Very surprising - Kutcher can make decent films?!

Rating: 9/10 (10 April 2005)

And now, as a great man once said, for something completely different. Having seen the cast for The Butterfly Effect, I was rather reluctant to go and see it (Dude where's my car, Just Married, and the like i never saw as great cinema somehow!) but I was persuaded to watch it and am I glad I did! I was not expecting such an original and innovative film.
The basic premise is that Evan Treborn has had blackouts since he was young, and so has kept a diary to try and help him keep track. Years later when he's older he discovers that by re-reading the diary entries where he had blackouts he can return and fill in the gaps and attempt to change things - usually with unforeseen and some unfortunate consequences. As he shifts through alternative possible lives his situation radically changes, and he eventually he discovers that no matter what changes he makes to the timeline, it will cause devastating consequences for someone. The film is based on the philosophical premise that when a butterfly flaps its wings in New York, there's a thunderstorm in Tokyo, or some such thing, and it turns out to be a fascinating concept. This plot line leads to some superb unexpected and intriguing alternate realities, all very diverse, and make you wonder how things might have been different for you had you made some different choices.
Kutcher belies his previous work and proves he is an actor of some talent, and the supporting cast, including the beautiful Amy Smart (again with not very promising filmography - Road Trip anyone?) all prove their talent, as they in effect have to play a number of different characters - or at least the same basic characters but with radically different personalities.
The film keeps you guessing throughout and has some very surprising twists. It is a film I highly recommend watching, and even if you hate the usual Ashton Kutcher American Pie-type comedy, take heart for this is something completely different. It is worthy of buying but if possible try to get the Director's Cut. However, be warned - this Director's ending is rather grim and shocking, but somehow feels right in a weird sort of way, as it avoids the tired cliché Hollywood ending where it all turns out alright in the end. Overall an excellent and surprising film.