Leave It to "The Matrix" to get involved in a plot line involving the manipulation of the petroleum industry and efforts to find safer ways of energy sources. Keanu doesn't play the matrix man here, Justin assistant in a petroleum plant that is set up to explode, practically destroying all of the south side of Chicago. He's set up for murder and with the help of scientist Rachel Weisz goes on the run, climbing over bridges that raised to let the boat through and managing to get away from the dozens of cops and government agents after him. After that, he's seen hiding out in the frozen outskirts of Chicago, waiting through frigid waters and wondering if his supposed friend, Morgan Freeman, is among the people who set him up.

One of those fun popcorn action flicks that would look great on the big screen, but when you really reflect on everything going on, it's pretty absurd. I'm not agoing to debate issues over scientific accuracy because I haven't studied it, so I'm assuming that they did at least some research to make it somewhat realistic, but certain elements about it makes me doubt that. From an entertainment perspective, it's always on, and whether viewing Reeves going into the bowels of the Chicago bridge system to a space observatory (run by his friend Joanna Cassidy) to a fun looking science museum, the audience will never have a chance to be bored.

There are definitely some truly despicable villains here, trading their souls for notorious purposes, and willing to kill whoever they have to to keep their end game going. The film runs long enough to keep your attention and never overstays its welcome, something a lot of modern action film blockbusters tend to do. There are so many absurd elements about this film, starting with the explosion itself that Reeves is desperately trying to get away from, diving into a large ditch as the approaching fire passes right over him. The film does keep you guessing as to whether or not free men is honest or dishonest or betraying Reeves, and the photography is outstanding. The opening shot of the petroleum plants covering acres of land is disgusting to say the least.

I've seen plenty of bad movies, but, by gum, this was just one of those films which totally turned me off, so I'll make my review short. I guess the thing which annoyed me the most was the amount of money spent on a film which achieves so little. Definitely one of the many low points in Keanu's acting career (THE MATRIX was still three years away),this film presents him as the world's most unlikely scientist, a braindead dope whose survival until the ending of the film is simply preposterous. Morgan Freeman isn't served much better, and definitely shouldn't be appearing in junk like this if he wants his career to stay afloat.

The plot is minimal, and basically it's all one big cat and mouse movie with some poor CGI explosions. Frankly, the action isn't handled very well so many scenes are repetitive, a surprise considering that director Andrew Davies made some really exciting films with THE FUGITIVE and UNDER SIEGE. The violence is tame too, and this is nothing we haven't seen before. Ultimately a big disappoint, CHAIN REACTION is shallow, empty, stupid and pointless. Avoid unless there is absolutely nothing else on television to watch, and for god's sake don't buy it!

I never saw this at the height of the 90s and it clearly draws a lot from the movies from that era. Even though you have quite a lot of good actors in it (and Keanu Reaves),the movie really can not live up to any of the expectations the viewer might have.

The eco message, the social message all are like dust in the wind. The action somewhat works ... though having the Dude Keanu running circles around alleged (military?) trained men ... and all meant to be taken seriously ... that's really a tough ask.

Don't get it twisted: I like Keanu. I have not met him, but he seems like a very cool person/Dude or whatever you want to call him. Having said all that, his acting abilities or his most screen performances are not really more than a guy who flails his arms and seems lost with puppy eyes. This may sound a lot meaner than I it is meant. I just want to make the point that if you don't let your personal feelings in the way, you may see through him and not see him as a scientist ... not matter how hard you try to suspend your disbelief.

Take all this into account (and the quite predictable plot) and you know why the rating is so low ... even though the ending might be able to get you to slide onto the edge of your seat for a second ...