The Sweeney: Paris

Although an almost faithful adaptation of Brit flick The Sweeney (2012), which was itself loosely based on the incredibly popular 1970s cop show of the same name, The Sweeney: Paris is a policier with a distinctly French accent. When a ruthless crime ring take aim at high-profile targets in the city, the case is duly assigned to rabid old dog Serge (Jean Reno) and his youthful sidekick Cartier (Alban Lenoir). The pleasure is in the details as Reno, looking weary, anchors the predictable and strangely flat-feeling crime drama. Tight and frequently funny, it chugs along on his performance, the memorable stunt work, shoot-outs and fight choreography. Reminiscent of Paul Walker, Lenoir gets all the good dialogue in his support of Reno's unorthodox methods. A warning for anyone trying to quit smoking, though: everyone here is gasping for a fag, even Lenoir's pregnant wife. A solid if lacklustre police caper with some sparkling moments.