This week on Chain Link Theater, we follow the chain straight into the holiday chaos with Elf—the Christmas classic that somehow balances childlike wonder, corporate misery, and maple syrup-based food violence.

We talk about why Elf works when so many holiday comedies don’t, how Will Ferrell walks the tightrope between annoying and iconic, and why the movie’s sincerity is doing way more heavy lifting than people give it credit for. We also spend some time on Mary Steenburgen’s quietly perfect performance, the magic of practical sets and simple jokes, and the strange comfort of a movie that knows exactly what it is.

Turn up your cell phones, provide your own candy spaghetti, and hold on to your butts! It's Christmas time.

Follow the chain with us this week to Keanu Reeves and straight into Parenthood, the warm-hearted, slightly unhinged family dramedy that reminds us every household is one bad talent show away from total collapse.

We break down blindsiding rollercoaster metaphors, Dianne Wiest acting circles around the entire cast, and how much Nathan just sucks.

Turn up your cell phones, provide your own snacks, and hold on to your butts. It's time for Parenthood.

Follow the chain with us this week to Fred Ward and straight into ’90s thriller Chain Reaction, a movie that dares to ask: What if free energy existed, and also—what if Brian Cox knew how to run?

We break down Keanu Reeves in full “post-Speed, pre-Matrix” mode, Rachel Weisz carrying the emotional weight of the entire plot, and Fred Ward doing what he does best: looking like the only adult in the room while everything explodes. We talk about government conspiracies with zero chill, fanboating for your life, and Morgan Freeman being mysteriously ominous in every single scene.

Turn up your cell phones, provide your own snacks, and hold on to your butts. It's time for Chain Reaction.