The cast is good and the themes are compelling, but the execution is a bit of a mess.
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06/17/08
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Chaos Theory (2008)
29 %
Reviews Counted: 49 Fresh: 14 Rotten:35 Average Rating: 4.9/10
Consensus:
Ryan Reynolds and Emily Mortimer do what they can, but ultimately Chaos Theory is an overly conventional dramedy.
Runtime: 86 mins
Synopsis: Frank Allen (Ryan Reynolds), celebrated author of the bestseller The Five Minute Efficiency Trainer, has perfected the art of living via a foolproof system of timetables and index cards. In fact, his daily “to do” lists are legendary. A man known for playing it safe, Frank doesn’t believe in... [More]
Genre: Comedies
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Emily Mortimer, Constance Zimmer, Sarah Chalke
Reviews
The movie lives up to its title. How else to explain the random switch from such a dizzy set up with such promise to a typical, by the numbers relationship drama?
05/22/08
Chaos Theory, starring Ryan Reynolds, confirms the underground vision of screenwriter Daniel Taplitz, who has re-imagined the screwball comedy in original terms.
04/16/08
Upbeat rom-com grounded in solid work by Ryan Reynolds and Emily Mortimer tells a meaningful story while still staying in-bounds with the PG-13 rating. Unusual Western Canada seacoast photography and upbeat soundtrack make for an entertaining film.
04/14/08
As imperfect as it is, Chaos Theory is much better than most of Hollywood's output this year.
04/14/08
Chaos Theory lives up, or maybe down, to its title, as it's all over the place.
04/14/08
Chaos may make for an interesting life experience, but onscreen it results in a messy and unfulfilling movie.
04/14/08
The only ending that I can think of that these characters deserve would be to have the guys from Funny Games arrive at the cabin to inquire about the availability of some eggs.
04/14/08
This is a spot on brilliant gem of film that goes from one unexpected surprise to another. It had me laughing uncontrollably at times.
04/12/08
Reynolds and Mortimer won't be fazed by this misfire but Chaos Theory certainly lives up to its title. It's a mess.
04/11/08
An uptight efficiency trainer learns to embrace the messy chaos of life when a small indiscretion leads to the collapse of his marriage in this atonal romantic comedy.
04/11/08
Reynolds goes through his emotional paces with conviction and is developing a trademark wounded look that is quite effective.
04/11/08
It's swift and watchable enough, and the actors keep things interesting, but ultimately the movie falls short.
04/11/08
The comic scenes can be arch or shrill, but director Marcos Siega (Pretty Persuasion) does better when the story turns somber and the emotions feel genuine.
04/11/08
The audience, if any, for Chaos Theory is going to be hit with a little puff of celluloid flatulence. The movie won't linger in the air, but that doesn't make it any less embarrassing.
04/11/08
Oh, Ryan Reynolds. We like you. We want to see you succeed. And yet you keep making the wrong choices.
04/11/08
It's genial enough, but it should be called My First Mid-Life Crisis Movie.
04/11/08
Even when he goes 'dark,' it's a pretty harmless rebellion and the film never lets him pass a point of no return.
04/11/08
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by: RottingTomato 4/1
by: RottingTomato 4/1
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