Review of Swordfish

Introduction

Use a computer, go to jail. The terms of Stanley Jobson`s parole are clear. Yet a $10-million payday awaits the superhacker if he takes on a job masterminded by a charismatic covert agent - the daring electronic theft of a government slush fund codenamed Swordfish.

John Travolta is the mastermind, Hugh Jackman is the hacker and Halle Berry and Don Cheadle co-star in this volatile high-tech thriller directed by Dominic Sena and produced by Joel Silver.

The concept is fairly original, but execution is one of the more important aspects of films, so how does Swordfish perform?

Video

2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen. The visuals are deep and well defined, with a crisp and clear print represented by a free-from-any-artefact transfer. No compression signs, no dust, no grain, no flaws whatsoever. Is it one of the best transfers on the market? Close, but not reference-quality.

As you will probably have heard, the producer of The Matrix - Joel Silver - is attached to the production, so there is a fair share of booms `n` bangs on offer. Think bullet-time effects, some good old gunfights, and the odd destructive set-piece. Just what the action junkie ordered.

Audio

Dolby Digital 5.1 (English & French). An explosive soundstage containing a good use of the surrounds and a crisp and clear main audio stream - and there is a lot of ambience.

The script, written by Skip Woods, and although is totally implausible in parts (I think the term `utter bulls**t` is more relevant!), it is very enjoyable and engrossing. Part mystery, part action, all thrills, the script contains as much development as needed, but still adds the odd touch of humour and memorable set-pieces.

Features

The extras kick off with an audio commentary from director Dominic Sena, who previously helmed Gone In 60 Seconds. His track is insightful and anecdotal, and well worth tuning into.

Two featurettes are also provided - "The Making of Swordfish" and "The Effects In Focus". The former is a fairly good feature on yep, the making of the film, and although hardly substantial, it is worth a watch. The latter focuses on the visual element of the film, and is again good.

There are two alternate endings - and both are no way as good as the one that made the final cut. Both lack quality first and foremost - and when I say quality, I mean presentation quality - so that is a deterrent right from the off, and secondly, they just don`t flow well. Bottom line: if it ain`t broke...

"Restricted Files" are on offer - basically just a collection of hidden features. Nothing groundbreaking.

A trailer and a selection of filmographies round off the package, and they are the usual affair.

The menus are static with music in the background, and are very easy to navigate, with a distinctive `cyber` style.

Conclusion

Very cool, very hip, and very enjoyable, Swordfish is a true popcorn flick, yet still manages to impress once the summer has faded and the time is due for its DVD release.

Hugh Jackman portrays the hacker well, switching from bedazzled to vulnerable, and the supporting actors back him up well - even John Travolta, who I think gives a solid performance as the corrupt megalamaniac. And of course, there is a certain Miss Berry, who shows off more than her acting talent...!

Presented on a good DVD, it is one of the finer Warner Bros. titles - great presentation and good extras to boot.

Although not award-winning, it is instead a fun and rewatchable experience. Combine this with an above-average disc, and you have yourself another title to add to your wishlist.