Chain Reaction (1996) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
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.
Rated PG-13 • 1996 • 1h 47m
Chain Reaction is a 90s action-thriller that earns its PG-13 rating for frequent action violence and some intense situations. The plot follows scientist Eddie Kasalivich, who is framed for murder and forced to go on the run after his lab is destroyed in a massive explosion. The film's primary content concerns are several large-scale explosions, multiple on-screen shootings, a suffocation murder, and sustained peril. With very little… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Chain Reaction appropriate for kids?
Chain Reaction is a 90s action-thriller that earns its PG-13 rating for frequent action violence and some intense situations. The plot follows scientist Eddie Kasalivich, who is framed for murder and forced to go on the run after his lab is destroyed in a massive explosion. The… Read more — free account
Content severity in Chain Reaction
What happens in Chain Reaction, moment by moment
- 0:17 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:20 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:26 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in Chain Reaction
This category is very light. In one scene, a female character who has fallen into cold water removes her wet clothes to prevent hypothermia. She is briefly seen from the back and side, wrapped in a towel, with no nudity shown.
Violence and gore in Chain Reaction
Violence is moderate and a key component of the plot. It includes two massive explosions that destroy entire facilities and surrounding city blocks. There are several on-screen deaths, including a scientist being suffocated with a plastic bag, a character being shot dead at point-blank range, and another being shot in an elevator. Other scenes involve fistfights, characters being pursued and shot at, and a tense struggle on a high construction lift.
Language in Chain Reaction
Language is mild to moderate throughout. The screenplay contains a few uses of "shit" and "goddamn," one use of "son of a bitch," and several exclamatory uses of "Jesus" and "Jesus Christ."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Chain Reaction
Substance use is mild. Several characters, including the protagonists and FBI agents, smoke cigarettes in multiple scenes. Characters also drink beer and other alcoholic beverages socially at a party and in a bar.
Mature themes in Chain Reaction
The film's themes are moderately intense. The core plot revolves around a dangerous conspiracy, corporate espionage, and murder. The main characters are framed for a crime they didn't commit and spend the majority of the film in a state of constant peril, on the run from both law enforcement and assassins. Themes of betrayal by a trusted mentor are also central to the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chain Reaction appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Chain Reaction is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Chain Reaction is a 90s action-thriller that earns its PG-13 rating for frequent action violence and some intense situations. The plot follows scientist Eddie Kasalivich, who is framed for murder and forced to go on the…
What age rating does Chain Reaction have?
Chain Reaction is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Chain Reaction about?
Chain Reaction is a 90s action-thriller that earns its PG-13 rating for frequent action violence and some intense situations. The plot follows scientist Eddie Kasalivich, who is framed for murder and forced to go on the run after his lab is destroyed in a massive explosion. The film's primary content concerns are…
Is there sex or nudity in Chain Reaction?
This category is very light. In one scene, a female character who has fallen into cold water removes her wet clothes to prevent hypothermia. She is briefly seen from the back and side, wrapped in a towel, with no nudity shown.
How violent is Chain Reaction?
Violence is moderate and a key component of the plot. It includes two massive explosions that destroy entire facilities and surrounding city blocks. There are several on-screen deaths, including a scientist being suffocated with a plastic bag, a character…
Is the language in Chain Reaction appropriate for kids?
Language is mild to moderate throughout. The screenplay contains a few uses of "shit" and "goddamn," one use of "son of a bitch," and several exclamatory uses of "Jesus" and "Jesus Christ."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Chain Reaction?
Substance use is mild. Several characters, including the protagonists and FBI agents, smoke cigarettes in multiple scenes. Characters also drink beer and other alcoholic beverages socially at a party and in a bar.
What mature themes appear in Chain Reaction?
The film's themes are moderately intense. The core plot revolves around a dangerous conspiracy, corporate espionage, and murder. The main characters are framed for a crime they didn't commit and spend the majority of the film in a state of constant peril, on…
How long is Chain Reaction?
Chain Reaction runs 107 minutes, directed by Andrew Davis, released in 1996.
Where can I read the full Chain Reaction parent guide?
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