The Butterfly Effect

I'm almost ashamed that I put off such an interesting, iconic, even cult film for so long. A great Ashton Kutcher, a great and flawless execution without logical holes and inconsistencies, and an even better presentation of the "butterfly effect" and the fatality of some situations. This film has no flaws, I sat riveted in my seat, just waiting to see what would happen next. Rightfully one of the best films of all time. (09/11/2023)

During the first act the chills made a car track out of my back, about halfway through I had no idea were it was going and the unexpected shifts in the plot kept me on my toes, and by the end I was one more satisfied viewer. A dense atmosphere, excellent direction and an interesting story make The Butterfly Effect a movie that won't let you catch your breath. Then even the logical holes in the script and the fact that the theme of temporal paradoxes is not revelatory (and has been handled better in many other movies) can be forgiven. This film has a lot of appeal. And, by the way, Amy Smart is gorgeous. (01/23/2005)

This film’s numerous visual tricks, incredibly high-octane plot and mysterious atmosphere, supported by a beautifully mysterious and emotional soundtrack, will captivate you and give you a powerful and moving experience. But if you use your head more actively, you will repeatedly get tripped up. Some of the twists are solely for effect and diminish the sense of what happened before (why didn’t he return more times to that one moment and shape the circumstances so that everything would be perfect?!). Actually, the whole film is a less sophisticated version of Twelve Monkeys, but revolving not around the end of the world, but around love. (11/06/2004)

Constant hopelessness and despair in a perfect package of time jumps and the ensuing catastrophes. Back when The Butterfly Effect was still an unknown video cult film, I found myself standing stunned in front of the screen, because a directorial debut like this is a miracle. There are few movies where the viewer wishes more for a happy ending, because there are too many constant bad ones for one nervous system. True happiness can only be achieved through sacrifice. (12/09/2005)

The idea that we could travel back in time and change the past as we see fit is so appealing that even I sometimes get swept away by a film that tells this story. Here, however, the frequent illogicality of the plot spoiled the overall impression. Even Ashton Kutcher couldn’t save it. He is nice to look at, but unfortunately, that's about it. (65%) (11/21/2021)