Perfect for any Choose Your Own Adventure fan

Rating: 9/10 (15 October 2008)

When this movie came out I thought it sounded like something I would really enjoy, but after reading all the negative reviews I decided not to go see it. I finally decided to watch it recently when it was shown on TV - no commitment if I didn't like it. I think the critics were very unfair - it had me hooked from the very beginning! Sure, the acting is only mediocre, and there are probably plot holes a mile wide, but overall I think the film really delivered on the theme. The story itself was so interesting it was easy to overlook issues I had with individual performers. The beginning reality is not a particularly happy one, and it is so satisfying to see a character be able to go back and change things and see how the new reality plays out. You can share Evan's frustration that no matter how hard he tries to make things better, there always seems to be an unintended consequence. The way things play out is not always believable (can one event really have such a drastic change on someone's personality?) but I think it was necessary to exaggerate the details for the sake of the plot and it makes for entertaining viewing. The frustration is not total or despairing - there is always hope that next time he will get it right. I found the ending supremely satisfying and philosophical. Does perfection exist? Is self-sacrifice rewarded? Are some people better for never having met? Are some people doomed to misery no matter what they do? This movie will definitely leave you thinking! If you grew up reading Choose Your Own Adventure novels using all 10 fingers as bookmarks (so you could follow stories back and see the different ways they could play out) I guarantee you will enjoy this film!