THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

[thompsoncory]

"Change one thing. Change everything."

http://joblo.com/upcomingmovies/2004/posters/images/posterbutterflyeffect.jpg

Plot Summary: Evan (Ashton Kutcher) is struggling to get over the painful death of his former fiancee (Amy Smart), but while doing so discovers a technique that allows him to travel back in time and occupy his childhood body changing his history forever. But what he doesn't realize is that every change he makes effects something else in time, mostly for the worse.

Written & Directed by: Eric Bress (Final Destination 2), J. Mackye Gruber (Final Destination 2)

Starring: Ashton Kutcher (Just Married), Amy Smart (Road Trip), Ethan Suplee (Cold Mountain), Elden Henson (The Battle Of Shaker Heights), Eric Stoltz (The Rules Of Attraction), Melora Walters (Matchstick Men), William Lee Scott (Pearl Harbor)

Rated: R (for violence, language, sexual content, and brief drug use)

Running Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Release Date: January 23rd, 2004

---------

This looks good and entertaining. I will see this.

[HHH123007]

I'm torn on this....on one hand I think it will be lame, on the other I think it could be entertaining.

I'll see it and find out.

[Mike]

I saw the trailer before The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It looks decent. Although they shouldn't be showing that rather large goth wannabe gentlemen who used to be on Boy Meets World in the TV spots, they might scare people off ;). He looks so lame in this movie, it's like they're using him to try and look "scary." Yes, he does look scary, but in a "Oh my god he looks so lame" way.

I'll see this on video. I'm not interested enough to waste my time on it in theaters. I do like Amy Smart though, but I can't say the same for Kutcher.

[HHH123007]

Originally posted by Mike
Although they shouldn't be showing that rather large goth wannabe gentlemen who used to be on Boy Meets World in the TV spots, they might scare people off ;). He looks so lame in this movie, it's like they're using him to try and look "scary." Yes, he does look scary, but in a "Oh my god he looks so lame" way.

I think they're trying to capitalize on the "Mallrats audience"....;)

[Fisting Ackbar]

I'd be more interested in this if it wasn't for PUNK'D boy

[Mike]

Originally posted by HHH123007
I think they're trying to capitalize on the "Mallrats audience"....;)

LOL!

[max]

I never have and never will see an Ashton Kutcher movie. He's got even less talent than his girlfriend.

[chinton]

Ill go see the movie. Number one because it looks good and number two as protest against the I-Hate-Kutcher bandwagon. I think hes a great comedian and frankly Im not judging him on his dramatic ability. Hell I use to think Atkinson couldnt do anything else than play Bean Then i saw Blackadder. im not falling in to the Kutcher hating trip.

[AceD]

Right on, chinton. I'm not sure what Kutcher has done to make so many people on these boards hate him. His best friend is P. Diddy, he has essentially defined a whole new style that millions of teenagers and college-aged guys have copied, and the guy is genunily funny.

And what's with the whole "Punk'd has gone to far" thread?? The people who he's actually "punking" don't seem to mind too much, why does everyone else think it crosses the line? Two of the funnier punkings were Outkast and Justin Timberlake, arguably the two most popular artists right now. They all seemed to have fun with it once they found out it was a joke.

[Tuukka]

This film has been having GREAT buzz from test screenings. There are at least 10 reviews so far around the net. The general verdict is that both the film and Kutcher are far better than anyone could have expected.

I'm very interested to see it. It's supposed to be a dark, smart, fucked up movie.

There is just one thing I'm wondering about: Apparently there was some battle between the director and the studio about which one of the two alternative endings they were going to use. I have no idea how that battle ended. I think the director wanted a rather downbeat ending.

[BorderEevilIII]

Hip version of Guy Pearce in Time Machine? Movie looks interesting.... At least I gotta give Ashton credit for stepping out of the box from his usual (Dude Where's My Car, Just Married etc.) roles. But will the movie itself payoff when it comes out?

[HHH123007]

Originally posted by Tuukka
There is just one thing I'm wondering about: Apparently there was some battle between the director and the studio about which one of the two alternative endings they were going to use. I have no idea how that battle ended. I think the director wanted a rather downbeat ending.

Sounds like it will be another 28 Days Later situation...:(

[DareDevil]

i remember this playen some festival last year and it got really good word of mouth....

i will check it out, it looked good, but i think it could be like dragonfly

[Scarface98.9]

Originally posted by max
I never have and never will see an Ashton Kutcher movie. He's got even less talent than his girlfriend.
Ok, but if you've never seen an Ashton Kutcher movie, how do you know he has less talent than Moore? If you're judging based on That 70's Show, I wouldn't recommend doing so, since playing one character doesn't mean it's the only role you can play.

As for me, if it plays near, I'll probably see the movie. It looks interesting, even though it feels like they're spoiling too much in the preview

[KiddReign2]

I didn't wanna see this. I thought the trailer made it look aweful, like another time traveling film. I'm a huge fan of Amy Smart (she's got the cute/hot thing going, I dig that, bad!) But can Ashton pull of serious? I mean he basically plays himself on That 70's Show (which is why the show is so funny). Then I read a review of the film and was shocked. This was compared to DONNIE DARKO. (ARE YOU KIDDING? DONNIE DARKO?!!) Now I have to see this!

[chans]

http://www.fangoria.com/news_article.php?id=1841
January 11: Directors talk BUTTERFLY EFFECT: DIRECTOR'S CUT

FANGORIA caught up with the writer/directors of the new paranormal thriller BUTTERFLY EFFECT, Eric Bress and J. MacKye Gruber (who last wrote FINAL DESTINATION II), this weekend to talk about the alleged "director's cut" of the movie, which promises to be even more controversial than the theatrical version. Though BUTTERFLY EFFECT (which opens January 23) covers issues such as animal cruelty, pedophilia, drug abuse and murder, the different ending of the "director's cut" and another five scenes that will be added are supposedly even more disturbing.

"We realized that our ending was way too controversial and freaky to be in any sort of theatrical release, and we want this to make money, too," jokes Bress. "It really hasn't been tested in front of an audience. If we'd had more time to solidify the special effects involved with the ending, we would've had that opportunity, but because we were in such a time crunch to finish the real movie and not be too concerned about these extra scenes that may or may not ever show up; we really just didn't have that opportunity. New Line was amazing in that the whole time, we were first-time directors and not only could we have the ending on the DVD, but we could make it so it won't be just a bunch of deleted scenes and an explanation of where they go—we put the actual two-hour experience on there. They were amazing in letting us do that."

In their seven-year struggle to get BUTTERFLY EFFECT up and running, it was the ending of the movie that always gave the filmmakers their biggest headaches with the studios. But with New Line, a longtime maker of horror whose current prominence owes a lot to the success of the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET franchise, Gruber and Bress were thrilled when the studio said yes, despite never believing they'd get to present their original conclusion.

"We always felt that at least everybody wanted us to shoot our ending, because that was part of the back-and-forth," Gruber explains. "That was one of the problems over the years—the ending. Everybody thought it was amazing, but they didn't know a mass audiences would take it. But we got the opportunity and thank God for DVDs, because the theatrical ending is great and thematically, our [original] ending and that one are the same—it's just how we go about it. It's crazy, and it'll blow your minds."

[Moviefan1234]

This looks interesting, and I'd like to see it. If the rumors are true, and Kutcher can act, some of you need to reevaluate your bashing of him.

[max]

Ok, but if you've never seen an Ashton Kutcher movie, how do you know he has less talent than Moore?

I've seen trailers and clips for his movies, and that's all I have to see to know the guy can't act. Wasn't there a rumor circulating around that Cameron Crowe or some other accomplished director fired him and told him to take acting lessons because he sucked during rehearsals? Rumor or not, I'm not surprised. Anyway, if I do check out BUTTERFLY EFFECT, it would be because of Amy Smart. There's something about her.

[Moviefan1234]

Originally posted by max
Wasn't there a rumor circulating around that Cameron Crowe or some other accomplished director fired him and told him to take acting lessons because he sucked during rehearsals? Rumor or not, I'm not surprised.

That's been proven false. It conflicted with his schedule when filming got pushed back.

[Strider]

Unless a read or hear some great reviews for this film, I probably will not be seeing this film in the theaters. First off, I didn't particularly care for the trailer, although Staind's "It's Been Awhile" was a nice touch. Second, Ashton Kutcher in a dramatic role? No, I can't buy it, not in the slightest. I'll be expecting the film to turn into a comedy in its last moments, and then Kutcher will show up and tell us all that we got "Punk'd". Third, and lastly, "The Butterfly Effect" looks much too like a combination of other films, most notably "Donnie Darko". Anyway, my mind isn't completely made up, but I want to see how the reviews are like first.

Strider

[Scarface98.9]

Originally posted by max
I've seen trailers and clips for his movies, and that's all I have to see to know the guy can't act. Wasn't there a rumor circulating around that Cameron Crowe or some other accomplished director fired him and told him to take acting lessons because he sucked during rehearsals? Rumor or not, I'm not surprised. Anyway, if I do check out BUTTERFLY EFFECT, it would be because of Amy Smart. There's something about her.
Last I heard, it was false, or at least not completely true. And frankly, not ever wanting to see a movie by an actor just because of some clips and a few trailers doesn't mean they're bad actors. I remember laughing hysterically at Russel Crowe's performance in the trailer for A Beautiful Mind, then after seeing it, thinking it was the best part of the movie. (cue reaction from max about ABM being bad)

[EDsoulsurvive*]

i think this movie looks awesome, and alot more, um... weird, than the previews make it look. I can't wait, my dad has also shown his interest in it so I shouldnt hav a problme getting in.

As for Kutcher, i love him on That 70s Show, but i feel he's kinda over exposed and those punk'd commercials and the way he acts on the show itself is so annoying. Botton line tho, as an actor i have nothing against him.

[TheElephants]

AW HELL YEAH!

This is one of my more anticpated movies of the year, mainly because I want to see if Mr. Demi Moore can actually pull off a serious role. Even besides that, the movie looks really good(thank god for the great trailer) and I will hopefully get to see it on opening weekend.

And even if I don't, i'll see it eventually. ;)

[JCPhoenix]

can't wait for this...on one hand it's had some mixed reviews for the theatrical cut (but mainly extremely positive...the other ones are extremely negative, it seems to be alove it or hate it movie) and on the other the director's cut has gotten extremely positive reviews so far (i haven't seen a negative review for the director's cut yet, but i've only found 3 reviews of the director's cut).

in any case, it looks like a total mindfuck which i always love. and like i said in the other thread, if the theatrical ending sucks, i'll still check out the director's cut just to see what that's like whenever it comes out on dvd.

[thompsoncory]

I don't know why, but I really don't want this movie to do well, even though I wouldn't be totally opposed to seeing it. I REALLY want Win A Date With Tad Hamilton to take the top spot next weekend, so if this opens with around $12 million or less it would be OK with me. At least it won't underperform like My Boss's Daughter (which actually DID make its budget back).

[TheGodSon]

Originally posted by JoBlo on the front page....
It’s actually pretty damn good! Ashton Kutcher takes a long-overdue leap into the art of acting, and the movie is a rock-solid little Twilight Zone-y sorta mindbender. Good stuff.

I guess that means JoBlo has seen it and thought it was pretty good.

[Tuukka]

It's shame that the original script was too extreme for the studio.

Anyone remember Se7en? Fincher and Pitt had to fight the studio a LOT to keep the ending instead of the happy one the studio wanted. And just look how much the ending damaged that film... 335 million worldwide and the ending was an important part of the success of the film.

However, if the ending for Butterfly Effect is loyal to the thematic content of the original ending, it's not so bad. And director seems happy with the theatrical version as well, which is a good sign.

I was fearing that the theatrical edition might have an ending which would not ring true to the story which comes before it, but apparently this is not the case.

I'm eagerly looking forward to this...

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by chans
http://www.fangoria.com/news_article.php?id=1841
January 11: Directors talk BUTTERFLY EFFECT: DIRECTOR'S CUT

FANGORIA caught up with the writer/directors of the new paranormal thriller BUTTERFLY EFFECT, Eric Bress and J. MacKye Gruber (who last wrote FINAL DESTINATION II), this weekend to talk about the alleged "director's cut" of the movie, which promises to be even more controversial than the theatrical version. Though BUTTERFLY EFFECT (which opens January 23) covers issues such as animal cruelty, pedophilia, drug abuse and murder, the different ending of the "director's cut" and another five scenes that will be added are supposedly even more disturbing.

"We realized that our ending was way too controversial and freaky to be in any sort of theatrical release, and we want this to make money, too," jokes Bress. "It really hasn't been tested in front of an audience. If we'd had more time to solidify the special effects involved with the ending, we would've had that opportunity, but because we were in such a time crunch to finish the real movie and not be too concerned about these extra scenes that may or may not ever show up; we really just didn't have that opportunity. New Line was amazing in that the whole time, we were first-time directors and not only could we have the ending on the DVD, but we could make it so it won't be just a bunch of deleted scenes and an explanation of where they go—we put the actual two-hour experience on there. They were amazing in letting us do that."

In their seven-year struggle to get BUTTERFLY EFFECT up and running, it was the ending of the movie that always gave the filmmakers their biggest headaches with the studios. But with New Line, a longtime maker of horror whose current prominence owes a lot to the success of the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET franchise, Gruber and Bress were thrilled when the studio said yes, despite never believing they'd get to present their original conclusion.

"We always felt that at least everybody wanted us to shoot our ending, because that was part of the back-and-forth," Gruber explains. "That was one of the problems over the years—the ending. Everybody thought it was amazing, but they didn't know a mass audiences would take it. But we got the opportunity and thank God for DVDs, because the theatrical ending is great and thematically, our [original] ending and that one are the same—it's just how we go about it. It's crazy, and it'll blow your minds."

RE:

Thanks for the heads up. I tried to find info about this, but with no success.

[Fisting Ackbar]

Originally posted by Tuukka
It's shame that the original script was too extreme for the studio.

Anyone remember Se7en? Fincher and Pitt had to fight the studio a LOT to keep the ending instead of the happy one the studio wanted. And just look how much the ending damaged that film... 335 million worldwide and the ending was an important part of the success of the film.


Funny how both were/are from the same studio...

[Mike]

Whoa, that sounds cool about the Director's Cut. I just hope they actually go through with releasing it like that on DVD. Man, maybe this will be good afterall. I must admit, my interest has grown with hearing from schmoes that it's actually gotten some really good reviews.

[chinton]

PARK CITY -- Latching on to an absolutely preposterous premise about alternate realities and mysterious mental maladies, the writing-directing team of Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber manufacture an entertaining piece of supernatural nonsense whose sheer audacity disarms all (well, nearly all) skepticism. The only downside to the outrageous story line is the filmmakers' exploitation of extreme criminal behavior, ranging from kiddie porn and pedophilia to animal torture and beatings with baseball bats.

The presence of Ashton Kutcher, who exec produces, ensures solid opening-weekend grosses, but what his fan base will make of this weird melodrama is hard to predict. Certainly, "The Butterfly Effect" goes in the opposite direction of his first two film vehicles, "Dude, Where's My Car?" and "Just Married."

Kutcher's Evan Treborn has many missing gaps in his past, blackouts he experiences from an early age where he is unable to recall traumatic events. While brain scans show no abnormalities, his mother (Melora Walters) worries desperately because his father, long ago locked up in a loony bin, experienced similar mental black holes.

A psychologist (Nathaniel Deveaux) suggests that he keep a diary detailing his daily life. In college years later, he happens upon these notebooks and reads a passage. Suddenly, Evan is thrust back in time, reliving an event his mind refused to record. Back in the present and with a nosebleed to show for his time travel, Evan realizes that these blackouts are a kind of bookmark to which he can travel back whenever he reads a passage leading up to an unremembered event.

Inhabiting his childhood body, Evan finds he is able to alter these terrible events and thereby undo the damage done not only to himself but to his childhood sweetheart Kayleigh (Amy Smart), her brother Tommy (William Lee Scott) and a neighborhood buddy, Lenny (Elden Henson). The root of all evil here is Kayleigh and Tommy's abusive father (Eric Stoltz). By altering these past incidents, however, Evan returns to a vastly changed present. And each time he thinks he has altered everyone's life for the better, he discovers that he has made some things worse.

There is sly comedy in the idea that altering one event will transform Kayleigh from a bubbly sorority girl to a drug-addicted whore. Or change Tommy from a psycho ex-con to a heroic frat boy. Or transfigure Lenny from a fat, institutionalized killer to a slim and bright student.

Evan himself doesn't change that much other than his choice in wardrobe and roommates. He remains a guy driving himself crazy by trying to create a happy ending but getting outsmarted by uncontrollable chains of events.

Kutcher makes the incredible credible by approaching each of his altered roles with realistic acting. Ditto the rest of the cast, who anchor the wacky transformations with thoroughly believable and engaging performances. Just as the best comedy is delivered with a straight face, the best melodrama is executed with passion and conviction.

In their second feature effect, Bress and Gruber show a flair for the dramatic and the smarts to make the preposterous provocative. Their production team goes for horror-film flourishes such as Michael Suby's nerve-jangling score and Matthew F. Leonetti's dynamic cinematography. Production and costume designers Douglas Higgins and Carla Hetland have a field day creating alternate realities utilizing the same basic locations and sets.

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT
New Line Cinema
A Benderspink/FilmEngine productionin association with Katalyst
Credits:
Writer-directors: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber
Producers: Chris Bender, A.J. Dix, Anthony Rhulen, JC Spink
Executive producers: Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener, Cale Boyter, William Shively, David Krintzman, Jason Goldberg, Ashton Kutcher
Director of photography: Matthew F. Leonetti
Production designer: Douglas Higgins
Music: Michael Suby
Co-producer: Lisa Richardson
Costume designer: Carla Hetland
Editor: Peter Amundson
Cast:
Evan Treborn: Ashton Kutcher
Kayleigh Miller: Amy Smart
George Miller: Eric Stoltz
Tommy Miller: William Lee Scott
Lenny Kagan: Elden Henson
Thumper: Ethan Suplee
Andrea Treborn: Melora Walters
Dr. Renfield: Nathaniel Deveaux
Running time 113 -- minutes
MPAA rating: R

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
Copyright 2004 The Hollywood Reporter





















Holy crap Hollywood Reporter liked a science fiction/horror film. i thought that would never happen. Although whats with finding alternate realities preposterous. Its Science Fiction!!! What hell??!!!

[Mike]

This might sound lame of me but I hope the animal violence isn't too harsh.

[chinton]

me too. I love doggies!

[thompsoncory]

I've decided I will see it next weekend, but I REALLY (now more than ever) hope that it won't get the number one spot, and that it will go to Tad Hamilton, a fantastic teen film that I had the pleasure of seeing today.

[Ed Wood]

It looks like a cheap adaptation of the novel Replay.

[JCPhoenix]

REVIEWS OF THE FILM

---you can download all the reviews in the attached file below.

EP= Extremely positive
EN= Extremely negative

-There were no mixed reviews. People either enjoyed it or didn't.
-Two of the negative reviews seem to be purely negative because of how disturbing the film is (since it apparently deals with rape, kiddie porn, etc) and really didn't discuss the other aspects besides ranting on about how disgusting the movie was
-Found one review of the director's cut (which will be on the dvd with a different ending), very positive (included)
-Five of the positive reviews were from the IMDb + it's message boards
-One positive review from Greg's Previews (he reviews the film) at upcomingmovies.com
-Several positive and negative reviews from Aint it Cool News, a couple from test screenings, one by a regular contributor to the site, Quint (who rates it positively)

ALL REVIEWS:
EP-4
P-8
N-2
EN-2

Excluding IMDb:
EP-2
P-4
N-2
EN-2

Overall, because two of the negative reviews were just horrified solely because of the issues the film deals with, and another is from a critic i consider extremely and solely into art films, I think that the buzz is generally almost entirely positive. But even with the negative reviews taken into account, it still has relatively positive buzz with 12 positive reviews to 4 negatives (and even when eliminating more unreliable sources like the IMDb, it'd still be 7 positive reviews to 4 negative).

I'm definitely going to see this movie. It looks fantastic to me and I can't wait. I compiled this mainly because I was bored and had nothing else to do so I decided to try and figure out what the buzz was on the film. All the reviews except for the HOllywood Reporter review are included in the attached file.

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by Ed Wood
It looks like a cheap adaptation of the novel Replay.

RE:

Althought there are some similarities with Replay, the basic idea of going back in time and changing the "future" has been so many times in different books, movies, comics and TV-series, that I can't really see how this is an adaptation of that particular novel.

This whole sub-genre of scifi started ages ago. Bradbury's "Sound Of Thunder" is one classic title which comes to mind, written almost 50 years before Replay.

[Joemovie]

The trailer to this film pretty much turned me off to it, but after reading some of the reviews and how graphic it apparently is, I might be willing to give this a chance...Maybe not in theaters, unless I have to review it for the school paper, but I'll definitely get the DVD for that director's cut...Sounds like some interesting stuff...

[Scarface98.9]

Originally posted by Mike
This might sound lame of me but I hope the animal violence isn't too harsh.
I doubt it'll be too harsh. At least none moreso than the cruel animal violence from May

[max]

Last I heard, it was false, or at least not completely true. And frankly, not ever wanting to see a movie by an actor just because of some clips and a few trailers doesn't mean they're bad actors. I remember laughing hysterically at Russel Crowe's performance in the trailer for A Beautiful Mind, then after seeing it, thinking it was the best part of the movie. (cue reaction from max about ABM being bad)

Didn't get the same reaction as you from watching the trailer for A BEAUTIFUL MIND. But I agree with you that the performances ended up being the best part of the movie. However, I did smirk and wanted to laugh during the trailer for BUTTERFLY EFFECT. Aston Kutcher's performance looks extremely amateurish. I would have to read favorable reviews from my favorite critics to want to see this movie.

[JCPhoenix]

MORE REVIEWS IN FOR BUTTERFLY EFFECT:

-AICN: 2 positive, 1 mixed.
-www.moovees.com: 1 mixed
-Frank's Reel Reviews: 1 negative
-Movie Gurus: 1 extremely negative
-Bikkit.com: 1 negative
-eFilmCritic: 1 positive, 1 mixed
-Review to a Kill: 1 extremely positive
-IMDb: 3 positive

The tally as it stands now is:
ALL REVIEWS:
Extremely Positive-4
Positive-7
Mixed-3
Negative-4
Extremely Negative-3

Total:
11 positive
3 mixed
7 negative.

So a mixed/positive reaction to the film so far.

The IMDb comments (and reviews on messageboard) have so far been all positive. 1 Extremely Positive, 6 positive. If you include those as well then the tally is

17 positive
3 mixed
7 negative

a lot better in butterfly effect's favor.


And some comments so far from the eFilmCritic site (no i didn't include these in my tallies):

jimmy-much better than i expected. hardly an award winner, but entertaining for sure-Worth a look
Betty White-Silly, unbelievable, badly acted film; Kutcher should retire already.-Total Crap
Tommy Bee-It was good, it was better then I thought it would be.-Awesome
Jeff Marlboro-I liked it! I too was expecting Kutcher to suck but he did a solid, unexpected job here.-Worth a Look

[Strider]

Well, I believe I've just changed my mind about the film. One of my favorite movie critics, James Berardinelli, reviewed the film today, and gave it a surprising 3/4 star grade. He said the film was like an episode of "The Twilight Zone", and that pretty much does it for me. I absolutely love "The Twilight Zone", and if Berardinelli says "The Butterfly Effect" is just like that, you can count that I'll take his word for it and see the film. So, it looks like a may see "The Butterfly Effect" in theaters after all....

Strider

[MadsenOMC]

Initially I assumed this would suck. The long delay in the release date, a January release, Ashton Kutcher in a serious role, etc. But most people seem to be pleasantly surprised by it, and as long as you don't think about it, it might be pretty damn good. What does annoy me is the fact that they are already talking about the director's cut DVD, which will include an alternate ending that was deemed "too dark." One thing everyone seems to agree on is that the ending is weak and doesn't live up to what comes before it. That coupled with talk of a different, darker ending on the DVD is disappointing. Makes me think that the filmmaker's like that one more and want people to know it will be on the DVD. Either way, I'll be cautiously optimistic before seeing this over the weekend. I still think Kutcher sucks though.

[Fisting Ackbar]

The good reviews are also making me more excited, but I might as well wait till the Director's Cut comes out on DVD instead of seeing a supposively inferior version on the big screen.

[Ferriman's Girl]

I might see this because it's a thriller, and I'm curious to see if Ashton can pull of a dramatic role.

He's not my favorite actor in the world and personally, I find him annoying, although Punk'd is an enjoyable show!

We'll just have to wait and see I suppose.

[Joemovie]

Looks like I'll be seeing this on Friday/Saturday after all...My editor asked me if I wanted to review it, I figured why not...Nothing else is really opening this week...And I'm also reviewing the Big Bounce next week...

[JoBlo]

I saw it yesterday and really liked it. My favorite film of the year so far (which isn't saying much, I know) An original story, quite dark and an impressive turn by Kutcher.

[Jon Lyrik]

Originally posted by JoBlo
I saw it yesterday and really liked it. My favorite film of the year so far (which isn't saying much, I know) An original story, quite dark and an impressive turn by Kutcher.

Been hearing quite a bit of positive stuff about it. Might see it in February.

[Benny]

My local paper gave it 1 star.

Ouch!

[The Other]

I'm actually looking forward to it now after having read JoBlo's review.

[max]

I'm actually looking forward to it now after having read JoBlo's review.

I respect Joblo as a critic, but he seems to be in the minority here. The movie only got a 33% fresh rating at Rotten Tomatoes. So far, 19 critics recommended it, 39 didn't.

[ukcats]

It just sounds like this movie depends on personal taste. There is no real definitive opinion of it. I am going to see it and form my own opinion, but often the movies with the mixed reviews turn out to be the best.

[max]

but often the movies with the mixed reviews turn out to be the best.

Except that this particular mixture is more negative than positive.

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by max
Except that this particular mixture is more negative than positive.

RE:

But it's also a love-it-or-hate-it kind of film. I'm guessing that the schmoes will in general appreciate it a lot more than the critics. It seems like a kind of film that folks around here would appreciate. Joblo and Berardinelli gave it very good reviews, so I'm still looking forward to it.

[max]

But it's also a love-it-or-hate-it kind of film. I'm guessing that the schmoes will in general appreciate it a lot more than the critics. It seems like a kind of film that folks around here would appreciate. Joblo and Berardinelli gave it very good reviews, so I'm still looking forward to it.

It's more of a like-it-enough-or-not-hate-it-more kind of film. JoBlo's is one of the very few strong recommendations out there. Otherwise, I don't see a whole lotta love or hate for it. In other words, it's a mediocre kind of film. I wouldn't be surprised if it's a hit though. Mediocrity rules at the box-office. Look at ALONG CAME POLLY.

[jackson13]

I plan on seeing this tonight. Im just curious though, in all of the reviews I've read (Ebert and Joblos) there is no mention of Ethan Suplee whatsoever. In the ad for the movie in my paper, he gets top billing along with Ashton and Amy, so im assuming he is a big part of the movie. In the reviews I read, theres no mention of him, nor his character at all. Im just wondering where the love is?

[HHH123007]

They're trying to get the Mallrats audience I tells ya!

I might see this today, or Along Came Polly....I haven't seen much lately.

[Benny]

The movie's only 32% at Rotten Tomatoes.

Ouch!

(As you can see I'm less than excited about this film...)

[Moviefan1234]

It currently has a 30% fresh rating at www.rottentomatoes.com. I did want to see it, but I've lost my interest in it.

[Mike]

Originally posted by HHH123007
They're trying to get the Mallrats audience I tells ya!

Well, I liked MALLRATS, but I wouldn't see it for him. In fact, he looks really scary in the trailer and TV spots, and I think it would have been smart to not show him so much, or at all. He's enough to scare people away, and it's not like he has a huge fanbase, so I'm sure people won't be seeing it just for him.

[paul]

Mike don't see it...you'll hate it for the animal crulity.

[Mike]

Originally posted by paul
Mike don't see it...you'll hate it for the animal crulity.

I highly doubt it. I wouldn't hate a movie just because of animal cruelty. I'm not that big of a prude. Sure, I don't like animal cruelty, but depending on how bad it is, I can usually tolerate it, and I wouldn't hate a movie just because of it. Although to this day I don't know what to rate White Squall because of the dolphin killing. That has to be one of the most brutal and horrible scenes of animal cruelty I've seen in a movie, one of them anyway. People said that Cabin Fever would bother me because of the animal killings, but it didn't affect me one bit. Sometimes it bothers me, sometimes it doesn't, but most of the time, it doesn't bother me. It all depends on how it's handled. I watched Cat's Eye today, and in the scene where the bird was pecking the guy's foot and making it bleed and wouldn't stop, I did everything but applaud when he kicked the fucker off the roof. I would have killed the bastard myself. The bird had it coming.

[Rated R]

Originally posted by Moviefan1234
It currently has a 30% fresh rating at www.rottentomatoes.com. I did want to see it, but I've lost my interest in it.

Why do you let critics dictate what you should or should not be interested in? I'm sorry but that's what personal taste is all about. I am not saying that you'll like the movie, but to lose all interest in something because of something someone(who you've never met) says something negative on it. See it before you pass complete judgment.

I myself honestly think it looks pretty god-awful, but I am curious. I'll watch it, just don't know when. Right now I can't afford $10 bucks for the cinema :mad:

[The Delfonics]

Great movie that draws you in emotionally. Although at times a little questionable, its a really slick and original film.

Best of the year so far ... its been a rough night so im gunna head off...



Butterfly Effect - (8/10)

[Moviefreek]

Good stuff I must say. This is one movie I have been looking forward to since my eyes first laid eyes on the trailer. First of all the story is good stuff and I love the way it worked. Loved how they show the characters childhood for a good bit of the movie cause what happens later makes more of an impact. Then you have everyone talking about Ashton's performance and can he pull it off. Well, let me tell you he does and does a great job. When I was watching him on screen not once did I think that he was out of place. I saw him as an actor not they guy from that 70's show or punk'd. The rest of the cast is great as well. The young children like Joblo said did a Very good job. Go check this one out folks and enjoy it.

8/10

[Moviefan1234]

Originally posted by Rated R
Why do you let critics dictate what you should or should not be interested in? I'm sorry but that's what personal taste is all about. I am not saying that you'll like the movie, but to lose all interest in something because of something someone(who you've never met) says something negative on it. See it before you pass complete judgment.

I myself honestly think it looks pretty god-awful, but I am curious. I'll watch it, just don't know when. Right now I can't afford $10 bucks for the cinema :mad:

I'll see it, but just not in the theatre. Trust me, I don't let others' opinions influence mine, just take a look at my DVD collection in my profile. However, when I'm on the fence, as I was with The Butterfly Effect, I let the reviews tell me whether to see or it in the theatre or wait for DVD.

[paul]

Originally posted by Mike
I highly doubt it. I wouldn't hate a movie just because of animal cruelty. I'm not that big of a prude. Sure, I don't like animal cruelty, but depending on how bad it is, I can usually tolerate it, and I wouldn't hate a movie just because of it. Although to this day I don't know what to rate White Squall because of the dolphin killing. That has to be one of the most brutal and horrible scenes of animal cruelty I've seen in a movie, one of them anyway. People said that Cabin Fever would bother me because of the animal killings, but it didn't affect me one bit. Sometimes it bothers me, sometimes it doesn't, but most of the time, it doesn't bother me. It all depends on how it's handled. I watched Cat's Eye today, and in the scene where the bird was pecking the guy's foot and making it bleed and wouldn't stop, I did everything but applaud when he kicked the fucker off the roof. I would have killed the bastard myself. The bird had it coming.

The animal crulity thing was a joke, I just don't think you'd like it.

[HorrorLARPGuy]

I enjoyed it. It was a lot darker than I had anticipated. The childhood scenes were the best parts of the movie. As the movie ended, I couldn't but feel that I had been gypped out of a darker and more appropriate ending. A feeling that is confirmed by reading about the alternate ending here.

If you are looking to waste an afternoon at the movies it's not a bad choice. Plus, despite a few flaws, the film has more thought behind it then the moronic Matrix stuff that Hollywood has been trying to pass off as Sci-Fi. It's good to send a me$$age to the Hollywood money people that movie-goers will pay to see intelligent sci-fi and it doesn't all have to be CGI crapfests with black clothes, martial arts and guns.

This film was a refreshing break from that mode.

[The Delfonics]

Originally posted by paul
The animal crulity thing was a joke, I just don't think you'd like it.

Its pretty brutal but in the end everything always works out :)

[The Delfonics]

Also this is a must see for Mighty Ducks fans, Fulton Reed is back in action! (although he was in some cruddy movies lately, its cool to see him in full acting form again lol.)

[Mike]

Originally posted by paul
The animal crulity thing was a joke, I just don't think you'd like it.

Well, I'm sure I will like it. I think I'll give it at least a 7/10 (B-).

[Silverbrain]

My gf and I really enjoyed the movie, both 9/10, the premise was very original and well executed for the most part....a few lines that im sure were meant to be serious garnered laughs from the audience with Kutcher's delivery (not his fault imo). The whole element of time travel was done well, leaving only a few points of possible innacuracy. Overall a good movie to see and then discuss...

:edit: removed the cynical comment that was pretty much unfounded after rereading, my apologies.

[MadsenOMC]

I strongly disagree that reviewers hate to think during a movie. Generally, audiences are the ones that hate to have to think during a movie. They like being spoon-fed. They like it safe. It is simply untrue that critics dislike movies that require them to think. Quite the opposite in fact.

[Mike]

Originally posted by MadsenOMC
I strongly disagree that reviewers hate to think during a movie. Generally, audiences are the ones that hate to have to think during a movie. They like being spoon-fed. They like it safe. It is simply untrue that critics dislike movies that require them to think. Quite the opposite in fact.

I agree 110%! You couldn't be more right.

[Sparrow]

I went in with low expectations and came out really surprised. I honestly don't understand the bad reviews. It was a really good movie. Interesting and dark story, good acting. I definitely rate it as the best of the year so far.

[badberry]

Just got home from seeing it....I was quite impressed. It was much darker than I thought it would be (and that's not a bad thing). Requires some suspension of disbelief obviously, but overall I thought it was quite well done, and Ashton actually pulled off the role. I was fine with the ending, but I'm really curious to see the director's cut version also..

8/10

[MisterTwister]

Ignore the critics, this is a great movie. See it for yourself, don't listen to ebert or any other reviewer see it for your own likings.

[Falkor]

Ever since I started writing reviews, I have developed a strong love of movies that make me think.. I guess because up until then, I nevr really knew so many of them were out there (I know, it sounds odd)

This is not set in stone yet, but for the time being, I think I liked "Butterfly" more than anything I saw in 2003. I liked "Finding Nemo" and "LOTR" and all, but in the end, being able to relate completely to the characters is #1 for me. I have spent almost all of my life living in the past, it is the place where I feel the most at home. It is the place where, from this vantage point, I was "safe". I had so many years to go. So I guess it goes without saying that this has become a shoo-in for my Top Ten of 2004 (though I know it's way too soon to be saying things like that).

For what it's worth
http://www.epinions.com/content_127128997508

TTFN!

[chinton]

I have to say I really wanted to love this film. I was looking forward to this movie for a while. It certianly started off well. The beggning childhood scenes were far darker than I anticipated and frankly were quite unnerving. The child performances were also quite well


Yet, once Even ends up in prison the movie lost all credibility for me as the plotline seemd to get more and more contrived and Evan just getting more and more stupid. Honestly for such a great power he thought of some truly stupid ways of changing it. Ya lets give a sharp object to mentally unabalanced Lenny. For such an unnerving beggining the movie just got more and more silly. When Evan jumped for the umpteenth time I just wanted to scream and by that time I just wanted to go to sleep. I wish I did so I didnt ahve to see t hat unbelievably silly ending.

Kutcher actually does a very good job especially considering some of the very silly lines he has with Smart.

I do have to give this movie creict for trying different and ballsy. Its too bad they absolutely screwed up.

Ill probably be alone on this

3.5/10

[Narst]

All in all, I liked it. However the whole thing is borderline goofy, especially some of the beginning children stuff and the transition to prison, so either you can laugh at it or you can enjoy it for what it is. Kutcher was good but only when he was sticking to the drama, too often he would crack a joke that felt out of character and more like his naturally funny persona breaking through, perhaps with a stricter and more experienced director to keep his talent harnessed, he could provide a really great dramatic performance, he certainly showed he had the potential with this still very good performance. Loved the pitch-black darkness of the material, extremely glad they didn't shy away from all the really disturbing and awful material they have in the film. Liked the ending because they didn't make it all-out-studio-ending-happy and especially loved the song they played, I'm assuming it was Oasis but not exactly sure. Ultimately I think The Butterfly Effect will make for an awesome late, late-night cable viewing in 5-10 years on scifi channel or something. Now, can anyone help me on the name of that song played at the end?

[KevinthePRF]

9/10

This was a good movie. I can see someone giving it mixed reviews for the violent/sexual content, but hey, it was a dark movie. But the negative reviews I don't understand. There are a lot worse movies out there. I'd advise to go see it.

[MadsenOMC]

SPOILERS

I wish I shared most people's enthusiasm, but I was incredibly bored by this movie. As I was watching, I kept thinking to myself, what in God's name are people seeing in this that I'm not? What is so damn special about this movie? Well, if you ask me, nothing at all. For starters, the acting is simply dreadful. Kutcher does not deliver when it comes to serious lines and moments. He doesn't have the acting chops for it. I could not take him seriously. But Melora Walters and Amy Smart are much worse. I loved Walters in Magnolia, but she is horrifically awful here. Ever heard of retakes? Her line delivery throughout is flat and emotionless and monotone. It's laughable. Did she not want to be there? Embarrassed to go from P.T. Anderson to the guy from Punk'd? Smart doesn't do much better. Playing vastly different characters in the same movie does not equal a good performance people. She is not a good actress. No dramatic range. Provided some unintentional laughs though, which this movie has plenty of. The script didn't do much for me either. Yes, it's an interesting premise. But I was bored silly. It should be a good 15-20 minutes shorter. Too many things are dragged out, like Kutcher in prison and Kutcher with no arms. All they did was provide silly moments and unintentional laughs. The ending also sucks. Did we really need to flash forward another 8 years? I don't think so. This is a poorly written movie. And what is so damn provocative about it? What does it make you think about? The perils of time travel? I didn't find it all that dark or edgy either. Yes, it delves into heavy stuff. But who's kidding who here. This is a mainstream movie from a major studio. This is not a serious exploration of pedophilia or animal abuse or youth violence. I did not find it disturbing in the least. I think it's dark and disturbing for those who like their movies safe and formulaic. Or I could be wrong. Someone said they are mystified by the bad reviews. I could not disagree more. I understand the bad reviews. I am puzzled as to what people see in this crap. There is nothing special at all here. Bad writing plus bad acting gets you a bad movie. Good premise goes nowhere. This movie will be forgotten in a month.

3/10

[Mog]

Could contain SPOILERS.


Whoa. This movie was really good. I had a great time watching it. When I went in I wasn't really expecting much, especially after finding out that the people behind it were the same people who stole my 5 bucks. Y'know, the people who made Final Destination 2. (Ba-zing!)

Anywho, what I really enjoyed about this flick was the overall screenplay. I can honestly say that I didn't have any problems with the dialogue, and each actor seemed to understand what they were acting and delivered perfectly. The only problem I had with the script was that the beginning felt a little rushed, constantly fastforwarding to each particular moment in time which sort of through off the pacing, but once things got into full swing the story seemed to balance out better. However I did feel shades of Memento and Back to the Future, but I'm not saying they totally ripped it off...it's hard to stay completely original these days, especially since there's about 100 years worth of film out there.

I can't say that the cinematography was anything special, except for the sequences when Evan was in the process of travelling back in time, which looked friggin' awesome. Kudos to the guy who came up with that concept.

I don't see why everyone's so irked about the issues, to be totally honest they didn't seem as horrid as everyone is describing them to be. I did find them a little unnerving at parts, but I knew it was important to the story and I didn't get the impression that the filmmakers were trying to exploit said issues at all. In fact, I can't wait to see what the DVD has to offer, especially since (According to JoBlo, I think) they cut A LOT out of this flick. Damn suits.

Now, on to the acting. This movie intrigued me so much, I didn't even notice that Evan WAS that kid my best friend and I quote all the time on That 70's Show. Ashton Kutcher did a great job, and I am very proud of him. This proves my theory that comedic actors make the best actors. Anyone that has the balls to make a complete damn fool of himself on a sitcom could probably pull off any role he took, and would stretch as much as he wants. Amy Smart was beautiful, and I thought she played her roles well, save for the hooker. I didn't really buy her (ha ha...get it?). I understand though, as that role is pretty much a stretch from what she normally does. But she still had the guts to do it and do it to whatever extent she had to do so, and I tip my hat to that. Everyone else involved, I thought did a great job. I wasn't really annoyed with any of kids, either...which is surprising because lately kids in films have given me the urge to hand out a few Choke Slams.

All in all, this is a great Sci-Fi treat, a real departure from The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, and God knows what other long-ass franchises are around. It was like a bottle of fresh spring water, if you ask me. The one thing that grabbed me the most about this film, was Evan's drive...as a writer myself, this is something I really try to focus on...the character's conscious desire that he would risk anything and everything to reach said desire. In this case, love. Call me soft, but I love stories like these.

See this movie.

9/10

[idealdiscountdude]

Well................. The Butterfly Effect had mucho potential to be a really good film, but there was just too much stuff I disliked about it for me to recommend it, or like it for that matter.

My prinicpal problem with the film was that it took far too long for the primary action of the film to start. By that time, I was looking at the clock on my cellphone to see what time it was and I rarely do that. I absolutely hated the whole chicldhood sequence that seemed to take forever to get over with. I would have preferred to have a couple of flashbacks here or there. It would have been much more effective IMO.

Another problem I had was with the dialogue, which at many a time was hokey as heck and had me laughing unintentionally.

The entire prison sequence was laughably bad and Melora Walters performance was horrid.

I also hated how the film went down familiar Hollywood territory with its depiction of University life. The only film in recent memory to give a somewhat realistic look at Uni life was Abandon.

And what the heck kind of backwoods, University students would laugh at a parapeligic(sp?) falling out of his wheelchair or throw stuff at an obese person?

On the otherhand I loved the premise and I found it, although it had its faults (the prison scene, etc.) I found it to be executed admirably enough.

I also liked Ashton Kutcher's performance. There were times where Kelso seemed to come out for a moment, but for the most part he did a good job.

Amy Smart, in her SUPPORTING role (she's not a lead at all IMO, the kids have more screen time) looked great (except as the hooker) and gave a nice performance.

I loved some of the direction, particularly the ins and outs of the "tim-changing" sequences. Very effective.

Another bonus was the Oasis song at the end of the film which I love and haven't heard in ages.

And the ending? Was perfect...I dug it.

All in all The Butterfly Effect is a film that is hindered by its first 40 minutes but picks up steam thereafter. A film that is really uneven and that had a lot of potential to be good, but ends up as an intriguing yet mediocre film.

C

[chinton]

You know its funny when it went into its prison sequnce I disitinctly felt the movie turned into Oz. Im sure sex is part of jail but they have to jump right into that. It felt so silly and out of place. The point at which Kutcher propistioning himself I about fell out of my seat with laughter. Still I hope this movie gets Kutcher chances to a ct in dramas. he deserves it.

[EDsoulsurvive*]

IMO, Butterfly Effect was awesome. I'd give it a 7 or 8/10 so ill settle for a 7.5/10.

I really liekd the childhood scenes and how it all added up in the end. That's all I have to say for now... yeah... maybe its more of a 7 than and 8...

[LAguy]

I loved this movie. I am a big fan of Final Destination and B.E. dished out similar emotions that F.D. did. You know, those lump in the throat/ butterflys (no pun intended) in your stomach feel. The thing I enjoyed most was the random scenes in the beginning and then how everything tied together as it went along. I give respect to the actors/actresses in this film because they must have really studied their scripts hard. This isn't the type of movie you can just shoot in sequence and when you don't you must portray certain emotions from what happened right before it. (If that makes sense) I think the child actors (especially both young ashtons) did really well at acting in tune with what was happening in the story. Great movie. Wish I thought of it.

Oh and one more thing. The trailer does the movie no justice whatsoever!

[HHH123007]

The Butterfly Effect - ** or (4/10)

The acting is horrible in this movie. I hate child actors...but I at least give props when there are some good ones. Too bad there were no good ones here. Plus, they take up half the movie portraying grown-up characters that they look NOTHING like. Okay, so if I hated it so much then why didn't I give it a lower rating? I actually did enjoy trying to guess what would happen every time Kelso went back and changed something. (Although it reeks of Back To The Future)

[Deckard_HR]

The Butterfly Effect is the best movie so far this year...and should be able to hold up for quite a few months- if not the whole year! This was so fantastic. Some don't agree and that's your opinion but this was excellent and if it had been a 2003 film I would have placed it probably 2nd on my top films list...I really thought it was THAT good, here's my full review.
"The Butterfly Effect" is a great movie. All those critics taking the easy way out of liking this movie just because Ashton Kutcher is in it need to be fired because they DON’T fairly review a movie at all. This is one of the greatest thrillers I’ve ever seen- period. I like this over “The Sixth Sense”, or “Silence of the Lambs”- and maybe the acting isn't completely on par with those great films (who could beat Anthony Hopkins in “Lambs”) but it sure is more entertaining, without loosing its sad, methodical and frightening moments.
“The Butterfly Effect” is not a happy movie. In fact, anyone who can laugh at the subject matter of this movie needs to be institutionalized right away. This is a film about seriously messed up kids, and one in particular who attempts to change the past with his newfound psychological ability. And that central theme of going back in time and changing the future and all is all done in a very serious way that works! It’s not campy; it’s not corny in any way.
The characters in this film aren’t exactly the typical genre types- actually they could turn some people off. These kids have gone through hell and back. One of their fathers makes them strip in the basement for freaking kiddie porn, they are beat, they watch a woman and her child blow the f*ck up! They go through one traumatic experience after another and it really messes their lives up.
These are the kinds of characters horror movies SHOULD be about! And I want directors to take note- develop your characters like it is done in this movie. We don’t care that they are a frat boy, or a sorority girl, or a nerd, or an outcast gothic type- we can figure those parts out for ourselves. Develop these characters in a way that shows us exactly WHY they act the way they do, WHY they are the way they are. That’s what this film does! We delve into these characters as children and teenagers for almost 40 minutes and really understand why they are so messed up.
And when Evan (Ashton Kutcher) starts going back in time, and we see how these characters change and become better off or worse because of certain events- well, it makes you think twice before deciding to blow up a mailbox with dynamite. This film is fantastic! I was utterly speechless walking out of the theater. Ashton Kutcher blew me away, and those who aren’t seeing this movie because he’s in it- well, next time I meet someone who says that I will hit them. This is a great movie. One in which Kutcher really shows off some future stardom- he just needs to quit that stupid ass “Punk’d” NOW! Which aparently he has- that's what I've heard... And Amy Smart was just so great in this movie, playing each different version of her character differently and perfectly. All the child actors are great as well! Everyone is great!
This movie is great! See it now! Drop what you are doing and see it! This is a must-see movie, I don’t care whether you like Ashton Kutcher or not. He is awesome in this movie, and you will be blown away. “The Butterfly Effect” is the first REAL 2004 movie that is a must see, hands down.

Personal Plee: GO NOW AND SEE THIS MOVIE! Please! No more money for "Along Came Polly"- end the box office war.

[ukcats]

This movie obviously has to do solely with tatse. Half the people hate it, half the people love it. I'll see it just to see which side I fall on.

[XvoorheesX]

I loved it.
And I really don't see where people find areas to hate it.
Sure, a lot of the acting was bad, but Kutcher was great. A lot of the supporting roles could have been better, and the children actors were absolutely dreadfull.

But it was an intense, original, clever, and surprising script. Very tight. Some things felt a bit out of place, some things went a bit long, but the good more than makes up for the bad.

[thompsoncory]

I saw it today, despite my nagging about how I didn't want it to do well. I was actually surprised and found myself enjoying it more than I thought I would. It is a very slick, disturbing, and sad psychological thriller that at times was hard to watch. Several scenes, including the dog burning and the explosion, had me gaping with shock because of their brutality. And this is from someone who loves horror movies. Perhaps if the violence wasn't as shocking as it was, my rating would be higher. It is still a very good film, but not for everyone. Ashton Kutcher gives a believable and intelligent performance and proves that he can actually act outside of the comedy range. Amy Smart was also great, and at times stole the show from Kutcher. I hope this role helps her gain some popularity, for she is a very talented young actress. I was very happy to see that Ethan Suplee, who was the main thing that was keeping me away from seeing this, had a small and unimportant role and wasn't too distracting. The storylines are all very well written and connected, and it all leads up to a climax that was sad, but made a lot of sense. It is a clever thriller, but it certainly isn't for anyone. I will buy it when it is released on DVD.

7/10 (B)

[Frank the Tank]

Well I like Ethan Suplee, but I'm just wondering why he gets third billing in the commercials when he's only in it for like two minutes.

[Mike]

The Italian poster for this movie is cool. They should use it for the DVD/VHS cover art.

http://www.impawards.com/2004/butterfly_effect_ver2.html

[EDsoulsurvive*]

Originally posted by Mike
The Italian poster for this movie is cool. They should use it for the DVD/VHS cover art.

http://www.impawards.com/2004/butterfly_effect_ver2.html
yeah i think that's a pretty badass design too.

[The Other]

I saw The Butterfly Effect this afternoon. My first 2004 release. And, I liked it a lot (which is new, since every other year I've hated the first movie I've seen from that year). Read JoBlo's review, though, I pretty much agree with his thoughts on this movie.

Grade: 8/10

[paul]

After seeing 7 2004 (one made for TV) movies so far, this is still #1 by far. I really hope this isn't how the whole year will be, I have had one 9/10, two 7/10's, one 6/10, one 5/10, and two 4/10's...thats not very good. Hopefully something great will come out soon, (Passion, Eurotrip, Against The Ropes, Hidalgo please don't be bad movies ;))

[Katsumoto]

A really enjoyed the movie, during the first hour tho, there were times were it was so disturbing that i just wanted some comic relief or something. I loved the originalinality to the story and thought Kutcher's performance was fairly good. He still had his Kelso moments tho.

8/10

[jackson13]

*SPOILERS BIG FAT FREAKING SPOILERS WE'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO TALK ABOUT THE SPOILERS BUT THE SPOILERS ARE STARING US IN THE FACE* (sorry, watched Goldmember yesterday)


Saw this last night, finally. I gotta say I liked it alot. Not as much as Donnie Darko, which this movie pretty much ripped off, ending wise, but it was still good on its own. Kutcher gave a very solid performance and proved that he can do other stuff than comedy. Amy Smart was great as well, even though she died like 4 times in the movie. I liked how the focus wasnt soley on Ashton and Amy, but more on when they were kids. There were some good mindfuck moments, like when the blackouts happen to him, or when he would go back in time. There were also some pretty shocking moments, like when he's beating the shit outta Tommy and then just blasted him in the head with that pipe. I was sitting there and just went "Damn!". The only part that bothered me was when they killed the dog. I hate seeing animals die and hearing them cry, Im a huge animal lover and that pissed me off. But it turned out ok cause he went back and prevented it. Even though the end pretty much copied DD, I liked how they did it. In order to fix everything he had to go back to the beginning and make it so he never got involved with Kaylee. It was a sad ending, but was what needed to be done, and it worked, plot wise.

Excellent movie, 8.5/10 from me.

[jackson13]

This just dawned on me, they never explained why he had the butcher knife in the kitchen. He went back to that memory, but when his mom asked him why he had the knife, he went back to present time. What was the deal with him having the knife?

[jackson13]

Originally posted by MadsenOMC
This movie will be forgotten in a month.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but it hasnt been. The showing I attended last night was packed. Just about every seat was filled. Plus, on the way out, I didnt hear one negative comment about the movie. Its got great word of mouth and I feel it will continue in strength for a few more weeks.

[ERIN_LoJ]

Enjoyed this movie, was impressed. Love dark themed types, and this one was certainly different. I didn't find the acting bad at all, thought they all did a good job...surprised to see some of the opinions I have been seing.