Chained

Bob (Vincent D'Onofrio), a cab-driving serial killer who stalks his prey on the city streets alongside his reluctant protégé Tim, who must make a life or death choice between following in Bob's footsteps or breaking free from his captor.

In the short time that Jennifer Lynch has been making her mark on cinema, I have grown to enjoy her style of film. At least, based on this one and her last effort, "Surveillance". I confess I am not familiar with "Boxing Helena". Her latest films are odd, but not absurd -- just odd enough to be unique and really draw people in by their novelty (a great quality to have). Here we have the serial killer story, but told in a very different way: through the eyes of a captive held for nine years. (Critics have said this idea was already presented in "Bereavement", but I would argue this is the better film.)

D'Onofrio gives a solid performance, one that may be among the best of his recent career. Trying to gauge his character is tough -- smart, stupid, slow? He is clearly clever enough to do what he does and get away with it, but his way of speaking clearly implies some sort of mental issues beyond the murderous intentions.

One could psychologically analyze Rabbit all day. He is the poster child for "learned helplessness", accepting defeat after years of beatings. Yet, he does not fit with the classic idea of Stockholm Syndrome -- he accepts Bob as his master, but only grudgingly so. And there could also be talk of nature versus nurture. Certainly, Bob is "nurturing" Rabbit to become a killer -- but will he accept it?

My friend and horror adviser, Aaron Christensen, had what he calls a violent, visceral reaction to this film and even had the urge to punch director Lynch in the face (particularly after she explained that the film was intended as a message against child abuse). For him, there is too much of a need for suspension of disbelief and this story could only exist in a "fairy tale" world. We are in disagreement. I have no opinion on the child abuse claim (though it seems rather strange), but I approach all horror films from the point of view of a fairy tale, more or less. Sure, this film was presented as more real than, say, "Nightmare on Elm Street", but I saw little need to pick out the plot holes -- some being so obvious that pointing them out is hardly a mental challenge (such as why Rabbit never escapes).

You may agree or disagree on the greatness of this film, or even have no strong reaction at all. I would be curious to hear more thoughts from people... I did not realize this film would be a conversation piece, but apparently it is.

CHAINED starts off giving you the impression that this could be just another torture fest where a young boy and his mother get kidnapped by a taxi driver who is really a serial killer and taken to his home. There the boy's mother is murdered and he is made to live with the killer and do whatever he says.

After all that the plot actually becomes more intriguing with superb character development and it is very disturbing and comes up with some very unexpected moments and the final half is what raises this film above many others in the same genre.

The performances are excellent, Jennifer Lynch certainly found the ideal actor to play the serial killer in Vincent D'Onofrio and even the actors with the smallest roles manage to shine.

Overall, CHAINED is a very impressive film although not for everyone but the final half is sure to impress anyone who sees it.

For some reason I had some trouble tracking this film down but I was finally able to get my hands on a copy and boy am I glad I did, anything starring Vincent D'Onofrio always peaks my interest (I mean come on, have you seen his work in The Cell?!) and he is one of my most favored actors. D'Onofrio showcases his talents best when portraying the villain who I have to admit, I always find myself secretly rooting for. This film is well acted by all who participated and the grand twist at the end is a real shocker, it just goes to show that you never really know who you can trust. This was the first encounter I have had with Eamon Farren but I was very pleased with his acting, this film has a good story line that will hold your attention until the end and as gruesome as it was at points I just couldn't look away...that is how you know you have found a good film. I give Chained a 6 out of 10 stars and would recommend giving it a shot, it really is a KILLER film. ;)

This is a really excellent film, a real psychological horror, no gore but you get the idea and have to use your imagination, and the performances are superb...the twist is brilliant, totally caught me off guard, jaw to the floor! But then again, I have watched Surveillance so should have expected something...if you haven't do!

This is the most unpredictable horror thriller I have ever seen. I don't know a similar movie.

Though I was skeptical about Vincent D'Onofrio. I know him well from Full Metal Jacket and many episodes of Criminal Intent in the role of the investigating detective. How can I buy that he is a psychopath and a serial killer? But a few minutes later, I forgot that it's him, because of the shocking scenes. He plays a man-made psychopath without empathy and without compassion. Not a glimpse of compassion. The unpredictability of him generates horror since anything could happen at any time. The story reveals what has made such a monster out of him, but also shows, that not everyone becomes a psychopath.

The other main actor, Eamon Farren also plays brilliantly.

There is not a ton of action but it's not boring, trust me. It is frightening but also a sad story. You will see.