Ridiculous, campy, laughable, and tons of fun, Swordfish is wildly enjoyable in a mind numbingly implausible sense. It’s impossible not to have a good time with twisting plot, inventive ending, and incredible visual flair. You’ll be hard pressed to find a movie that tries so hard to entertain everyone.
Opening with an explosion unlike any other put on film, Swordfish wastes little time in getting the audience involved. Hugh Jackman is a hard sell as an outcast computer hacker, bribed by a group of brutal madmen who believe killing is the only possible away to strike back at America’s enemies. John Travolta is flawless in his typical “evil guy” spot, the style of villain you love to hate with his happy demeanor and calmness under intense pressure.
Computer talk is barren, and director Dominic Sena does what he can to make typing at a keyboard visually interesting. Striking color permeates the film, adding to the high tech feel. A twisted sense of humor will help Swordfish find a home to the right audience.
Action scenes aim for a style first, logic later tone. Cars explode, guns never run out of ammo, half the people shooting couldn’t hit Shaquille O’Neal if he was in point blank range, and the set ups are even worse. The film’s finale is a classic of the Hollywood train of thought, with enemy making their escape in a passenger bus being lifted over the city in a helicopter, taking buildings and civilians with them.
This over-the-top sense nicely pads scenes that take place between the stunt filled action. Dialogue is sharp, and requires a few viewings to grasp the best lines. There’s little here that’s original as far as the core elements, but the way they’re presented and actors taking the job make it work.
Swordfish is the type of film thrown out there for a summer movie audience looking to take in a quick action/low on thought thriller loaded with mega explosions and a great villain. It’s nearly perfect in that sense. While it will likely be remembered more for gratuitously showcasing Halle Berry in a new way, there’s enough substance here to have a great movie night. 
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