Chaos Theory

Chaos Theory (Rated PG-13)

Running time: 1 hr 37 mins

Cast:

Ryan Reynolds
Emily Mortimer
Stuart Townsend

Critical Consensus:

**1/2 out of *****

Matt's Take:

C+

Mikey @ The Movies Official Rating:

**1/2 out of *****

The premise: The story of an obsessively organized efficiency expert whose life unravels in unexpected ways when fate forces him to explore the serendipitous nature of love and forgiveness.

MY REVIEW

The Story and Screenplay: I wasn't really sure if the intention of this story was to humor the audience, or make them slightly uncomfortable. For a so called "comedy", Daniel Taplitz screenplay was actually a litte dark and morose. I mean, it has its quirky little funny moments, but for all intensive purposes, this is a dramatic film. So it was badly advertised as a comedy. With that, the screenplay isn't bad, but it is pretty typical I guess. Nothing new or exciting surfaced in this story about an obessive man whose life is spiraling out of control. He's a married man, but kisses another woman; he rushes a pregnat woman to a hospital who then his wife thinks is a mistress of his; then he finds out he suffers from a genetic illness that causes him to be steril so oh no...his little girl, isn't really his little girl; so now he's pissed off at his wife because he thinks she knew this. Blah blah. I could go on. This character has so many issues, and theres so many problems involved in this hour and half film that it just gets compacted into a messy story that's all over the place. Perhaps if the movie was longer, and the screenplay was handled more seriously, this would be a better film. We will never know.

The Story and Screenplay rating: **1/2 out of *****

The Performances: This movie does have a saving grace. That is Ryan Reynolds (Waiting, Definitley, Maybe). I have seen enough of his movies, and I've never truly been a fan. However, he shows very good promise here as a dramatic actor. Comedy has kind of been his thing as of his present day career, and he does have some comedic moments here; but when it comes to his dramatic and intense scenes, he shines. I was quite suprised about how well he carried himself and this movie all on his own. Stuart Townsend (The League of Extrodinary Gentleman) and Emily Mortimer (Redbelt) are OK as supporting roles but fade away and and deliver pretty forgettable performances. This was Ryan Reynolds show.

The Performances rating: *** out of *****

The Direction and Filmaking: This is a pretty standard indy-looking film. There really is nothing impressive about any of its filmaking. It's really all fairly average if you ask me. Not much to really say in this regard.

The Direction and Filmaking rating: ** out of *****.

CURRENT MIKEY @ THE MOVIES AWARD NOMINATIONS:

• Best Dramatic Actor in a Leading Role (Ryan Reynolds)

To view this films theatrical trailer click this link: Chaos Theory

*This Film is now on DVD.

*This was the 53rd new film I have seen and reviewed this year.