Swordfish

Over the years as the moviegoer has become more sophisticated, the movies themselves have had to step up to the challenge to become more involved. The modern audience has demanded a more intelligent story and more intricate action sequences. Even though mystery and action films were quick to adapt this idea, this film was one of the first to really envelope all of the elements of the more modern action film. In the lead role we have Hugh Jackman playing a down on his luck ex-con who is fighting to stay with his child, and then on the other side of the coin there is John Travolta who again shows us that he can play a bad guy with the best of them.
Former agent Gabriel Shear comes up with a plan to steal $9 billion in stashed government money, but when he recruits Stanley Jobson for the computer work he’s bitten off more than he can chew. Once this film gets going there’s no stopping it, it’s just one thrill after the other and the action is completely non-stop. Jackman’s character shows how much he can do in a dramatic role, since there’s more drama for Jobson then action. The catalyst for this story is Travolta’s portrayal of Shear, cool, suave, and totally on point , there’s no guessing that he knows what he wants, how to get it, and will do anything to reach that goal. The flair that Travolta brings to the screen as reflected back with all of the other performers in the film, from the choreography of the action sequences to the heart pounding drama the movie is unique all it’s own.
I had heard a lot about this film before I finally saw it and everything I heard was true, it’s just surprising that with all of the action in this film the thing that most people take away from this film is the nude scene with Halle Berry. From the opening scenes at the bank to the closing credits, your left on the edge of your seats breathless and adrenaline drained. This is one of the first times that American audiences got to see Jackman in a leading role and along with Travolta’s continuing rise to the top of the A-list of actors, together they deliver a thrill ride that keeps your heart pounding and shows you what the future of action films should be.