The Butterfly Effect DVD: Review By Shelley

I am nor have I ever been a big fan of Ashton Kutcher, but regardless of how I feel about a particular actor I always try to give all movies the chance they deserve. I am glad that I put aside any preconceived notions because I would have missed several good movies, including this one.

The storyline is interesting and at times engrossing. Changing certain events in the past and how it affects the future is a story that has been told before, but this movie also touches on how traumatic events in childhood shape the person they will become. We all wish we could go back knowing what we know now and that is exactly what Kutcher’s character gets to do. Of course things do not always work out the way we thought they would, thus the main basis of the film.

The cast all give good performances with the best given by, believe it or not, Ashton Kutcher. No one was more surprised than I to see him in a dramatic role and does it well. I do not think it was good enough to cause me to go and buy his complete filmography, but I do admit that it has made me think of checking out some of his other works.

The DVD includes two versions, theatrical and Director’s. I believe the theatrical’s ending is better but with that version you have an alternate ending so you can judge for yourself. I suggest that you watch the theatrical version and then watch the alternate ending. The Director’s cut only has an additional seven minutes of film so you really are not missing anything. It is not all in one scene but a minute here and there.

Do not expect a horror or an extreme thriller; it is more of an intense drama. I would not say that it is an ‘on the edge of your seat’ film, but it does a decent job of holding your attention and keeping you guessing.

The sequel, Butterfly Effect 2, is what you would expect, a mediocre film. But what impressed me was that the entire movie was filmed in ten days. If you take that into consideration it is not that bad. I have read several reviews on Butterfly Effect: Revelations and it seems like a mixed bag but I do plan checking this one out. I do have hopes that it will be better than the second and hopefully I will find out this week when it is released on DVD.

Thanks for reading.