Unexpected Hero Emerges

Read Time:3 Minute, 39 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Chains of Gold (Blu-ray)
–

Genre: Drama, Action, Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 1991, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Rod Holcomb
Writer(s): John Petz, Linda Favila, Anson Downes, John Travolta
Cast: John Travolta, Marilu Henner, Joey Lawrence, Bernie Casey, Hector Elizondo
Where To Watch: available September 3, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the underbelly of Miami's gritty streets, John Travolta emerges as Scott Barnes in a somewhat forgotten early '90s drama, where he portrays a former investment banker who has turned his back on wealth to become a beacon of hope as a social worker. Directed by Rod Holcomb, the film plunges into the dark currents of gang violence and drug trafficking, presenting an unexpected hero in a world teeming with peril.

Travolta's character, Barnes, finds his life linked to young Tommy Burke, portrayed by Joey Lawrence, who is trapped by a menacing drug cartel that masquerades as a youth outreach program. Far from being the benevolent organization it pretends to be, this Youth Incentive Program is a hostile force in the community, preying on vulnerable youths and thrusting them into the chaos of the drug trade. Benjamin Bratt shines as Carlos, the ruthless leader whose iron grip ensures that none of his unwilling recruits can escape.

At its core, the film explores Barnes's internal battle with the flaws of the system he works within, a system rife with bureaucracy and apathy, as depicted in his interactions with characters such as Sergeant Falco (Bernie Casey) and Lieutenant Ortega (Hector Elizondo.) Barnes wrestles with ethical dilemmas and faces grave dangers in his quest to save Tommy, a journey that pushes him to his limits and forces him to confront the steep personal toll of his mission.

The film, initially shot as a made-for-TV movie, has its shortcomings. The script occasionally slips into clichés and presents some of Barnes's heroics with a touch of implausibility. Moreover, despite Bratt's compelling performance, Carlos lacks depth, leaving him feeling more like a conventional villain than a fleshed-out antagonist with complex motives.

Barnes's interaction with his ex-girlfriend, Jackie (Marilu Henner,) adds emotional depth to his story. Their relationship illuminates Barnes's past and introduces a subplot highlighting the personal sacrifices in his pursuit of redemption.

As a movie reflective of the early '90s action-thriller genre, this film provides an earnest, if imperfect, portrayal of a man's struggle against his inner demons and the external forces that prey on the vulnerable. Travolta delivers a convincing performance, portraying a man grappling with moral ambiguity and driven by a profound desire to amend his past errors.

This story is a testament to Travolta’s willingness to embrace challenging roles that explored themes of redemption and ethical conflict, marking a critical period in his career before a considerable resurgence. For enthusiasts of Travolta’s work or followers of '90s cinema, this film offers more than just entertainment. It scrutinizes societal issues within the framework of personal redemption. This movie resonates with relevant themes and critically critiques an often-overlooked chapter in a celebrated actor’s career.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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