The Butterfly Effect

Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, Melora Walters, Eric Stoltz
Directed by: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber
Rating: R
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama
Box Office: $57,938,693
2004

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A college psychology student (Ashton Kutcher) with severe emotional problems stemming from childhood discovers that by reading his journals, he can travel back in time. He attempts to do so to prevent the darker parts of his childhood from occurring. However, with every trip back, he changes the present, each time making it worse and worse.

Review:

Tim: The Butterfly Effect marks the first real dramatic turn for normally comedic actor Ashton Kutcher. Everyone is familiar with his role on the television series, That 70's Show and his comedic acting in films like Dude, Where's My Car? and Just Married. With this film, he tries to shed that image in a dark and dramatic role. Surprisingly, he is pretty good in the film. I was a little amazed that he adapted to this kind of role so easily. It will be interesting to see if he tries this type of part in the future.

Amy Smart is decent, although I am not a big fan of hers at all. I didn't really enjoy her too much in this role, but the role itself is somewhat unenjoyable, so I understand. Whenever I see her on screen, it appears she is holding back or acting while half asleep. She just isn't too incredible here.

This film is not without it flaws, but it asks important questions and doesn't pull any punches when dealing with the more dramatic fare. At times the film is quite disturbing, but it is worth keeping your eyes open the entire time. Kutcher's childhood is especially traumatic and the effects his time travel have can be quite gruesome as well (especially the scene after the mailbox explosion). The main flaws of the film are just a few plot holes here and there and the occasional confusing or boring part.

I found it fascinating to see how going back in time and changing one thing can actually change so many others. This is among the best themes that the film addresses. I also really liked the explanation of what exactly the butterfly effect is. That was very interesting to me.

Perhaps the biggest fault I had with the film was that the whole going back in time thing is never really explained. I understand the difficulty in giving us an exact situation, but it nags on you throughout the film. I guess that is something that can just be overlooked, though.

The Butterfly Effect is a surprisingly good drama/thriller. The film is dark and disturbing and I applaud Kutcher for taking a chance with this movie. As it was also a commercial success, you can feel somewhat confident in your enjoyment of this film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Time Bandits, The Back to the Future Trilogy, Just Married, Dude, Where's My Car?