The Butterfly Effect (2004)

Featured Audience Ratings

• xGary X

  
  A boy suffering from memory lapses is diagnosed with a hereditary mental illness but later in life learns he is capable of revisiting previous moments in his life. A variant on the whole wish fulfillment concept we've all thought about where you imagine going back to a point in… More
  A boy suffering from memory lapses is diagnosed with a hereditary mental illness but later in life learns he is capable of revisiting previous moments in his life. A variant on the whole wish fulfillment concept we've all thought about where you imagine going back to a point in your own life and try to change things for the better, this hokey sci-fi involves the ever perfectly coiffed Ashton Kutcher revisiting his past with various disastrous consequences. I feared the worst as the beginning of the film was very soapy and teen-friendly, but as the tone darkens it gets progressively more interesting. Some of the character development (if you can call it that; Kutcher's personality undergoes drastic rewrites at regular intervals) can be a little difficult to swallow and it's very episodic, but if you're willing to accept some flaws in logic it's actually quite a decent little diversion. Considering it's essentially a vehicle for a teen heart throb The Butterfly Effect is surprisingly inventive and entertaining.

• Letitia L

  
  Intense. The multiple stories were legitimately interesting but I couldn't take Ashton Kutcher seriously. Fortunately, I was watching this movie in good company.

• Albert K

  
  Entertaining, but that's about it. Unmemorable. With a thriller and a premise like this, it should've been more memorable

• Aditya G

  
  Chaos Theory: "It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly's wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world." We all have sometimes spoken about "turning back the clock", or changing that one event in our life; like… More
  Chaos Theory: "It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly's wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world." We all have sometimes spoken about "turning back the clock", or changing that one event in our life; like taking a left turn instead of the right turn....getting into school A and not school B...and perhaps things would've turned out differently for us! There have certainly been times in our lives when such a thought has always crossed our minds..."What if? Oh..what could've been!" "The Butterfly Effect" makes an attempt to play this thought out on the big screen with its initially complex narrative. Some people have called "The Butterfly Effect" "similar to Donnie Darko", because of its theme revolving around time travel and a troubled teen. While this 2004 American thriller, starring Ashton Kutcher (who most people love to hate), isn't anywhere close to "Donnie Darko" in terms of sheer originality of story-telling and its unforgettable characters, it isn't as worthless as most critics have made it out to be. [img]https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-flhzskuLeZ0/TjAwBcMzUsI/AAAAAAAAB7c/ICrsqGuEwbA/1.jpg[/img] Lenny, Evan, Kayleigh (Evan's childhood sweetheart) and her psychologically troubled brother Tommy are the recurring characters in the film shown at various stages in their lives in their growing-up years. Evan (who ultimately grows up to be Kutcher) has a gift...only he does not realize that until much later. For starters, he is a problem child and seems to have some kind of a medical condition whereby he 'blacks out' and of course, does not remember what happened during the black-out period. Only the people around him know that the events that occurred during the black-out period were of a very grave nature and some that may have brought about irreversible changes. [img]https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EbcQ373YM1w/TjAwBe1DUuI/AAAAAAAAB7g/sloVVqZsNq0/2.jpg[/img] After several disturbing episodes in their childhood the kids grow up...the present era shows Evan (Kutcher) studying in high school but apparently has almost no contact with his aforementioned childhood buddies. It has been 7 years and Evan hasn't had a blackout! And as he reminisces old times through his journals he has been maintaining, he realizes what his gift is! The episodes during the moments in which he blacked out and had no memory of, suddenly appear to him as he seems to have been transported back in time. Evan then realizes, he has the ability to go back to the past and manipulate or "re-write" these important events from his past, which could alter the future completely for him and his friends! However, things aren't as hunky dory as they seem, and Evan's attempts to change things aren't entirely without their side-effects. Evan tries to use his skills repeatedly to his advantage only to realize he isn't God and that no matter how hard he tries, something has to go wrong..... [img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uvNIk54N3So/TjAwB9jvXpI/AAAAAAAAB74/1y1ZZ5UgidA/4.jpg[/img] Now I must admit I was in awe of this picture when I first saw it, but after delving into it and giving it a re-watch my opinion slightly changed. "The Butterfly Effect" was primarily panned because it is difficult to digest how a person can go back in time and change events simply upon reading some journal notes! Secondly it seems the "effect" seems to influence only Evan and his friends' eventual outcomes, while the rest of the world remains status quo! This refers to some of the recurring characters in Evan's life as well. And after a certain point of time, the proceedings turn far too contrived just to take the screenplay to its conclusion, especially in a scene in which Evan ends up in prison! That said, In spite of the aforementioned holes in the narrative, this film manages to grip you from the start with its deftly shot frames and taut pacing. The initial episodes from Evan's childhood are somewhat disturbing for any child to handle and one can instantly gather why some children turn out the way they do. The scenes in the University, replete with the Fraternities and the Sororities much resemble a typical college romance film but not for long as the narrative twists and turns several times along the way! There are quite a few surprises in store, and plenty of interesting ones at that. [img]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RGNRBAlc4WE/TjAwB1Ek9kI/AAAAAAAAB78/Tg32KXed3ko/5.jpg[/img] The background score by Michael Suby is excellent and as far as the acting is concerned, some known faces like Eric Stoltz, Elden Henson and Amy Smart appear and do a decent job. But it is Ashton Kutcher's film all the way as he delivers what could be the best performance I've ever seen from him! Yes...no matter how much you like to bash him, he is really good in this, if not great, and it is nice to see him do a serious role rather than the usual slapstick buffoonery he resorts to. Barring some holes and inconsistencies in the concept presented in "The Butterfly Effect", the film written and directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber is an enjoyable thriller that succeeded in showing me a good time. I sure do hope it has the same effect on you folks! Score: 8/10.

• Bethany M

  
  Amazing film that's beautifully written. One of Ashton Kutcher's best roles and the film is so dark, serious, crazy, different and disturbing. As well as poignant. You get every emotion all rolled up into one. I'm so suprised that this got bad reviews, it's… More
  Amazing film that's beautifully written. One of Ashton Kutcher's best roles and the film is so dark, serious, crazy, different and disturbing. As well as poignant. You get every emotion all rolled up into one. I'm so suprised that this got bad reviews, it's absolutely brilliant. Amy Smart is also outstanding in this. A must see! Truly heart wrenching and saddening.

• Jennifer X

  
  One of the first movies to genuinely creep me out, in that I had to pause the movie in the middle and relax myself for a little bit (and grab my brother for protection) before I could return to it. I haven't seen it for like 5 years but there are still some residual effects of it… More
  One of the first movies to genuinely creep me out, in that I had to pause the movie in the middle and relax myself for a little bit (and grab my brother for protection) before I could return to it. I haven't seen it for like 5 years but there are still some residual effects of it to this day. I guess it really got under my skin.

• KJ P

  
  The critics have never been more wrong. The Butterfly Effect is an extremely well-crafted suspense thriller that had me on the edge of my seat and cringing in every change of pace. This film jumps from lifeline to lifeline and it seems as though you believe every second of it. It is… More
  The critics have never been more wrong. The Butterfly Effect is an extremely well-crafted suspense thriller that had me on the edge of my seat and cringing in every change of pace. This film jumps from lifeline to lifeline and it seems as though you believe every second of it. It is the perfect length to keep you satisfied and will always be brilliantly fresh in my eyes.Ashton Kutcher surprisingly pulls off a stunning performance in which I believe this to be his breakout role. Every one of his alter life's come together to create a magnificent story that I will remember for a very long time. The Butterfly Effect is a great film!

• Lady D

  
  This 'what if' style film is fairly unique is it's storytelling, with fairly serious moments throughout. It's time travel less the sci-fi element and thought provoking in it's changes. Possibly the only Ashton Kutcher film that I would consider rating… More
  This 'what if' style film is fairly unique is it's storytelling, with fairly serious moments throughout. It's time travel less the sci-fi element and thought provoking in it's changes. Possibly the only Ashton Kutcher film that I would consider rating highly This is my first viewing of the happier ending, I hadn't realised there were two!

• Dead A

  
  I'm surprised to see bad reviews on this because it was... what can I say... cool! Never been so curious to know every single part of something (my curiosity level is very low...most of the time). Whole time I was thinking <i>what's next? what's next?</i>… More
  I'm surprised to see bad reviews on this because it was... what can I say... cool! Never been so curious to know every single part of something (my curiosity level is very low...most of the time). Whole time I was thinking <i>what's next? what's next?</i> (no lie). Watch it. *end of story*

• Unknown H

  
  I saw this movie by accident round a friends house and was instantly intrigued, mainly as to why I did not want to punch Ashton Kutcher in it. A brilliant and realistic piece of acting on his part that changed my perceptions of him as an actor. Sensitive subject matter flies from… More
  I saw this movie by accident round a friends house and was instantly intrigued, mainly as to why I did not want to punch Ashton Kutcher in it. A brilliant and realistic piece of acting on his part that changed my perceptions of him as an actor. Sensitive subject matter flies from every angle of this film and you will find yourself wondering why you cannot seem to shake it from your mind after you have finished it. If you have the special edition DVD there are some amazing extras that explain the chaos theory, on which the film and its title are based, giving the film a more poignant subtext the next time you view it. With a cast of generic "college humour" actors/actresses I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the acting and indeed the quality of the film as a whole.

• Sophie B

  
  I absolutely loved this film. It had the right amount of everything and I really felt for the characters. It was very sad at the end with the montage of how everyones life was much better without him. Brilliant film with brilliant performances.

• Richard C

  
  I am reviewing the directors cut because I have not seen the original. I loved this movie. I'm suprised by the bad reviews. Maybe the movie sucks and I don't see any of the problems. In my opinion this is a great movie and I really loved the end. Grade: A-

• ♥Robyn

  
  This story follows the life of Evan Treborn,played by ashton kutcher, From his early days, Evan has blackouts which occur around traumatic periods in his past,it reverberates around two key incidents in the childhoods of sweethearts Evan and Kayleigh, and their pals Lenny and Tommy… More
  This story follows the life of Evan Treborn,played by ashton kutcher, From his early days, Evan has blackouts which occur around traumatic periods in his past,it reverberates around two key incidents in the childhoods of sweethearts Evan and Kayleigh, and their pals Lenny and Tommy <br/>The film takes a little time to get going with a good half hour concentrating on the the lead characters early lives as children and teenagers, but it's all connected to the later scenes.so pay attention because it all comes together in the end. <br/>just couldnt get into this movie at all

• Jeff "

  
  I thought that The Butterfly Effect was a thrilling, creepy thriller. The cast did a great job considering that Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart give pretty good performances. A tense, thrilling film, The Butterfly Effect will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The… More
  I thought that The Butterfly Effect was a thrilling, creepy thriller. The cast did a great job considering that Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart give pretty good performances. A tense, thrilling film, The Butterfly Effect will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The film is superb in it's style and is both creepy and suspenseful. Some parts are sad and dramatic. The film is very original, and I enjoyed every moment of it. It's a terrific thriller and it also has a few elements of horror thrown in as well. The film succeeds at entertaining you, and considering the cast, its a great film to watch. The Butterfly Effect plays out heavily like a surreal nightmare, and it works very well. Even with actors such as Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart, this film is very original and doesn't slow down on the tension. A superb film.

• Candy R

  
  Ashton Kutcher's character blocks out painful memories of his childhood and develops supernatural powers that can enable him to go back to his past to try to fix things. However he seems to make things worse for everyone he cares about.

• Tsubaki S

  
  If i could go back in time just by reading stuff the first thing i would do is go back the day i tried to watch this, and kick myself in the nuts.

• Tim S

  
  Pile of crap.

• Conner R

  
  A great plot that is both original and effective. It is, by far, one of the best ideas in recent films. The cast is pretty strong considering some of their previous roles. While it doesn't have a visual style to back up its plot, it is still an impressive effort.

• Anthony L

  
  Ashton Kutcher is someone I just can?t stand but this film isn't too bad.

• E.J. B

  
  Why does everybody like this movie? It's stupid, it contradicts itself, and the ending is a total cop-out. (the director's cut isn't any better, only more depressing)

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