The Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect follows the misadventures of four friends -- Evan, Kayleigh, Tommy, and Lenny -- at the ages of 7, 13 and 20. Having suffered mysterious blackouts as a child, college student Evan discovers that he can pop back into his mind at these critical moments by reading excerpts from his journals. Thus, he has a chance to undo the painful memories that have influenced each of their lives. But every time he tries to correct a wrong, the future of those around him is altered in ways he never imagined.

The fascinating premise behind this sci-fi thriller stems from the belief that the flutter of a butterfly's wing can cause a typhoon on the other side of the world. Chaos Theory therefore suggests that even the smallest change creates a ripple effect resulting in dire consequences.

Ashton Kutcher from television's That 70's Show stars in his first dramatic role as the grown-up Evan. Though he proves he is capable of more than the lowbred comedy of such intolerable projects as Dude, Where's My Car?, he still has a long way to go before mastering his craft. Relying strictly on voice to convey his emotions, he doesn't seem to be aware that the more subtle techniques of facial expressions and mannerisms even exist. Thankfully, the strong supporting cast elevates Kutcher's performance. Amy Smart is compelling as several versions of the grown Kayleigh, as are William Lee Scott and Elden Henson as the grown Tommy and Lenny respectively. Also notable are Logan Lerman as Evan at 7, and Jesse James as the vicious 13-year-old Tommy.

Written and directed by the team of Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber, the clever screenplay is full of shocking plot twists. Indeed, the film requires a second viewing to put all of its intricate complexities together. The story is further enhanced by the intriguing special effects that begin each time-travel sequence.

While several films have studied characters who are given an opportunity to change history, The Butterfly Effect shows just how dark those changes can be. Thought-provoking and tragic, this film will leave a lasting effect on those who ponder the varied paths a life can take. Rating: 7 out of 10.