Strong effort

Rating: 8/10 (24 January 2004)

I can't understand all the negative reviews I've seen. Perhaps people are trying to appear sophisticated by tearing down Ashton Kutcher. Regardless, Kutcher has a very solid performance and proves he is not the one dimensional "Kelso" character (nothing wrong with Kelso either LOL)on TV. No point in going over the story except to say that the film really takes it's time to develop the story before really getting into the meat of it. Some criticize the second half (in comparison to the first) and don't like the way the sci-fi element is handled. I couldn't disagree more, I think the plot holds together very well and it's amusing and sad to watch the twists unfold. As for the movie being too dark, it is but it is written well and gives much more urgency to the story. The cinematography is nicely done and special effects are nicely restrained but effective. There are several enjoyable montages throughout. This film really resembles "The Lathe of Heaven" in that it examines similar territory. Viewers of "The Dead Zone" and "Donnie Darko" will see similarities. If you liked the ideas explored in the Butterfly Effect I highly recommend all of these features if you haven't already seen them.
WARNING SPOILER!
For Animal Lovers: Yes a dog (in some realities) is burned to death in this film. It is NEVER SHOWN! Only a brief scene before it happens and after wards. It is tastefully (no pun intended) done and shouldn't stop anyone from watching the film. In the end the dog survives the final reality so fear not! :) All the performances were solid in this movie although the only one that really stood out for me was the ultra-creepy Eric Stoltz as a pedophile. It really blows the nice guy image he has built up through the years. It was a gutsy move for Stoltz in a role that really wasn't that big. Ranks up there with Ted Danson in "Something About Amelia" and Gordon Jump (no not as Arthur Carlson on WKRP) but in a guest spot on Different Strokes. All leave a bad aftertaste but good acting.