Chain Reaction (1996) movie poster

Chain Reaction (1996)

ThumbScore
πŸ‘ 65%Google users liked it archived
Critics Score
🎬 30% (RT: 18%, MC: 43) ℹ️RT = Rotten Tomatoes (critic reviews). MC = Metacritic (weighted critic average). Critics Score is the average of both.
ThrillerActionScience Fiction

Where to Watch

Rent / Buy
Prime VideoGoogle PlayFandango at Home
See all watch options on JustWatch
Director
Runtime
1h 47m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
TMDB Rating
5.8/10 (1,179 votes)
Rotten Tomatoes
18%
Metacritic
43
Cast
Keanu Reeves as Eddie Kasalivich
Morgan Freeman as Paul Shannon
Rachel Weisz as Dr. Lily Sinclair
Fred Ward as FBI Agent Leon Ford
Kevin Dunn as FBI Agent Doyle
Brian Cox as Lyman Earl Collier
Joanna Cassidy as Maggie McDermott
Chelcie Ross as Ed Rafferty
It's divisive. Only 65% of audiences liked it based on 1,179 votes. Critics scored it lower at 30%, but audiences disagreed.
Overview
At the University of Chicago, a research team that includes brilliant student machinist Eddie Kasalivich experiences a breakthrough: a stable form of fusion that may lead to a waste-free energy source. However, a private company wants to exploit the technology, so Kasalivich and physicist Dr. Lily Sinclair are framed for murder, and the fusion device is stolen. On the run from the FBI, they must recover the technology and exonerate themselves. Wikipedia β†—
Fun Facts
  • Andrew Davis cited several classic thriller films as the primary inspiration for the visual style.
  • During production of Chain Reaction, the crew faced numerous challenges but managed to complete the shoot ahead of schedule.
  • Keanu Reeves spent months preparing for the role, heavily researching the subject matter.
Audience Consensus

Chain Reaction is a 1996 thriller, action, science fiction film directed by Andrew Davis. At the University of Chicago, a research team that includes brilliant student machinist Eddie Kasalivich experiences a breakthrough: a stable form of fusion that may lead to a waste-free energy source. However, a private company wants to exploit the technology, so Kasalivich and physicist Dr.

Lily Sinclair are framed for murder, and the fusion device is stolen. On the run from the FBI, they must recover the technology and exonerate themselves. The film has been rated by 1,179 audiences on ThumbScore, reflecting its reach and engagement with viewers.

As a thriller film, Chain Reaction delivers on the expectations of its genre while bringing its own distinctive perspective to the storytelling. The production showcases the creative vision of its filmmaking team, bringing together performances, cinematography, and narrative elements that have resonated with audiences. Chain Reaction (1996) continues to find viewers through theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and home media, maintaining its place in the contemporary entertainment landscape.

The film represents the kind of cinematic experience that has attracted a dedicated audience, with viewers appreciating its approach to the story and characters it presents.

Movies You Might Like
r/

What Reddit Thinks

r/iwatchedanoldmovie
⬆ 112💬 38 comments
Chain Reaction (1996)
I hadn’t even heard of this film until I came across the used blu ray. Nothing groundbreaking, but certainly an enjoyable action/thriller. Starring... Read on Reddit →
Top comment: "I think about this movie every so often. Mostly the scene when they’re on the ski boat thing and..."
← Browse All Movies | Free Movies | Best Movies | New Releases
💬 Feedback