Swordfish (DVD 2002)

I LOVE this movie - great combination of action, with a little romance - a constantly twisting plot will leave you guessing until the end + the characters / acting skills will suck you straight in. Not an action film, as such, but plenty enough explosions + chases.
Still undecided? For those who like either Hugh Jackman or Halle Berry, he appears wearing just a towel for part of a scene, and she can be seen sunbathing topless, but either can only be an added bonus rather than a true reason to watch / buy this DVD. However, as a 15 rating, there is at least one more part of a scene which is not suitable for anyone easily offended.
Definately recommended!!!

Director Dominic Sena's last film was "Gone In 60 Seconds", which is an apt summary of the explosive demise suffered by a hapless hostage at the start of his latest movie. Writer Skip Woods then tracks back to find out how superspy Gabriel Shear (John Travolta) and computer whizz Stanley Jobson (Hugh Jackman) came to be embroiled in the siege.

It turns out that Stanley has been retained by Gabriel and his multinational band of crooks to hack into the DEA's secret slush fund and relieve the US government of billions. Shear has big plans for the money - namely, to wreak devastation on the terrorists who threaten American interests abroad. But Stanley has a more personal motive - to win back custody of the daughter he lost after his last computer crime.

The insanely convoluted plot - which involves Halle Berry baring her breasts as Shear's seductive associate and Vinnie Jones as the least menacing heavy in living memory - has little function beyond providing a framework for some well-staged shoot-'em-ups and an elaborate finale that finds Travolta, Jackman, and a dozen or so hostages in a bus.

But while "The Matrix" producer Joel Silver brings a funky sensibility to proceedings that elevates the film above the "Lethal Weapon" and "Die Hard" series that made his name, "Swordfish" is simply too inane to be anything more than a formulaic Hollywood blockbuster. Indeed, the heavy-handed references to "Dog Day Afternoon" and "The Sugarland Express" only show up how far Sena's caper limps behind them.

Kim Newman discuss other hi-tech heist movies, while Andrew Collins discusses huge budget Hollywood blockbusters and read what Newsnight have to say about the movie.

Usually films that try to cross techie stuff with cyber cool end up falling flat (that damn awful "Hackers" film with Angelina Jolie springs to mind). But Swordfish actually works. Jackman is an uber hacker who is 'recruited' and semi blackmailed by Travolta and Halle Berry into getting envolved in a high octane twisty plan to electronically steal a fortune.

Providing that you don't question the plot too much, or concern yourself with what is actually going on, this is an enjoyable film that you can just sit back and watch. There's special effects galore, high octane car chases, acts of random violence, explosions, Travolta doing his 'I am on the verge of insanity' big grins, Ms Berry in a leather dress and more plot twists than you can keep track of.

I particularly liked the whole 'Pulp Fictonesque' style of the film where it begins mid way through the story, back tracks to fill you in on what has gone before and then jumps back to the 'beginning' for the big pay off ending. A good brainless-but-actually-quite-brainy-for-an-action-flick film.

Wonderful film - first 10 minutes set the scene for an awesome movie - definately one of my favourites. Seriously, the first 10 minutes are bloody brilliant!!

Definately worth £14.99 from a highstreet store, let alone a couple of quid off here!

Buy or you will regret!

from the makers of the bounre identity and the matrix comes a great movie that slammed hugh jackman into the limelight. Some great special effects, which dont look too disimilar to those used in the matrix films. Storyline is a hash job of an old storyline of good vs bad and the inner turmoil of a criminal. Still worth a watch

Fast action, plenty of twists and turns to keep you wondering a great film!! Lots of shoot-em-up scenes and a couple of steamy bits...

Good DVD. Wanted it because I think it is the only DVD where John Travolta is actually cool and I wanted to see Halle Berry's Breasts. They are magnificent!

just wanted it for my collection. had the film on video and saw it on ebay so i bought it for no other reason just to keep many thanks wendy

My son has been after this dvd for ages well pleased that he mananged to get it gr8 price and delivered prompt many thanks

Swordfish is an action packed film and the acting is excellent. It is fast moving and the storyline is very clever. You really need to watch closely to keep up with the twists and turns. Not a film for youngsters.

One of the best action movies I have viewed in recent times. Travolta is brilliant as the bad guy. This is a great film to see if you want to think a little, and be surprised - as well as see some breathtaking special effects.

Great film and one to watch.

For all male Halle Berry fans this is one for you!

Its a great film about a terrorist who takes a very different view to terrorism than you would usually expect. One to watchand I got it for a bargain of a price on ebay!!

top class film top class cast great film from the start,none of that waiting an hour before the plot begins this one starts in the middle of it plenty of action with a plot with a twist.

Fantastic movie. Good solid cat with John Travolta at his very best. Excellent plot to the movie. Some good special effects and various extras on the disc.

Great characters in a storyline that is cleverly written and full of supprising twists and turns. Brillantly cast with humour where it counts and a great ending.

I was captivated throughout the film the action and storyline was superb. Once again excellent acting from John Travolta. Well worth watching and very enjoyable film.

Great film full of action from the start of dvd to finish,it has a good storyline aswell,if you collect John Travolta dvds this is one i suggest you purchase i dont think you will be disappointed.

If you want a great movie with loads of action and a good story then this will please. Don't expect it to be believable though or you may be dissapointed.

good film, has everything action,acting,suspense a very good film. I have always wanted to own it and saw it on ebay and what a deal, very happy wiht my purchase.

i am a big fan john travolita,he was great in this film,got you cribed from start to finish ,it was a must to have on dvd ,well made film.

I bought this for two reasons....Halle berrys boobs.
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Oh and the film is fantastic, plenty of action and nice twist.

PAID FOR THE ITEM BUT NEVER RECEIVED IT.

EXCELLENT. I'M GOING TO THE SHOPS FROM NOW ON...............

That done, it needs to be said that this is a darned good film. An intelligent action film. I'd put it in the "Fight club" genre, but not quite as brilliant or clever, so "Swordfish" gets 4 stars not five.

The Image, concept and photography are very well thought out, as are the stunts. If only James Bond films could be this good these days! It's an audio-visual feast: Get that AV amp dusted off!

But it's not all gloss, action and mind-blowing special effects. The plot takes twists and turns (especially in the middle of the film, where they're really effective), and you have to be awake to follow it - it's no "Die Hard" (where you can sleep through part of it, and still know what's happening).

The penultimate scene is definitely not one to be missed if you're an action fan - I can't really say what they've done to make it so impressive (I don't want to spoil it for you!), but it's just awesome.

Great thing is, you cannot be sure you know whats-what during the film. It's only at the end where you know the score. A definite must-watch.