Featured Audience Ratings

• Phil H

  
  Possibly the stupidest movie title ever? we do find out why during the film but still. Possibly the stupidest look for Travolta? the most camp hairdo? gotta be contenders huh. This film is basically about hacking computers, stealing lots of money and transferring it here there and… More
  Possibly the stupidest movie title ever? we do find out why during the film but still. Possibly the stupidest look for Travolta? the most camp hairdo? gotta be contenders huh. This film is basically about hacking computers, stealing lots of money and transferring it here there and everywhere in a flurry of slick sexy sequences. That's pretty much it, Travolta's character tells us its all in the name of national security and for US protection against terrorism, which it does seem to be. So this begs the question why is Travolta and his goons made out to be bad guys when they're working for the US government and hitting back at dangerous terrorists?. The FBI finds out about the operation, OK its a dodgy op but what's wrong with it?. Apart from being very much like an ensemble 'Bond' flick the film actually offers a few interesting insights. Halle Berry's first topless scene is the big one (no pun intended), doesn't really add anything to the film and feels pointless but its there. This was only Vinnie Jones second major Hollywood film and again he has very little to say, still weird to see him in a Hollywood film at the time though. Only Jackman's second Hollywood action film also, after 'X-Men'. This was one of the earlier films for Cheadle which started to push him further into bigger action films. Likewise this was a film within a string of action films for Travolta that all kicked off after success with a certain Tarantino film. A bland film really with little to show, the action is impressive but doesn't feel required. It also seems way way over the top just for the sake of it. The plot doesn't really make much sense, its simple yet made out to be grand and complex with lots of tech talk and government plots. Thing is you can see right through it, its just an action film with too many big stars that are knee deep in makeup. An odd collection of stars too, none of them really gel together. I really got the impression that certain scenes and stunts are in there just to keep you the audience interested, as none of it serves the plot. At the start where Travolta's character is doing his own little 'Tarantino-esq' bit of dialog, Berry topless as said before, Jackman's character getting a blow job whilst trying to crack a code, sexy ladies asses on display, a car chase where Travolta uses an M60 machine gun (I think) etc...The story could be told without all that. Its like a compilation of sexy smooth cool sequences which is assumed people will like. The actual plot and character development seems to have been added afterwards as an afterthought. The finale typifies how the director tries to make this out to be a clever film. Travolta's character seemingly escapes in a chopper but gets blown to kingdom come by a rocket launcher. We then discover that a body double was in the chopper and 'Gabriel' tricked everyone. But how did 'Gabriel' know his chopper would get shot down? what if Jackman's character didn't use the rocket launcher? he didn't have to, he may not even of thought of it seeing as the weapon was back on the bus. That was the clever twist the film had been building up to! that and another which wasn't exactly groundbreaking. So really the bad guys entire dastardly plan seemed to hinge on whether or not the good guy would use a particular weapon at a particular time, that's some good crystal ball skills right there.

• Directors C

  
  [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon13.gif[/img] Like most star studded Hollywood movies that try to do something original or quirky, Swordfish fails to cover new ground and subsequently dissapoints even as a generic yet somewhat promising blockbuster. The… More
  [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon13.gif[/img] Like most star studded Hollywood movies that try to do something original or quirky, Swordfish fails to cover new ground and subsequently dissapoints even as a generic yet somewhat promising blockbuster. The fundamental flaw with the script is in how it attempts to outsmart it's own premise. I'm sorry, but you cannot allow a person typing away at a computer to take up an entire scene with no clear form of suspense. At least "The Pelican Brief" kept you tense while nothing was happening. But watching Swordfish is like waiting for a video game to download, you wan't it to get the dull and dismal plot points over with so you can get to the explosions and gunfights. That is after all what this movie was made for right? Well, apparently not. The performances and the action choreography is essentially the only saving grace of the film. In the classic neo noir pulp style, there's a scene where Halle Berry (Catwoman in the 2004 flop) is required to expose her breasts in a seductive fashion, but to no effect whatsoever other than a quick chuckle, the fact I found it funny and not unsettling proves how it's merely an expression of style without the sexiness. Writer Skip Woods went on to pen X Men Origins: Wolverine, so it's no surprise the lines are as rusty as they could possibly come. In fact, one of the most interesting moments of the film is the gripping opening, where John Travolta begins to explain the lack of originality in Modern Hollywood action movies. He references the genius of Sidney Lumet's "Dog Day Afternoon" and how beautifully directed, well lit and well written it was and stresses that it wasn't the same old fare that could have had an unbearable lack of "creativity", but didn't. In the first 5 minutes I figured this would be a satire on the cliched Hollywood movie, it certainly looked like it. But within seconds it just staggered completely downhill. The irony of this is that Swordfish is a messy, self indulgent, dull, uninteresting, anticlimactic thriller that goes for edgy and revolutionary but comes across as boringly generic and unbearably camp.

• Jens S

  
  This may look like a shallow, Tony-Scott-esque actioner to the superficial viewer, but I found there was a lot more to it. First of all, the opening sequence in which Travolta lectures about the film industry and its unrealistic yearning for happy endings. The film often plays with… More
  This may look like a shallow, Tony-Scott-esque actioner to the superficial viewer, but I found there was a lot more to it. First of all, the opening sequence in which Travolta lectures about the film industry and its unrealistic yearning for happy endings. The film often plays with the expectations of viewers, offering quite a few twists, (partially) refusing the expected solution to the story. You have to admire that in a blockbuster. After the initial big bang there is not much action in the first half, but things are enthralling anyway and get pretty fast and spectacular towards the showdown. The dialogs do not quite hold the level of the smart script, sometimes fishing from the bowl of stereotypes. The result is still a highly entertaining film that

• Universal D

  
  A computer hacker gets asked to do a really big job ... by the Mission: Impossible team. For those who don't remember, Mission: Impossible was a 60's television show wherein America's best and brightest spies would hoodwink some power-mad Third World despot with high… More
  A computer hacker gets asked to do a really big job ... by the Mission: Impossible team. For those who don't remember, Mission: Impossible was a 60's television show wherein America's best and brightest spies would hoodwink some power-mad Third World despot with high tech savvy and smooze ala James Bond. Jackson is our tour guide/hacker into this world, Travolta the guy calling the shots, and Berry is the delectable bit o'bait. A spectacular ending and a beginning stolen from Dog Day Afternoon rounds out this stop-thinking-it's-only-a-movie thrill ride.

• Jeff "

  
  Swordfish is the film thats famous for one thing, Halle Berry's first topless scene. The film has gotten more praise for that scene alone than the actual film. Swordfish is a very interesting action/crime thriller involving a terorist looking to steal billions from the U.S… More
  Swordfish is the film thats famous for one thing, Halle Berry's first topless scene. The film has gotten more praise for that scene alone than the actual film. Swordfish is a very interesting action/crime thriller involving a terorist looking to steal billions from the U.S Government. Swordfish is for me a guilty pleasure, I mean really, it is. The film is nothing great, in fact I found it to be silly at times. But theres just something about the film that I enjoy, and it's not Halle Berry's wonderful assets that make me like this film. I thought the premise of the fil was interesting and the film did have good enough action packed thrills to keep you entertained. However Sword is an average film, it really is. The film is not that great, but it's good. Right from the start, you feel that theres stuff the filmmakers could have improved upon. The acting is decent at best and the story is about the same. The biggest strength of the film is its climax and other action scenes. Swordfish is also what I thought one of John Travolta's last good films. After Battlefied Earth at least he was able to redeem himself with a good enough action film like this. Swordfish is good entertainment, but it kinda feels like a rejected idea from the Die Hard franchise. The best way that I can describe Swordfish is a guilty pleasure, it really is for many reasons. I thought the film was good, but missed the mark on a few levels. Swordfish is good, mindless entertainment, but nothing too special.

• Martin S

  
  Not so good movie. It was hard to stay focused and interested...Maybe that's my fault....Who knows.

• Conner R

  
  A movie about anti-terrorist terrorism that was released a few months before 9/11. I would say that alone makes it a hidden gem. I remember seeing this in the theater and just watching it for the entertainment value and for the fact that it's a Hugh Jackman essential. I love the… More
  A movie about anti-terrorist terrorism that was released a few months before 9/11. I would say that alone makes it a hidden gem. I remember seeing this in the theater and just watching it for the entertainment value and for the fact that it's a Hugh Jackman essential. I love the plot because it's so outrageous, but completely fitting and above all, fun. There's some kooky moments, mostly belonging to John Travolta and his soul patch of doom, but if anything they just make the movie more enjoyable. I still love the visual style, it's like a pre-cursor to Crank. For a worthwhile action movie, you can't go wrong with this.

• Lenny M

  
  Decent documentary on the sex position of the same name.

• Spencer S

  
  Everyone rags on this film, but I think it has potential without enough follow through.

• Richard C

  
  it was good and had a cool twist at the end but it wasnt great. B-

• Tim S

  
  Yeah, not that great. Everybody saw this for one reason, admit it.

• Al S

  
  A kinetic, fun, high-octane and high voltage thriller. It's stylish, riveting, well-crafted and brilliant. This film packs lots of unpredictable twist, great special effects, spellbinding suspense and explosive action. An edge of your seat pulse-pounding and electrifying… More
  A kinetic, fun, high-octane and high voltage thriller. It's stylish, riveting, well-crafted and brilliant. This film packs lots of unpredictable twist, great special effects, spellbinding suspense and explosive action. An edge of your seat pulse-pounding and electrifying thrill-ride. An ultra-cool roller-coaster ride of a movie. It keeps you hanging on the edge right till the very end. It's a heart-pounding adrenaline-rush that kicks total ass. An exhilarating action-packed thrill-ride. A great all-star cast. Hugh Jackman and John Travolta are terrific. Travolta is cool as hell.

• Anthony L

  
  I didn?t think much of this at the time, I don?t really think much of it now. You do get to see Halle's Berrys though, but it?s not enough. 9/11 must have screwed their DVD sales no end, seeing as now, post terrorist attack, it makes no sense what so ever!

• Film C

  
  i love this movie it is a sexy thriller with fantastic twists that you dont see coming at all!! great cast great acting and just a fantastic movie worth a watch

• JY S

  
  Dominic Cena, fresh off of <i>Gone in 60 Seconds</i>, delivers <i>Swordfish</i>, which is just a better than decent crime thriller with action.<p>The story does have some meat to it and it involves hacking as one of its driving points. On the other hand,… More
  Dominic Cena, fresh off of <i>Gone in 60 Seconds</i>, delivers <i>Swordfish</i>, which is just a better than decent crime thriller with action.<p>The story does have some meat to it and it involves hacking as one of its driving points. On the other hand, a lot of elements throughout the film come across as a little corny and seem they are thrown in just for the heck of it. Fortunately, the pacing is quick and this 100 minute movie tends to fly by.</p><p>The opening sequence is actually pretty impressive and the ending isn't too shabby as well. It is everything in the middle that takes a bit of a dive. I ain't just talking about the hookers going into the pool either. The action seems unnecessary, although it can be entertaining at times. The big explosions and heavy machine gun in the street is just too much for a film like this. At least watching guys take a spill down a large steep slope is a fun watch.</p><p>The casting is a bit of a letdown. Hugh Jackman doesn't impress and John Travolta isn't anything new. However, fans of Travolta will probably like him in here. Halle Berry, on the other hand, has a great character and it isn't just because of the nudity. Don Cheadle has too little airtime, but is good with what he has. Vinnie Jones and the rest of the supporting cast are forgettable.</p><p><i>Swordfish</i>, while having a good start and ending, is just another movie to pass the time. Mildly entertaining for at least 1 or 2 watches.

• Lady D

  
  A very average action film, which I?d expected to be much, much better. A typical Hollywood Action with lots of explosions etc. Watchable, but missable.

• Cassandra M

  
  I think people have been a little to harsh on this movie. No it is not revelatory but it is a nice glossy diversion. The all-star cast, especially Hugh Jackman, is more than competent though they aren't really challenged. There are enough special effects and stunts intermixed… More
  I think people have been a little to harsh on this movie. No it is not revelatory but it is a nice glossy diversion. The all-star cast, especially Hugh Jackman, is more than competent though they aren't really challenged. There are enough special effects and stunts intermixed with a fairly compelling narrative (it is not confusing if you just pay attention) to make the film more than worthwhile. Overall good entertainment,

• _kelly .

  
  This is the root of my guilty pleasure list. When this movie came out, it was like the writers/studio execs just took a snapshot of my brain and regurgitated a Bruckheimer action version of my favorite things: hacking and puters made to look cool, quoting other movies and filmmakers,… More
  This is the root of my guilty pleasure list. When this movie came out, it was like the writers/studio execs just took a snapshot of my brain and regurgitated a Bruckheimer action version of my favorite things: hacking and puters made to look cool, quoting other movies and filmmakers, beating the crap out of Hugh Jackman (I was bitter about his Wolverine casting at the time), John Travolta as a bad guy, purposely convoluted plot, cars that just look cool, secret societies, and Halle Berry's boobs. Indeed these are also a list of things that have ruined many a promising film's chance at being a legitimate film. Swordfish is such an awful movie, but so packed with things I like and in a manner I just can't fuss about when the movie's got a gun to my head, the best hooker in Vegas sucking me off, and 15 seconds to decrypt the highest level encoding. Usage of film for all the wrong things for all the reasons that feel good.

• Chris W

  
  Some good bits here and theer, but underneath the style and action, there's not much else. The cast though, is a plus, even with the (at times) absurd dialogue.

• Aaron N

  
  Gabriel: I have been told that the best crackers in the world can do this under 60 minutes but unfortunately I need someone who can do this under 60 seconds. Here's a movie I find to be consistently entertaining. It has a combination of a good cast, an over-the-top villain,… More
  Gabriel: I have been told that the best crackers in the world can do this under 60 minutes but unfortunately I need someone who can do this under 60 seconds. Here's a movie I find to be consistently entertaining. It has a combination of a good cast, an over-the-top villain, ridiculous situations, plot twists, a sweet soundtrack, and a cool factor that I enjoy. After John Travolta in scene chewing villain mode delivers a ridiculous monologue, which almost seems to be mocking the very movie he is starring int, an amazingly designed special effect in the form of an explosion occurs and we are taken into the story. Ginger: You're not too good at this golf thing, are you, Stan? Stanley: You're fucking up my chi. Hugh Jackman is Stanley Jobson, a hacker recently released from prison with nothing to hope for. Along comes Halle Berry, looking great, and handing out cash to Stan for him to come to LA and meet with someone about a job. Upon arriving he meets Travolta's character. We are not exactly sure if he is a bad guy or not, but he wants Stan to hack into some super secret government thing in order to steal $6 billion. Don Cheadle is also involved as a Federal Agent looking to find out why Stan is desperately seeking to ruin his life more than it has been. Director Dominic Sena, who has gone from indie cred with Kalifornia, to big budget Bruckheimer with Gone in 60 Seconds, now turns to the Joel Silver realm of action flick, where things look really good and have the elements to make them stay that way, despite how ridiculous things may get. Despite being laced in techno talk, along with other elements concerning what it is to achieve the greater good, and misdirection, what you really have his a fun action flick purely for the purpose of entertainment, and it succeeds. Did I mention that there's some supporting work from Vinnie Jones, Sam Shepherd, and Halle Berry's breasts? Stanley: It's not gonna end like this. Gabriel: Oh, come on, Stan. Not everything ends the way you think it should.

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