HelenMary I found reviews for this film on IMDb confusing and wondered whether people had watched the same film as me. One reviewer said that the film doesn't mention sonoluminescence (it does, explicitly), others say that certain things aren't explained ie the explosion in the warehouse. Well d'uh! Hydrogen is not an inert gas and is highly flammable (mentioned a LOT in the film) and people complain about lack of plot then demonstrate they didn't understand it anyway! Chain Reaction is a science-heavy sci-fi chase film where two people who barely know each other are framed for something they didn't do and go on the run. Suspension of "why didn't they just go to the FBI and explain" aside, it's a ripping good fairly intelligent yarn which isn't dumbed down so it's not all spelled out, especially Shannon's character (Morgan Freeman) who throughout is ambiguous in who's side he is actually on. Aspects of the story are insidious - an environmentally friendly fuel that would revolutionise the world and a Government Agency wants to suppress it and an idealist is labelled a dreamer for wanting to make a difference. It's isn't too hard to believe that is a possible scenario. Okay some of the acting is a little cheesy but overall the performances were perfectly fine. Freeman of course is superior. Dr Alistair Barkley (Nicholas Rudall) was also a lovely actor and character, although not well known, and his monologue at the beginning is just superb and emotive - clearly the writing/screenplay was very good except for the repetition of everyone's names during conversation, that really gets on my nerves. The plot is as simple or as complex as you want. On the surface it's a simple on the run film, but the political conspiracy aspects and science-stuff make it a deeper story, which not being spelled out adds to the mystery. Reeves of course is excellent at the action, and plays resourceful convincingly and easily; I liked his dogged determination to rescue Lily and clear their names. Rachel Weisz's Physicist the "too serious Lily" is a bit weak, a bit of a drag on the survival given that everything is done for her but perhaps that is more realistic, women don't miraculously turn into gung-ho running leaping shooting and fighting survivalists, but I do expect her to do something but her emotions are very real especially regarding Chen (Tzi Ma). Whilst you see a potential romance on the cards for Eddie and Lily it's nice that the screenplay doesn't dwell on it, and the focus of the plot given the lack of time and Eddie Kasalivich being a gentleman.The SFX in the film are good, especially the explosions, and I'm betting Reeves does his own bike stunts. There are many stunts which are pretty good but they are within the bounds of realism - and this is generally why the characters are relatable and convincing. It's got a tense crescendo to how it runs out, and it's entertaining and adult without resorting to bad language and gratuitous violence - I would consider it almost a family film (older family). I'm not saying it's the best film every made, but I like all aspects of it to have seen it a number of times. I think some people try and read too much into the science, it's not supposed to be an episode of the Open University, it's just a science-fiction that isn't too far from feasible possibility. Just sit back and enjoy for some entertainment.

jc_fleischman I'm a big Keanu Reeves fan but I won't be watching this film again in a hurry. This is one of those films where you ask why did they bother doing a Blu-ray release?This is primarily a chase film and there are several cinematic scenes that would be worth it if they were only shot at a wider angle. The soundtrack is a horrible, bargain basement, cliché score with no tracks to invigorate the film.What this film really lacks is a Tommy Lee Jones level character to do the chasing like in "The Fugitive" and "U.S. Marshals". Instead we are left with a mixture a baddies and cops with a 90's made-for-TV feel to them. This is somewhat surprising as director Andrew Davis helmed "The Fugitive"This film is notable as being Rachel Weisz's breakthrough role but the film sadly lacks the talent, humour and charisma evident in her subsequent roles. Most notably of these is where she teams up with Keanu again for one of my all time favourite films: "Constantine". The science fiction element of this film is negligible and will disappoint sci-fi fans. I would recommend rather watching "Johnny Mnemonic" or "The Matrix". However the concept of the story is very relevant. A new power source like Cold Fusion would be a major economic and political game changer.The constant chase scenes distract from the underlying government conspiracy story, which could easily have been better fleshed out to give us a film more on the level of "Sneakers".There is a good storyline to this film. Unfortunately the elements of the production let film down despite the presence of Keanu Reeves and Morgan Freeman.

koffeenkreame41-1 Simply put, one of my favorite movies of the 90s, because I'm a big fan of the Fugitive. This plot follows it adds a bit of a new age spin on it. Enjoyable flick with very good actors and a cast that features Keanu Reeves, Morgan Freeman, Fred Ward, Brian Cox, Rachel Weisz and many others, highly recommended if you're a fan of the Fugitive or U.S. Marshalls!The story is about a chemist & his friend suspected of murdering their mentor and Reeves & Weisz receive help from a friend of their fallen colleague and they try and find out who is trying to frame them for murder. Much like The Fugitive, which ironically is done by most of the same crew and features some of the actors from that film, it's a great flick to pass the time on.

vmp3737 This movie centers on the heroes being chased all over the map having been framed for murder and treason. They make all sorts of clever attempts to evade their pursuers. However, neither of them does one thing to change their appearance -- they don't cut their hair, they don't color it, and the Keanu Reeves character doesn't shave his beard. And the escape from certain death at the end is way beyond belief!I'm willing to suspend a little disbelief but am I supposed to think this is even remotely realistic? Naturally this plot contained twists and turns and bad guys who looked at first like good guys. But I found myself anticipating virtually all of it. There were few surprises except how transparent the story was.Sadly, I can't help wondering how so many good actors got involved with this lousy movie although we see that often in Hollywood.