Swordfish Reviews

Question: Were parts of this movie really filmed in Midland, Texas? I've read different things, so I'm curious now. Thanks!

Honestly, I find it rather difficult to judge this movie. I mean, on one hand, half of it is complete garbage and there is no way I actually should say anything positive about the damned thing but, on the other hand, there was in fact a lot of cool stuff going on and I have to admit that the damned thing was actually quite entertaining. Take the introduction for example : it is completely over the top, it doesn’t add anything really substancial to the plot but, damned, it was really amazing to behold and definitely one of the most impressive intro I have ever seen. This scene pretty much sums up the whole thing: it is a rather generic action flick with a rather preposterous plot and, from time to time, you get some really unexpected and even more ridiculous scenes to spice up the whole thing. So, you get this intro, and this notorious scene when Halle Berry shows up her boobs for no reasonable reasons (on the other hand she got 500,000($) good reasons to do it) and this totally gratuitous bit when Hugh Jackman is getting some blowjob while hacking some computer with at least 10 witnesses. It pretty much sums up the level of this demented flick and, to make things better (or worse), you have John Travolta giving in one of his typical over-the-top bad guy performance so event though I think it is worth a look, it is definitely an acquired taste.

"You know what the problem with Hollywood is? They make shit."

Swordfish opens with a bang. John Travolta delivers a high energy monologue about his annoyance with Hollywood movies that begins the movie perfectly. It sets the tone, and is well delivered.

This high level of intelligence and slick filmmaking is well maintained throughout the running time. Although many critics disliked Swordfish, I found this to be an absolutely superb movie; it's well written, very slick and highly entertaining.

The plot is a complex system of plot twists, with many of the scenes told in flashback. A highly skilled computer hacker named Stanley (Jackman) has just been released from gaol and is forbidden to see his daughter (Grimes). The world's most dangerous criminal, Gabriel Shear (Travolta), hires Stanley to assist in the theft of almost 6 billion dollars in unused government funds. In return Gabriel promises to get Stanley's daughter back to him.

There are several sub-plots (some unneeded) but the film is still mighty entertaining from start to finish. It was also never boring with the great performances from everyone.

Hugh Jackman is especially brilliant here. His role was vital for the advancement of the plot, and he pulled it off extremely well. Travolta was amazing. Although I've never been a real fan of his, I thought his performance was top-notch and unbelievably effective. Berry's role is minor, but played very well. Don Cheadle displays this high level of quality acting as well.

For me, Swordfish was an absolutely superb movie. It was entertaining, had its fair share of action, and has a great script. It was only marred by getting stupid towards the end, and a bit of shoddy CGI. Aside from some minor flaws, I recommend this movie to all!

This was a really, really entertaining, engaging and compelling movie that I was very pleased to know that I have seen. This combines some of my favourite movie genres and elements together and it works out brilliantly. It has just as much action as it does comedy. It is just as much a thriller as it is a mystery flick. If ANY of those interest you, then I can guarantee that you will enjoy this, even if only a little.

The plot comes across as quite complex, but after contemplating after the movie and really giving it some thought, it is a lot more simple as it seems. My opinion is that the ending was brilliant. Somethings that could have been picked out, but for me was a surprise. For me it was also satisfying, something that isn't always the case for a movie like this.

John Travolta was really amazing. I actually found his character quite likable, and he played him to perfection. Hugh Jackman had a vital role and he pulled it off really well. Halle Berry was slightly better than average, while Don Cheadle's role to me didn't seem quite as important as some others.. he gave a great performance. Oh, and two thumbs up to Vinnie Jones, too.

Overall this is a highly enjoyable film that I'd recommend for anyone to see.