Playing God has its consequences, which is the theme of the tricky time-travel shockfest THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT. J. Mackye Gruber and Eric Bress, who share writing and directing credits, make a splash with a gripping script that never fails to throw twists and loops into the plot. Both thematically and visually, the film is .. Read more
| Starring | Ashton Kutcher, Melora Walters, Amy Smart, Elden Henson |
|---|---|
| Director | Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber |
| Run time | 113 mins |
| Genres | Sci-Fi/Fantasy |
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Just Married and Dude, Where's My Car? goofball Ashton Kutcher takes on a more serious role in this ambitious supernatural thriller. Written and directed by Final Destination 2 scribes J Mackye Gruber and Eric Bress, it's based on the idea of chaos theory, which speculates that the smallest of events can have the hugest of consequences. In a plot that feels lifted from The Twilight Zone, Kutcher plays a troubled college student who discovers he has the ability to go back in time and re-write the past. Touching on provocative themes such as child abuse, disability and terminal illness, Gruber and Bress have created a powerful and disturbing tale. Despite being spoilt by a rushed and overly simplistic conclusion, it's surprisingly dark and adult for a Hollywood project. In contrast to his joker reputation, Kutcher delivers a strong and believable performance, though his co-stars, with the exception of a stomach-churningly good Eric Stoltz, are largely unremarkable.
Structured a little like one of those Russian dolls, with smaller dolls nested in one another, this needlessly complex thriller reveals a succession of its protagonist's differing memories until finally revealing that it is empty inside.
I urge you not to read the above plot of the film - I went to the cinema knowing nothing about the plot, and I'm sure this is the best way to see it.
It is an amazing, well-structured, original take on time travel, with a coherent and interesting plot with very dark overtones.
The only reason this film got such poor reviews on its release was due to its leading actor (I can't remember his name, that 'Dude Wheres My Car' guy) which critics love to hate. I'd never heard of him, but think he did a just fine job in the leading role! Its such a shame that this was generally over-looked at the cinema and such an original film was not rewarded.
I urge you to see this film - you must see it! One of the best time travel films of all time!
After seeing this film I would say it is now one of my favourites! With it's unique and unpredictable storyline, it kept me glued throughout. I watched the original with the controversial ending and admit I havn't yet seen the new ending but I thoroughly enjoyed this film and most certainly recommend it.
Nicole Kidman's latest offering has received studio backing, despite a growing furore. In the film "Birth" Kidman plays a widow who becomes convinced her late husband has been reincarnated and that his spirit dwells in a ten-year-old boy. In a scene dubbed "borderline disgusting" by some critics Kidman strips and bathes with the child. But New Line Cinema boss Mark Ordesky defended the scene stressing that the two do not make physical contact. "The scene was shot over... Read more