Tantalizing Thriller

Rating: 9/10 (17 February 2004)

I went to The Butterfly Effect suspicious that the some of the bad press the movie has gotten is because the press doesn't like Ashton Kutcher lately. He's too damn successful (like Martha Stewart in a way) and needs to be taken down.
Well, this movie had me glued to the screen for the 2 plus hours. I was so caught up in the tall tale that this film tells, that I was afraid I'd miss something. It's a film where you have to concentrate. You're a bit exhausted at the end.
The story could have been written by Edgar Allen Poe it is so twisted. Sure you can find plot holes in it, but frankly you can find and create plot holes in every movie ever made. If you're hooked by the story, than who cares! This story will hook you in 15 minutes!
Some have said Mr. Kutcher is miscast; that he's just a teen comedian trying to do something more serious; more artful. All I can say is that his performance is quite good, doesn't resort to easy histrionics, is believable and runs the gamut between a lot of different emotions. He's the genuine article and he exudes star quality. Other male stars of Kutcher's age would probably have done justice to the part, but Kutcher does everything required of the script and does it well. If you can't see that, than you must be jealous that he's dating Demi Moore!
The film is directed at a break neck pace and my interest became more intense as the Kutcher character undergoes all his "time reversals". The supporting cast is excellent, particular Amy Smart who is smart enough to go from sorority Girl to a hooker with complete conviction.
Yes, it's a bit like Memento, but a bit easier to follow and it has a definite conclusion that ties up all the ends.
Don't trust the national critics on this one. Great entertainment!