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Swordfish 2001 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Dominic Sena
R, 98 min. (violence, language, some sexuality/nudity) |
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Starring: John Travolta, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Don Cheadle, Vinnie Jones, Camryn Grimes, Sam Shepard
Producers: Joel Silver, Jonathan D. Krane, Paul Winze
Screenplay: Skip Woods
Cinematography: Paul Cameron
Distributor: Warner Brothers
Released: 6.28.01 (Wide) |
Rating:
  (out of ) |
It seems that movies in the high-tech/action genre are constantly trying to one-up each other every time out, and with Swordfish,
the latest entry in this summer's movie season, this film's no exception. With some impressive action scenes and special
effects, it more or less delivers the goods necessary to involve and keep the viewer's interest for the film's entire running
length. However, if it weren't for a few clever plot twists, Swordfish would have fallen into the realm of forgettable motion
pictures; but, in this case, it's enough. And even though the plot borders on heavy-handedness and the usual contrivances,
you can't help but stay interested because of the fine performances by John Travolta and Hugh Jackman.
The story revolves around Gabriel Shear (John Travolta), a mysterious and wealthy man that needs even more money to
finance his terrorist activities against those who terrorize the U.S., and Stanley Jobson (Hugh Jackman), a genius computer
hacker who has recently been released from prison after doing time for destroying a government program. Gabriel needs
Stanley to help him with the ultimate bank heist - some $9.5 billion that has accrued from old U.S. DEA bank accounts. When
Stanley refuses the initial offer made by Ginger (Halle Berry), who works for Gabriel, his daughter's future is used as
incentive to join the team (he wants custody of his daughter, who currently lives with his mother who is involved in the
porn industry). His job is simple (although difficult to carry out) - develop a program to steal the money from the bank accounts and distribute them evenly
to Gabriel's pre-determined accounts. Of course, in-between the story is peppered with explosions, a car chase, and a
flying bus, all used in an elaborate plan masterminded by Gabriel.
The whole idea of a secret group that carries out vigilante revenge on terrorists who attack the U.S. is a bit of a stretch, but
not outside the realm of possibility. I don't think that would solve anything, but listening to Travolta's early speech on Hollywood
movie-making and then subsequent explanations to Jackman throughout the film does make you think about it. In fact,
I think the film's strongest point is the opening diatribe by Travolta, which is pretty convincing. And, of course, no one
will forget the brief nude scene by Halle Berry, who was reportedly offered a large bonus to drop her top.
Director Dominic Sena, who also directed Gone in 60 Seconds, utilizes a somewhat new technique that is very effective -
a panoramic scene of the affects of an explosion during the bank robbery. Also, the runaway bus scene at the end of the film
is reminiscent of Speed, but even that bus didn't fly. However one views this film, it's definitely an improvement over
Sena's previous effort.
Most of the performances in the film are adequate, but Travolta's effort does stand out. It was desperately needed after some
real setbacks, notably the disastrous Battlefied Earth debacle.
It's not so much his smooth-talking style that appeals as much as his belief that he's doing the right thing for his country. His
convictions even outweigh his need for money, which is something he obviously covets as well. Swordfish is at least an intriguing character
study, and at most a good, entertaining film. But one thing's for sure - you won't be bored.
© 2001 Jonathan Cornwell
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 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
| Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
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