The Butterfly Effect

Constant hopelessness and despair in a perfect package of time jumps and subsequent catastrophes. At a time when the Fateful Touch was still an unknown video cult, I remained scalded in front of the screen, because such a directorial debut is a made miracle. There aren't many movies where the viewer wishes for a happy ending more, because there are too many constant bad ones for one nervous system. Sometimes we only achieve victory through sacrifices. (08/12/2005)

I was definitely expecting more from this film, at least based on the reviews, the word of mouth and the audience reviews. But after it was over, I thought it was pretty obvious how this was going to end, so what's so bombastic about it? It's definitely a good subject, but they could have gleaned a whole lot more from it. (06/12/2017)

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%) (20/11/2021)

I’m not sure how to approach this movie. On the one hand, it is excellently filmed, and the overall concept and atmosphere of the movie were really captivating. Even Ashton Kutcher, one of my least favorite actors in Hollywood, seemed likeable. On the other hand, I really couldn’t bear the last 20 minutes. Maybe it's because I don't like the sight of blood, the subject of mental illness or who knows why. The atmosphere of the movie made me physically sick and I had to pause it a few times, because it even gave me a slight headache, that’s how much it got to me. A great movie with atmosphere, but I can't tell you what my reaction will be the second time I watch The Butterfly Effect as I’m not planning to do so anytime soon. (14/10/2015)

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. (22/01/2005)