The cast is excellent, but the lack of story and weak writing make this a horrible movie. It's uncomfortable giving these actors such a low rating on a movie they made and usually I will not rate lower than three stars for quality actors, but, as explained below, two stars feels relevant here.
Disclaimer: Comments of specifics of movie follow.
The "hacking" used in the movie is not really an element / character. The theme of "misdirection" is brought in late, rarely referenced, and would be the most interesting aspect of the movie if used to drive the story. Instead, gratuitous nudity and repeated tension or shock of threatening people and/or killing people and/or violence are what is used to drive the story. Not interesting. The intent of John Travolta's character (about terrorism) he repeats ad nauseum, and it doesn't mean anything; there's no character development for that intent. The computer and hacking is also not interesting, has no depth, and is not believable. There is even a scene called "hackstasy" devoted to Hugh Jackman's character getting caught up in his hacking, complete with many colors of lighting as he moves through the room. (ugh)
— Rebecca ( )

From Netflix: Rogue agent Gabriel Shear (John Travolta) is determined to get his mitts on $9 billion stashed in a secret Drug Enforcement Administration account. He wants the cash to fight terrorism, but lacks the computer skills necessary to hack into the government mainframe. Enter Stanley Jobson (Hugh Jackman), a n'er-do-well encryption expert who can log into anything. Halle Berry co-stars (in the buff!) in this high-tech thrill ride.

2001/99 minutes/Rated R

To view the preview on Netflix, simply click on the following link, then use the "back" button on your computer to return here to the Neighbors Lending Library of Verrado on LibraryThing.com.

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Swordfish/60020745?trkid=222336&lnkctr=srchrd-s...