A hard-hitting drama.

Rating: Null/10 (21 November 2004)

After viewing a few comments, I decided that I should add in my own opinion.
First of all, those who considered it to be a headache are probably correct in that sense, but that is only because it is thought provoking. One who does not immediately blow off one fact they don't quite understand will typically not enjoy the movie because they did not stick around thought-wise long enough to find out what really happened or what caused it.
As for the movie having seemingly 'nothing to do' with the Butterfly Effect theory, think of it as this. A butterfly is pure and doesn't do anything with crude intentions, and only lives it's life as it's supposed to. Evan, played by Ashton, as a normal boy trying to live his life and 'flap his wings' in his own accordance was enveloped by the 'wind', or hardships in his life, that caused an all out hurricane or chaotic future for him as well as others. Many think that the Chaos Theory should have more to do with all-around hardships that his actions would cause, like if he hadn't done this a war or huge conflict should've broken out world wide. Yet, every time he changed something, several lives were destroyed in the process. Call this a meager thing, but isn't the death or destruction of human life enough to be classified as a 'hurricane' in Evan's life? The actual Butterfly Effect theory in general is purely symbolism that takes at least a moments thought to conjure up.
As for the movie itself, I thought it was one of the best ones of the year. I'm not saying I'm much of an intellectual, but I enjoy thought provoking films that may take moments after the movie to come together completely. Many enjoyed the Sixth Sense, and it provoked thought towards the end about it's climax, and anyone who enjoyed loose ends being tied in such a manner would feel that emotion throughout Butterfly Effect. I'd have to say it is quite original in this sense and it makes you think about just what little act can cause a cataclysmic chain of events.
I would also like to comment that the acting by Ashton Kutcher was extremely impressive as he went from being a hit comedy actor to a purely dramatic actor. It may feel like a long shot from fans of his usual comedic work, but his performance was purely breathtaking.
It never hurts to take a chance and see what you can truly enjoy.