Rating: NNNNN
THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT (Eric Bress, J Mackye Gruber) derives from the theory that the beating of a butterfly’s wings in one part of the world can have ramifications globally. If this already seems too deep for a film starring Ashton Kutcher, brace yourselves – he plays an honour student. Plagued by inexplicable blackouts throughout childhood, Kutcher’s Evan discovers he can go back in time. But when he tries to change the past, he learns that the consequences of his actions are more than he can handle. This is a well-crafted sci-fi thriller that owes its success less to Kutcher – who’s actually not bad – than to smart writing and co-stars Amy Smart and Elden Henson. Does it make sense? Not entirely. But it’s easier to understand than Ashton and Demi. 113 min. NNN (Lori Fireman)
Opens Jan 23 at 401 & Morningside, Beach Cinemas, Coliseum Mississauga, Colossus, Courtney Park 16, Eglinton Town Centre, Elgin Mills, First Markham Place, Grande – Steeles, Kennedy Commons, Paramount, Queensway, Rainbow Fairview, Rainbow Promenade, Rainbow Woodbine, SilverCity Newmarket, SilverCity North York, SilverCity Richmond Hill, SilverCity Yorkdale, Silvercity Yonge, Varsity V.I.P., Winston Churchill.
THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE (Sylvain Chomet) – See review, page 72. 78 min. NNNN (JH) Opens Jan 23 at the Varsity. WIN A DATE WITH TAD HAMILTON (Robert Luketic) sounds uninspired – small-town beauty Rosalee (adorable Kate Bosworth) must choose between her best friend (Topher Grace, in the same self-deprecating role he plays on TV’s That 70s Show) and the titular movie star – but it’s better than most. Writer Victor Levin aspires to be John Hughes, and almost succeeds. The film has an adult’s brain but a teenager’s heart, a mix that allows underwritten characters to be both self-aware (Bosworth is able to beautifully articulate the difference between love and the idea of love) and stunningly naive (she can’t distinguish player Hamilton from the nice-guy roles he plays). Still, the target audience will swoon over it. 95 min. NNN (Lori Fireman)
Opens Jan 23 at 401 & Morningside, Coliseum Mississauga, Coliseum Scarborough, Colossus, Courtney Park 16, Eglinton Town Centre, Elgin Mills, First Markham Place, Grande – Steeles, Paramount, Queensway, Rainbow Fairview, Rainbow Promenade, Rainbow Woodbine, SilverCity Newmarket, SilverCity North York, SilverCity Richmond Hill, SilverCity Yorkdale, Silvercity Yonge, Varsity, Winston Churchill.
