Wolff rating: NOT BAD
Plot summary: A computer hacker on parole finds himself sucked into a vortex of bombs, computers, girls, and Euro-trash fashions.
Biased, pithy comments: It's an action film. Although there are two very interesting set pieces in it, most of the film is sort of generic. Generic in that none of the characters have lives that extend outside of the film (compared to, say, ``Absolute Power'', a similarly daffy film but with clearly-defined characters). Generic in that they consist largely of guns and Travolta playing his usual wacky villain, a role he started in ``Face/Off'' and has perfected. Generic in the gaping plot holes. Generic in the tacked-on nudity. Still, I guess it's a summer guy-film, and it satisfies the needs of a few hours of wasted time on a Sunday afternoon. Alas, though, it's a lot of effort expended for a film that will be forgotten so quickly. And yes, Halle Berry takes her shirt off, but it's about as sexy as a mammogram, and doesn't last long.
Other Notes: Jackman's character, if you pardon the spoilers, is a real idiot in this film. As hosed as he is for his fatherly affection, hooking up with terrorists can't be the most efficient way to go about getting some custody back. In fact, as his daughter gets older and he maintains his relationship with her, she could demand joint-custody herself. The daughter is simply a plot device, and Jackman is supposed to be our Everyman, but he's too shallow. Humpf. DVD contains alternate endings, which are OK, and a breathy, choking commentary by the director.
How many times I have seen it: x1
Starring: John Travolta, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry
Directed by: Dominic Sena