew star as the Flying Squad’s Regan and Carter, London coppers even harder than the armed villains they take down.
Generally remakes, reboots and big screen adaptations of TV shows get short shrift in these parts but The Sweeney joins a select list of such films which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Love brings the core elements of the original TV series into the modern day to craft an action movie that easily holds its own against Hollywood’s far bigger budgeted efforts.
London is finally given a chance to star in an action led drama which makes fantastic use of its iconic skyline and locations.
Action fans will find plenty to please – watch out for a gun fight across a tourist-packed Trafalgar Square and some great car chases through the Home Counties.
The action is complimented by some great interplay between Winstone and Drew who easily convince as two buddies risking their lives at the sharp end of policing.
Within seconds of appearing on screen the duo dispel all memories of TV predecessors John Thaw and Dennis Waterman.
In a nod to reality, Love introduces an internal investigations subplot which throws Regan a few hurdles as the story unfolds but the outcome is never in doubt.
The Sweeney is a fun, fast-paced and modern British action thriller that deserves to be a huge box office success.
In cinemas from September 12th.
Our verdict: 4/5
