A Fine Piece of Ash

Rating: Null/10 (23 January 2004)

All of life's mysteries are answered in the movies. That loosely paraphrased Steve Martin line has held true for me for many years. So, how many times have you thought about freezing a moment in your past, and changing it? Anyone who has seen "Back to the Future" knows that you cannot alter the space/time continum, but it still poses a great question. Moviegoers throughout the years would love to implement this tool. Imagine if you could go back to a point in time when you hadn't yet seen "Just Married" or "My Boss's Daughter" and saved yourself the agony. "The Butterfly Effect" is a whole 'nother can of larvae. The puzzle-like screenplay is top-notch. The weaving of the character's stories in various points of their lives is expertly crafted, and sometimes gutwrenching. Ashton Kutcher holds down the fort very nicely. It turns out he can do something besides scream really loud. He VERY toned down. It's the kind of career turn that he had to make,( if he wants to have a long career) and he does it nicely. He's got many more turns to make, but this is a great first one. Let's put it this way, he doesn't do anything to take away from the superb story. The screenplay is the real star of this film (although is is nice to see Eric Stolz is alive and well.) I was about ready to send out a search party for him and Spalding Gray. So, even if you hate Kutcher, this Ash has turned another cheek; and DUDE! is it SWEET!