Chain Reaction (1996)
The Claim (2000)
The Mist (2007)
The Commuter (2018)
Jolt (2021)
No Way Out (1950)
Monster Hunter (2020) ///
Chain Reaction (1996) Everyday scientists Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz are part of team who discover world-changing energy source before government and industry violently swoop in. Social politics similarly consumed within thriller chase plot and action set pieces, solidly made even as suspense flattens.
The Claim (2000) Always involving, impressively scaled tale of pioneer Peter Mullan's corroding guilt over abandoning wife Nastassja Kinski and daughter Sarah Polley. Yet despite harsh and poetic visuals, gritty emotion is subdued by unconvincing characters and bleak stylings that meander to icy close.
The Mist (2007) Lovecraftian creatures unleashed from army experiment terrorize captive consumers in coastal town's market and provoke social and religious monsters. Solid cast and precise visuals, yet lingering pace and uneven vfx soften impact. Ending bracingly prolongs horror.
The Commuter (2018) Ex-cop and just sacked insurance salesman Liam Neeson is thrown into conspiracy on commute home when approached by cryptic Vera Farmiga. Uncovering plot machinations and dizzy technique maintains momentum even as fights and action become more farcical than thrilling.
Jolt (2021) Spiky Kate Beckinsale's anger issues can result in physical retribution, held in check only by dubious doctor Stanley Tucci's self-administered electrical shocks. Self-aware tone piles on whiplash jokes and violence without surprises or logic, spirited performers left grasping.
No Way Out (1950) Snarling racist Richard Widmark whips community into race riots when he blames fresh doctor Sidney Poitier for brother's death. Inflamed emotion sees story cut in broad strokes and aligns characters to narrative beats. Effective melodrama reflects ugly social commentary,
Monster Hunter (2020) Confoundingly incoherent narrative throws army captain Milla Jovovich through storm portal to desert land of monsters, surviving with Tony Jaa before joining Ron Perlman and his ragged band of hunters. Occasionally impressive and eerie imagery amid numbing vfx.
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