Creatively Answers One of Life's Biggest Questions

Rating: 8/10 (19 July 2005)

Everyone has that "big list" of questions about life in their minds. You know them - "why am I here?", "what happens when we die?", "what would happen if I never existed?" The Butterfly Effect answers one of the other great questions in life, "What if I could go back in time and fix that ONE thing that went wrong...?" That question is the main idea of the film. The story successfully transforms that question into a "tangible fantasy" of sorts - you know deep down that it could never happen, but the setup really draws you in.
Sure, there are a few loopholes, the biggest one being that Evan Treborn's diary entries stay the same even though he changes the past (another reviewer noticed this). But, the delivery and intensity of the performances in this movie make you completely forget that. You really become involved in the world made in the movie, and Ashton Kutcher's performance is emotional enough to really make you CARE about Evan, his family, and his love. The Director's Cut ending of the movie truly captures the sadness and depth of depression Evan feels for what he's done, in essence, for existing. It's a heavy flick. Don't watch it if you're looking for something to make you feel better.
Overall, this movie is entertaining and thought-provoking. It'll make you wonder if you would want to change your past...