The Mod Squad (1999)

Julie Barnes (Claire Danes), Pete Cochrane (Giovanni Ribisi), and Lincoln Hayes (Omar Epps) have one thing in common: They're young adults on the wrong side of the law, arrested for crimes of robbery, grievous bodily harm, and arson. Taken in by mentor and father figure Captain Adam Greer (Dennis Farina), they are assigned to a special task force working undercover for the police--the logic being that these kids can get into the hip young establishments that the older, more cynical officers can no longer infiltrate. Ill-suited to each other and chastised by their peers, this rogue squad is forced to come together when they uncover a seedy world of police corruption. Not knowing who to turn to, the kids are left with their wits and street cunning (they're not allowed to carry guns) to overcome mounting odds against their survival.

With Hollywood facing increased pressure in 1999 to curb its screen violence, this film arrived with perfect timing. The only problem is the film was aimed at an audience that never saw the early-1970s TV series that inspired it, and this dubious recycling resulted in paltry returns at the box office. Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable action movie with some noteworthy performances--especially from Omar Epps, who shines with strength and vulnerability, like a young Laurence Fishburne. The energetic camera work and throbbing soundtrack also stand out, along with some retro styling and a plot that's refreshingly free of excessive violence or gratuitous special effects. --Jeremy Storey Amazon.com

Fun Movie

I was very suprised to see so many negative reviews on this movie! I only bought it because I love Claire Danes but was pleasantly suprised by it. All the acting was great, the story was interesting, what more are you people looking for? Given, I never saw the show but I enjoyed this movie and have watched it twice and it will stay a part of my collection for a long time to come. July 23, 2008

Terrible waste of time

I faithfully watched The Mod Squad every day at 4pm in syndication in the 70's. I loved the TV show. The characters were cool, believable, and "solid". This attempt to revive interest failed miserably. The actors were boring, and seemed not to even try. The plot was confusing, and the producers, directors and writers made no attempt to remain faithful to the original storyline. Most of the newer movie versions of old shows at least tried. I found Dukes of Hazzard pretty good. I look forward to seeing "Dallas" in the theaters. (I think they should get Larry Hagman to play "Jock"!). But this "movie" doesn't even deserve one star. It's a shame because I would love to see The Mod Squad back in syndication. I hope the series comes out on DVD. Be cautious - watch the movie before you purchase. August 2, 2007

Was this movie a joke?

I couldn't decide! If this wasn't one of the worst movies ever made I don't know what is. November 22, 2006

The Dream Team

(This film might put you to sleep.)

Genre classifications "action" and "thriller" are both terribly misapplied in this case. The film's pacing is slow, the character development doesn't really exist with regard to some important characters, the writing is poor, and as such it is difficult to judge whether the acting is subpar because the actors aren't all that great (though Ribisi has proven his ability in some much better stuff) or because the script wasn't worth producing. Add to all of this a sad lack of special effects and an unmemorable soundtrack, and you've got an entire work of below-average film making.

If you're looking for an arcane suspense/action, "Ronin" might be a good pick, but even still, for blockbuster quality stick to the well-traveled paths of smash hits. There's a reason "everybody" liked some films.

ALong July 18, 2006

dvd would make a good coaster or perhaps a clock

only point of interest is that Omar Epps is now pretty recognizable from his role on the TV show "House".

otherwise you may also be able to use it to play frisbee with your dog. July 7, 2006

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