The Butterfly Effect

The entire plot of this film revolves around the holes in the plot, and what we learn about each of them as the plot progresses. But it's the plot twists that'll get ya. Especially the one just as Ashton Kutcher's character begins to understand what's going on and goes to see the one person he should have seen at the beginning. Up until then, the film is interesting -- offbeat, structured to keep you guessing, and sparely written. Then, things start unraveling a bit too quickly and the film loses its shape as a consequence. What plot, you say? Kutcher plays a man who suffered from blackouts as a kid, and finds himself unable to retrieve these memories...until...well, you'll need to see the movie. Should you see the movie? The premise is somewhat unique, so it's a pity Kutcher doesn't hold his end up better. He's okay, but he pales in comparison to his younger co- stars who play him at age 7 and 13. Their range far surpasses his. It's a bit disturbing, and also a bit disturbing to hear such foul language from the mouth of babes. Granted, I watched the Director's Cut (because I couldn't get the theatrical version to load), so perhaps filmgoers experienced a more PG version. I hope so; jaded as I am, I was taken aback. Did I mention the flick is creepy, too? Not exactly horror-creepy (although there are some scary, somewhat bloody parts), but psychological-creepy. If you don't like your head messed with, don't watch this. If you do, watch Silence of the Lambs again.

year: 2004
length: 120 min.
rating: 2.0
IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0289879/combined