Taxing but Worthwhile

Rating: Null/10 (4 September 2004)

I saw this movie with little expectation. Judging Ashton Kutcher's past roles I did not really think he could 'act' as such, but rather just look goofy and make funny sounds. This movie has changed my view on Kutcher, as he does a fantastic job in portraying his character Evan. The Butterfly Effect is not a movie to watch merely to forget about one's week for 2 hours as it deals with many confronting things- incest, pedophilia, violence, drugs... the list goes on. The movie will leave you emotionally exhausted as you ponder what it means. The idea behind the chaos theory is illustrated very well throughout the movie, as we are shown Evan's transition from each life he lives. Whatever he changes in his past will change his future dramatically. Ashton's change from character to character is almost heart-rending, as he finds that what at first is sweet always turns sour somehow. He must choose who will pay for anothers happiness. With a very deep message played throughout the movie, viewers must question the themes brought up. What is so impacting about this movie is the fact that everyone would have wished at some stage or other to change their pasts, be it in a big or small way. I gave Ashton Kutcher a chance to show he can act- his abilities blew me away. I was skeptical when I walked into the theatre, but Kutcher did not disappoint, moving from his 'Dude Where's my Car' shallowness, into a deep, tortured and moving role. This movie is emotionally taxing, leaving a mark on the viewer for several days afterwards. A heartbreaking story is The Butterfly Effect, and because it questions the meaning of life, the importance of tiny events- it is very taxing, emotionally especially because you will walk out of the theatre with numbed consciousness and tears in your eyes, conscious of how your every action has concequences, along with considering your course of action were you in Evan's position See this movie- even if you are skeptical about Kutcher, give him a chance, it is very much worth it.