Rating: 
Summary: "The Butterfly Effect" takes flight
Review: A very interesting thriller that explores many of the same themes as the recent remake of "The Time Machine", in "The Butterfly Effect" Ashton Kutcher finds that he has the ability to travel back in time by essentially reliving his memories based on his journals. The problem is that whenever he makes any changes, there are always disasterous and unpredictable consequences of his alteration of the past (hence the relationship to "chaos theory" and the term "The Butterfly Effect", i.e., a butterfly taking flight can have a dynamic effect on weather conditions making complete prediction impossible). The film's dark vision doesn't make this light entertainment. Still, it's a very interesting and well made film that challenges the viewer's preconceptions. The kids cast in the film give strong, convincing performances. Ashton Kutcher does a solid job in his role as Evan "the time traveler" but he doesn't always have the dramatic depth to communicate everything he could. Still, he does an exceptional job with the skills he has to work with. He's proven that he can carry more than a comedy picture. Amy Smart, in particularly, plays a variation on the same character many, many times with major differences depending upon how the timeline was altered. I personally preferred the original theatrical ending. Why? Because creating hope out of hopelessness is an essential part of our humanity. The nilistic director's cut doesn't add anything and makes the character's sense of discovery worthless if there's no dramatic payoff that the audience can buy into. The infinifilm features on the DVD allow you to watch short commentaries,a breakdown of visual effects, alternate takes,storyboards, deleted scenes with and without commentary then return immediately to the film. While it doesn't provide as much depth as a series of featurettes (or director's commentaries), it provides a thumbnail sketch of how the film took shape. I'd be curious to hear the writers/directors take on the original ending vs. the theatrical cut. I won't say anything about the two except that one is more hopeful while the other is very, very dark. The latter ending made the film less pleasant for me. Sometimes the audience is right about the film and the artist wrong. In this case, I'd have to argue for watching the theatrical cut first and using the infinifilm feature to view the alternate, original ending of the film. It's the best way to gage them and compare them. The DVD picture quality is pretty good overall on this dual sided single layer disc. The sound quality was a bit problematic at times as the version I purchased had some problems with distortion (which has become more and more of a problem with DVDs now that more of them are being pressed). My only complaint (a minor one at that) is that there isn't a director's commentary track. "The Butterfly Effect" isn't a perfect thriller but it doesn't need to be; the questions it raises and the genuine suspense created by not knowing the outcome of each change in the past makes it an enjoyable film to watch. Yes, there's a lot of dark stuff that happens shaping the events in the lives of these kids but it that is the essence good drama.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Film---Believe It Or Not!
Review: The first time I ever saw Ashton Kutcher was the very first episode of "That '70's Show"---a show that I fell in love with right away. As it went on to become one of the best sitcoms in the past ten years, I at first saw star Topher Grace as becoming the superstar of the bunch. However, as the third season began, I began to realize that Ashton Kutcher was the valedictorian. As terminally clueless, and childishly impish, stoner Michael Kelso, the former straight-A college engineering student has created one of the most memorable sitcom characters of the modern television era. His impending superstardom seemed more & more destined to be. By the beginning of the year 2000, I was wondering when his first movie would come out. By the end of the year 2000, my question had been answered, though not my prayers. As Ashton's film career began with the incredibly unfunny DUDE, WHERE'S MY CAR?, I shook my head with disappointment at how the lowest-common-denominator mindset of Hollywood was going to drag him down along the forgotten road of Typecast Alley. I missed the few other comedies he did afterwards (TEXAS RANGERS--2001, JUST MARRIED, MY BOSS'S DAUGHTER--both 2003), but after viewing my DVD rental of THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT (2004) last week, I was disappointed no more. THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT shows the beginnings of Kutcher's hopefully-maturing career-turn as a real all-around actor. This isn't an Oscar-caliber performance, but he brings a real heart & soul to his portrayal of a young man whose future seems inexorably bound to his past---a past to which he discovers he can return at any time in order to affect his present. Evan tries to fix what went wrong in his life; however, in doing so he creates unintended consequences for himself and his beloved Kayleigh (a radiant Amy Smart, showing real depth of character here). This DVD shows both the original 113-minute Theatrical Version and the full 2-hour Director's Cut. I saw only the latter version, which is said to be the superior cut. I have not yet seen the original, so I am unable to compare the two versions. I will just say for now that the Director's Cut had a similar effect on me as the incredible Adrian Lyne-directed 1991 psycho-horror flick JACOB'S LADDER (1991): both films begin as strangely perplexing, but develop a strangely hypnotic and engrossing quality as well. As much as I wondered what the *beep* was going on, I just couldn't take my eyes off the bizarre action unwinding onscreen. And then *THE ENDING*---> Unexpectedly blindsiding, it pulls the previously indecipherable clues all together, and makes total sense out of senselessness, order out of chaos. Funny that the central theme of THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT *is* Chaos Theory! Although it displays some of the more unpleasant qualities of a conventional horror flick (foul-mouthed youngsters doing things they have no business in doing, cute dogs existing purely for the purpose of being sadistically put to death), there is no doubt that Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber---the co-writers and directors who had previously teamed up to write the 2002 chiller sequel FINAL DESTINATION 2---have crafted a truly original story that contains a deceptive amount of substance behind the blurry, slick style. Some people---especially kids, it seems---did not particularly like the Director's Cut ending. I say that this is the only true ending this story could have had. (It also serves my strongly-felt theory that movies like this are most decidedly not meant for kiddies.) It makes me all the more curious as to what alternative kind of ending was edited into the Theatrical Version in order to 'please' the audience (whatever it was, it sure didn't seem to please many). Well, it looks like I'll just have to purchase this loaded-with-extras DVD to find out. That's just fine with me, as the Director's Cut alone is worth the money! If you're like me and passed on seeing THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT during its theater run, take another look at it on DVD. It may just surprise you, too! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED; AGES 16 & UP
Rating:
Summary: Not for the squeamish but very provocative
Review: The Butterfly Effect is quite possibly the most provocative movie I have ever seen. After I saw it in the theatres, I couldn't stop thinking about its message for weeks. There are definitely some disturbing scenes, but the film is not intended to cheer you up or make you happy. Kutcher and Smart's characters are compelling in their own ways, and the rest of the cast seamlessly shifts from one alternate reality to another. The critics were very harsh on the film, making a big deal out of plot holes and flawed logic that you could find in every film of this genre. This is a movie where you must suspend your sense of logic and think about one of life's most fascinating questions - what if we had the power to "rewind" our lives and change something? How would it affect our future? I bought this DVD and just watched the Director's cut - the alternate ending is a little more sobering than the theatrical ending but makes just as much sense in the film. The DVD also has loads of special features including some short takes on chaos theory and time travel. I would recommend this movie for anyone who is looking for an intense, provocative sci-fi thriller.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie- I have answers
Review: I absolutely loved this movie and I think that anyone would enjoy it if they would just actually watch it. All those people that say it was a horrible movie because it doesn't make sense, are just flat out stupid.<br />It is called the butterfly effect because every little change he makes in his past has a devastating effect on his life and everyone around him. A butterfly flapping his wings, though very insignificant, can cause a typhoon in wherever. I'm not saying it's true, but that's the reason it's called the butterfly effect.<br />If your'e wondering why evan had the knife, Evan goes back in time to destroy the blockbuster, and he gets a knife. However, he drops it when his mom walks in the room, and is unable to destroy it. <br />When he is in the cell with carlos, and he goes back in time, he puts scars in his hands so carlos can see them. When he goes back in time and jabbs his hands into those two sharp things, it is not a big enough change to have that big of an effect on his life. His past is not changed and so everthing leading up to the jail still happened. The only difference is that now he has scars in his hands.<br />This movie is very violent but all of it's for a reason. The passion of the christ is has just as much gore if not more, and it really get's your attention. It gives the movie more emotion. It makes you think. I agree that this is not suitable for children, but this is a great movie. If you get a chance, i strongly suggest watching this movie.
Rating:
Summary: dont believe the lies!!!
Review: maaan, i am sooo tired of hearing critics talk bad about this movie like it was jus a piece of crap or somethin'...and i'm pissed that this movie didn't get nominated for one stupid award this year, even the MTV Movie Awards turned their back on this one...garbage, don't believe it...this movie was amazing, one of the best of its kind i've seen in soooo long, and is a beautiful piece of art...the colors used, transitions, every mood is set with sights and sounds to tantilize your intellect and emotional curiousity...i'm not gonna lie, there are some parts that are hard for the weak stomached or soft hearted to handle...some horrible things happen during this movie...and i would suggest not trying to figure stuff out because it will bug you and the story will reveal itself when the writer feels the time is appropriate...ashton kutcher gives a great performance, and truly proved that he's not jus a goofy guy...i don't care what they say, they are hatin' on a playah...its a good movie...look it's been months since i seen and i'm writin' a review this late jus sittin' back waitin for the DVD to come out....i don't buy alot of movies, because they bore me...i'm gonna buy this one because it'll be in rotation, no problem!!!
Rating:
Summary: An Unique Premise for an Unusual Sci-Fi film.
Review: A Young Man (Ashton Kutcher), who remembers that he had Black Outs in his life as a Boy and as a Teenager. But once, he starts reading his journal he wrote when he was younger thinking that it might help to jog his memory and unravel what's causing these blackouts. But once he starts to be curious of his forgotten moments in his life, He finds a wat to change it and he wakes up to a different reality and back. These changes in his life are for the worst. It countinues to go in and they bring him down. Written and Directed by Eric Bress and J.Mackye Gruber (Screen-writers of Final Desination 2) made an effective Sci/Fi Thriller that is Original and Shocking. This low-budget film turned out to be a Box Office Hit. Kutcher is surprisingly good in the lead role of Evan. Evan's mother in the film, played by Melora Walters (Magonlia) gives a terrific performance. The film also stars:Amy Smart, Elden Henson, Ethan Suplee, William Lee Scott and Eric Stoltz. Evan's role is also played by two different actors:Logan Lerman as a Boy and John Patrick Amedori as a Teenager. This film is Based on the Story by Ray Bradbury-"A Sound of Thunder", which is Uncredited but a real adapation of the same title story will be released in 2004 also. DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) transfer with an strong-Dolby Digital 5.1 Expanded Surround Sound. DVD also has Deleted Scenes, Featurettes, Alternate Endings and more. DVD also has a Director's Cut with the Original Ending (With a Audio Commentary by the Filmmakers and DTS 6.1 Expanded Surround Sound) The first half of the film is Strong but gets out of control in the second (Although it has a Stronger Ending in the Director's Cut). This will be a Cult Classic, the Film is about a Mind-Bending Trip through Time. A very good movie. Grade:A-.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies i've ever seen!!!!
Review: When i first watched this movie, i thought that it would be a so so movie or like some would say.. a mediocre movie. However from the time i put the movie on, i couldn't stop watching it, at the time of watching it it doesn't seem like such a great movie, but after it s over and you start to reflect about it and think of the possibilities that if it happened in real life it would be somewhat similar. If you start to think of the little details about the movie and most of the details connect( like how during his childhood he's having those black outs setting the opportunity for him to go back in time and figure out what happened during that time). It is really a good movie if you give it the chance, nice story line, good actors. To make it easier on everyone, i m going to say it like this... if you like movies about time travel or the philosophy of changing ones past and future, then this is the movie for you, if you re just an action junkie, you will probably not like it.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie... dark, funny, and ironic.
Review: This movie has got to be the best film of Ashton Cutcher's career! (OK that does'nt say much but I have to give him props to a great screen performance for this one!!).
I watched this movie not expecting much, but it ended up being a film that actually made me think philosophically about life and those "what if" possibilities. Although the film is at times can be a bit poor, it was overall a great film! I thuroughly enoyed this movie and I liked that fact that it had a lot of dark irony it and is'nt a "happy go lucky"-type film. So many people wrote bad reviews because they can't handle this type of film. If you can't handle a dark, some what demented film than go see Independence Day or something....
I would definitely watch this one again... if you liked Donnie Darko, American Psycho, Punch Drunk Love, you would probably
Rating:
Summary: Man is troubled by memories of his past.
Review: When I saw the theatrical movie preview of this film in Cinemark 22, I thought it would be interesting to see. When the movie came out, with the help of a good publicist, managers and agent, suddenly the name "Ashton Kutcher" was everywhere on television. Of course we know him from "The 70's Show" tv series, but everyday on tabloid television we heard about Ashton Kutcher. Then when we saw him with his girlfriend, well that was the top of the cake. More publicity. The only way Kutcher got knocked out of the news was when it was announced (Pardon me for saying this. This is quite a shock) Chris Rock was going to host the 77th Academy Awards.
After recovering from that, I put off seeing this film and waited months before I finally decided it was time to see it on DVD. "Additional Scenes" and both versions theatrical and "Director's Cut" on one disc peaked my interest.
Evan (Logan Lerman) has had some real horrifing things happen in his young life so far. He visits his real father who is in a psycho ward. The visit starts normal, but suddenly when he opens his eyes, he sees his father trying to ring his neck in full anger.
The neighbor kids are with Evan (John Patrick Amedori). They want to blow up a mailbox with an explosive. They wait for the explosion. When Evan comes to, he someone is in the woods. Evan has blackouts. He doesn't know what has just happened. he keeps a diary of his blackouts. Nobody will tell him what has happened while he is out, so he still doesn't know. It bothers him. A solution to the problem, him and his parents move away.
Now in college, Evan (Ashton Kutcher) hasn't had a blackout in seven years. A date finds his diary and he begins to read it. Suddenly the horrible memories come back to him. He now knows how he blacked-out and the lost memories are now returning much to his horror. He goes back to his old hometown to get answers with some horrifing effects.
This DVD version gives you the chance to see the "theatrical version" or the "Director's Cut" version with a different ending.
"Infinifilm" can be chosen to play during either versions while you watch the film, deleted scenes, casting, storyboards and alternate scenes.
The theatrical version and ending is better. Ashton Kutcher is Executive Producer of this film.
Rating:
Summary: SEE IT !!
Review: Well, I mean Oh my God, I just finished to watch it and this is certainly not Your average movie - this is not something for Your friday evening date. This is a dark, difficult and sometimes very shocking movie, full of sadness and suffering. DO NOT BELIEVE the regular press reviews! Watch it and make up Your mind. You can love it (like me) or hate it, but believe me, You will not be bored - and You will NOT forget it easily. And I really hope to see Aston Kuchner and Amy Smart in more movies. I shall watch their careers with great interest.
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