Very fine film, with a few flaws

Rating: 9/10 (13 March 2005)

Saw the film on disk last night, and must say I was pleasantly surprised. Clearly this story was given the green light after studio heads noticed how well Donnie Darko performed (eventualy). But in comparison, TBE is the lesser one. (spoilers start) For starters: the traumas and events portrayed are very simplistic. The reactions to the events being changed by Kutcher in the past are ludicrous. Hence: a young Kutcher telling his pedophile neighbor off in harsh words. Result: a stumbling pedophile and instantly cured and recovered!!! Also: the sadistic, almost Nazi-like little brother saves the woman and the baby. Result: he's seen the light and becomes a religious do-good-er!!!! These story-blibs make it a far less intelligent film as say Donnie Darko or Memento. But as for shear entertainment-value: it's great. The story unfolds nicely and if you don't think too hard about it it sort of makes sense. I saw the original ending, read about the DC ending. I must say both are pretty weak... It should have ended right after Kutcher is in the institute talking to his shrink who says: There are no journals, you've created a disease that isn't there! Brilliant ending and far more logical. (spoilers end)
But check it out anyway!
Bob