Today’s quick review: Chain Reaction. Eddie (Keanu Reeves), a University of Chicago student, discovers the missing piece to the hydrogen energy project his lab has been working on. But before the results can be published, the lab is blown up, and Eddie and Lily (Rachel Weisz), a physicist on the project, are framed for the crime. With the help of Paul Shannon (Morgan Freeman), the project’s backer, Eddie and Lily must go on the run to clear their names.
Chain Reaction is an action thriller about the discovery of a cheap, clean source of energy. In terms of premise, plot, and characters, Chain Reaction is a typical entry into the genre. Its initial university setting and low levels of violence distance the film from the more action-heavy thrillers out there, but the appeal is the same as ever: watching Eddie and Lily avoid the police while puzzling out who framed them.
Chain Reaction sticks to the basics but executes them well. The setup is quick and to the point: a brief introduction to the lab members and their project before the explosion kicks off the plot. The plot itself is well-paced and has a few nice developments, although the mystery is somewhat lacking. The action is enough to excite but not to impress, just a few chases and short fight scenes with stunts that are a little too grounded in reality.
Watch Chain Reaction when you’re in the mood for a competent thriller that’s not too dark or too violent. Although it lags its competition in terms of action, fast pacing and a decent plot make Chain Reaction a fine popcorn pick. For an action thriller in a similar vein, try The Fugitive. For one with a similar premise and more romance, try The Saint. For a sci-fi action thriller starring Keanu Reeves, try Johnny Mnemonic.
5.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for a decent but unspectacular execution of the action thriller formula.