Chill Factor (1999)

Chill Factor Poster

A store clerk and an ice cream truck driver are thrown together when a dying scientist entrusts them with a deadly chemical kept in ice. This chemical will kill every living thing once it melts. They have to take the chemical codenamed 'Elvis' to the next nearest military base while being chased by terrorists who want it to hold the country for ransom.

Introduction
"Chill Factor" is a 1999 action-adventure film directed by Hugh Johnson and featuring stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Skeet Ulrich, and Peter Firth. The film follows the awesome adventure of two ordinary males who must avoid a deadly chemical weapon from falling under the wrong hands. With time going out, they must race against the clock to guarantee the security and survival of countless lives.

Plot Summary
Arlo (Skeet Ulrich) is a young man working a mundane task at a roadside diner when his life takes an unforeseen turn. Dr. Richard Long (David Paymer) is a brilliant scientist dealing with a top-secret federal government project to develop a deadly chemical weapon called "Elvis" - a highly unstable substance that will take off when its temperature increases above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to his role in establishing this weapon, Long gets a go to from a group of terrorists led by the callous former military officer, Colonel Andrew Brynner (Peter Firth). It turns out that Brynner was Long's commander throughout a military operation that went terribly wrong, resulting in Brynner's court-martial and unethical discharge from the armed force.

After Brynner and his group steal the weapon from Long, Brynner plans to precise his vengeance by detonating the weapon in a close-by town. However, Long entrusts Arlo with a vial of the hazardous chemical and urges him to take it to Fort Magruder, a close-by military base, to prevent Brynner's plans from pertaining to fulfillment. Arlo enlists the help of an ice cream truck motorist called Tim Mason (Cuba Gooding Jr.), who is accidentally drawn into this life-threatening race against time.

Race Against Time
As Arlo and Tim drive through the stunning mountains of Montana, they find that they are ending up being the targets of a relentless pursuit by Brynner and his henchmen. They need to use their wits and desperate resourcefulness to avert capture and provide the fatal payload to Fort Magruder prior to it takes off. Along the way, the duo comes across a series of challenges and near-death experiences, from narrow escapes on winding mountain roadways to extreme shootouts with their pursuers. They also face the immediate and ever-present obstacle of keeping the weapon's temperature level under control.

Throughout their harrowing experience, Arlo and Tim establish a hesitant friendship and sociability, as they make use of each other's strengths and depend on one another to survive their experience. This bond becomes vital in the movie's climax when the pair confront Brynner and his team, utilizing their resourcefulness in a desperate last stand to thwart their plans for damage.

Conclusion
"Chill Factor" is an adrenaline-fueled action-packed adventure that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to complete. With gripping efficiencies from Cuba Gooding Jr. and Skeet Ulrich, as well as a compelling villain in Peter Firth's Colonel Brynner, the film boasts a strong cast that brings life to the thrilling story. The movie effectively combines stunning stunts and action series with moments of drama and character development, keeping a balance between high-octane set pieces and engaging human aspects.

Though it received combined evaluations upon its release, "Chill Factor" has since gotten something of a cult following amongst fans of action movies, who appreciate its combination of high-stakes delights and strong character-driven storytelling. As a fast-paced adventure with twists and turns happening at every corner, "Chill Factor" makes certain to captivate those who take pleasure in a good dosage of adrenaline-pumping action sprayed with moments of humor and heartfelt feeling.

Top Cast

  • Cuba Gooding Jr. (small)
    Cuba Gooding Jr.
    Arlo
  • Skeet Ulrich (small)
    Skeet Ulrich
    Tim Mason
  • Peter Firth (small)
    Peter Firth
    Col. Andrew Brynner
  • David Paymer (small)
    David Paymer
    Dr. Richard Long
  • Hudson Leick (small)
    Hudson Leick
    Vaughn
  • Daniel Hugh Kelly (small)
    Daniel Hugh Kelly
    Col. Leo Vitelli
  • Kevin J. O'Connor (small)
    Kevin J. O'Connor
    Telstar
  • Judson Mills (small)
    Judson Mills
    Dennis
  • Jordan Mott
    Carl
  • Darcas Macopson (small)
    Darcas Macopson
    Burke
  • Jim Grimshaw (small)
    Jim Grimshaw
    Deputy Pappas