“The Butterfly Effect,” directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber and released in 2004, is an impressive film that throws time-travel, moral issues, suffering and sacrificing all into its plot.
Throughout this movie, Evan Treborn (Ashton Kutcher) experiences severe traumas as a young boy (Logan Lerman) and a teenager (John Patrick Amedori). Due to high amounts of stress, these traumas would cause him to constantly black out, allowing certain memories to be forgotten. While searching for a solution to his damaged emotions, he realizes that when he reads old journal entries, he is able to go back in time and re-do certain parts of his past that have drastically affected him. Every new decision that he makes from his past, in order to fix his present lifestyle all include different consequences. Treborn’s interchanging futures vary from frat boy to prisoner to amputee. As time goes on, he recognizes that even though his intentions are positive, the activities he takes part in don’t always develop into positive consequences.
Both directors, Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber, were able to create a perfect script and scenery that made time-travel seem realistic.
There is a scene in which Treborn goes back in time to prevent a childhood bully, Tommy, from murdering his dog. Though he is able to save his pet, with the help of a friend, something more tragic goes wrong. His friend, Lenny, was suppose to cut open the sack that the dog was thrown into, with a sharp pipe. Instead, Lenny jabs Tommy, resulting in his death. The consequences might have been negative, but the acting done within this scene was outstanding. The child actors’ performance was nothing too dramatic, nor too corny.
Between all of the plot twists and mind-blowing situations, The Butterfly Effect is one of those flicks that will keep you at the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Kutcher did a wonderful job in performing a serious role, something he usually doesn’t involve himself in. He is popularly known for funny television programs on MTV and romantic/comedy movies. He brings lightness to the guy who causes things to happen around him, but doesn’t want to accept all that he has been given.
On the other hand, this time-travel flick does contain its flaws.
Since Treborn is constantly going back in time to adjust what has occurred in his past, the storyline can get pretty confusing. Throughout the movie, he refers back to the same few, but important events that he feels the need to fix in order for his future to be successful.
Whenever Treborn would awake from time-travel, hoping to resolve things, his surroundings would drastically change, but his new life wasn’t always what he planned. One time his once innocent girlfriend Kayleigh (Amy Smart) evolved into a drugged out, track-marked prostitute; another time Treborne discovers she has been long deceased. Another present time, he finds himself suffering in prison, being sexually preyed upon by fellow inmates.
Sometimes those changes didn’t necessarily help, but only make matters worse. This particular film would need to be watched more than once in order to fully understand its twists and turns.
Certain parts of The Butterfly Effect may be scary or disturbing to some, but it allows the entire film to piece together well.
The final ending to this flick is somewhat shocking and unexpected, but if it were altered, it would totally ruin the movie’s originality.
In general, The Butterfly Effect is filled with suspenseful, supernatural and observant qualities that no other movie contains. Even though audiences may have to listen carefully and follow specific details within the story, this drama/mystery/thriller is worth the watch.
Leave a Reply