The Sweeney

The original Sweeney TV series actually only ran for four series, and yet was so incredibly popular in its day that it even spawned two cinematic movie spin-offs at the time. Sadly, ending in the late 70s, this was all a little before my time, and so this 2012 version is not a retelling from my particular childhood (and until Hollywood commissions "Challenge Anneka: The Movie", that part of my life will be decidedly lacking). At its heart, The Sweeney's basic premise remains unchanged; a branch of the Metropolitan Police responsible for dealing with London's hardened criminals, with an overarching belief in what they are doing, regardless of rules and authority. Potentially not as hard-hitting and innovative now as it once was, but compelling nonetheless. Sadly, the movie itself doesn't really live up to the name. The story is worryingly forgettable; a blurred amalgamation of a dozen other cop dramas which makes absolutely no lasting impression. The acting is decent enough, once you can tune into the accent, as this is a film that is so cockney, there's a significant danger that it will blow the bass out of your speakers. Assuming it hasn't nicked them first.

Normally directors are more careful when hiding the cameras...