Link (1986)

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

An American student takes a summer job at a doctors cliff seaside house where he keeps apes, however, she finds herself trapped and in danger when one of the apes due for destruction turns bad.A young Elisabeth Shue as Jane Chase effectively carries the film along with the lead chimp Imp (Jed) and antagonist killer ape Link, played by Locke an Orangutan (dyed black). Terence Stamp's screen time is limited, however, he leaves as lasting impression as the cavalier Dr. Steven Phillip.The cliff-side house setting and locations give the film a distinctive atmosphere. Director Richard Franklin delivers plenty of ape action capturing both their intelligence and strength. There's a nice touch with an early intuitive computer which allows further communication between the apes and their human counterparts. This comes into play injecting anxiety into the closing act. The blood is limited and the body count is low. Franklin's focus is on Link as a thriller rather than a horror.Lapses in continuity (possibly due to cut scenes or editing) tarnishes some of Shue's reactions. The soundtrack is fitting but surprisingly Jerry Goldsmiths Gremiln-like score mars the atmosphere, dampening the much needed tension and suspense.What's impressive unintentionally or not is the ambiguity of writers Lee David Zlotoff, Tom Ackermann and Everett De Roche's offering, as it raise some questions around Links history, and the demise of Phillip and Imp's possible role. In addition, the ending has a satisfying subtle eerie visual twist that can be easily missed. Also to Franklin's credit the apes do their own performances, there doesn't appear to be any people in suits and made in 1986 it thankfully predates C.G.I. Overall Link is an effective enough thriller, recommended certainly for the apes and Shue's performance.

Although this was not academy award material,i thought 'link' was an enjoyable and educational movie. I saw this movie when i was 16 years old,and had no idea that chimpanzees were so strong. After watching the film, i studied a book at the library about them,and was amazed at the things they can do. Most people don't realize just how large they can be. Many chimpanzees in the zoo can weigh 175lbs as adults, which is the same as a human. They are over a foot shorter than we are, but they have denser bone and muscle,which makes them heavier. Interesting animals.

Director Richard Franklin is a bit of a Hitchcock borrower. He wrote and directed the sequel to Psycho, wrote and directed the Hitchcockian Road Games, and here he tries out a Hitchcock style thriller about a lone woman trapped in a maze-like mansion with danger round every corner. The thing which destroys this movie is that the danger in question is supplied by some scientifically tampered monkeys who live in the house, under the observation of scientist Terence Stamp.Monkeys? I hear you cry! Yes, monkeys! A bunch of psychotic chimpanzees are the principle bad guys in this film. At this point, you suddenly stop wondering what delightful Hitchcockian surprises director Franklin has up his sleeve, and you begin to try hard not to let laughter seize you. How can the film possibly hope to succeed with such an inane and insane plot? How can it hope to scare you witless with such cute and cuddly animals in the role of the villains? How can a talented director and stars be working on such a ludcrous project as this?The truth of the matter is that Link is a misjudgement by all concerned. It is Franklin's worst film, Shue's most embarrassing and Stamp's laziest ever performance. Still, at least the monkeys look cute and cuddly!

I loved the film Link. It's one of my favorite suspense films. I love it because of it's twists and turns. Plus because of it's great and amazing music score by Jerry Goldsmith. I also like Chimpanzees. I recommend it because it's one of my all time favorite suspense/horror films plus I own it and have seen it hundreds of times. I give it 2 thumbs up for acting and surprises along the way.