Chain of Fools (2001)

Overrated and overhyped

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Chain of Fools isn't your typical laugh out loud movie, but it is a unique film with an interesting story and a chain of awesome guest appearances. Picture Ocean's Eleven, but instead of criminal masterminds, imagine the crew was just a bunch of idiots who fell into the perfect crime, and you'll understand what this film is about. Steve Zahn plays the lead and was terrific as the barber whose always in the wrong place at the wrong time. He wasn't my favorite of this unique cast of characters however, that award goes to Elijah Wood, who was hilarious as the emotionally scarred teenage hit man. Seeing this little guy, who Scotty could have beaten up, as the big bad hit man was just hilarious. Wood even attempts to grow a mustache for the role and fails miserably. On the surface this is a strange film and as you watch it, it gets stranger, but at the same time, it gets better and better. This is the kind of film you won't see very often, but watching it definitely has its advantages.

Ordered the dvd last week and after reading the comments on this site I was expecting a jolly good time with a sparkling comedy, but - errr - I thought it was a bit lame. Good actors and some interesting ideas for characters, but it (and the acting!) was hampered all too often by lame dialogue - were they all trying to imitate Bollingsworth or what? A bit more colloquialism might have helped. And better directing! I don't know the other work Traktor have done but if they want to make sparkly movie comedies they've still got some way to go. Or am I missing something?I'm a huge fan of Elijah Wood's and very partial to anything he does, but can't in good conscience give this movie more than a 4 out of 10 (unless I'm really missing a point here???) - it was great to see him do some action stuff & do the gun thing - and the funniest bit in the movie was probably Mikey saying, through his sobs: "Don't worry, I'll do the hit" - but he, as well as some of the others (particularly Selma Hayek) seemed hampered by having to deliver far too many words in some situations, and not necessarily stuff that anyone would actually *say* either. Andy could have been a riot as well (he probably comes closest to being funny, next to Mikey and his craving to see "Cats") - but most of the rest of the characters were fairly clicheed, and do we really need TWO almost identical-looking bitchy women in Kresk's life? (Ex-wife and sister). The premise of everyone trying to be incredibly bad-ass and not succeeding at all could have been really funny, but it all fell down in the delivery. :-(

I was quite surprised by this movie, had not heard of it but did a lot of LOL. Some real characters in unreal situations. And that scoutmaster. These guys are real losers but you gotta like them. I also felt the use of flashbacks and jumping around in time was done quite well. A real sleeper worth a watch.

Traktor try to make this film like "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" but it's so simple not complex, not funny, not excite Too many Stars, but useless if you love Elijah wood, don't see this movie