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Movies / Upcoming / Chaos Theory
Chaos Theory

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Chaos Theory (2008)

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Reviews Counted:55

Fresh:17

Rotten:38

Average Rating:5/10

Consensus: Ryan Reynolds and Emily Mortimer do what they can, but ultimately Chaos Theory is an overly conventional dramedy.

Runtime: 86 mins

Genre: Comedies

US Box Office: $0

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,... 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 spontaneity. Every choice he makes is deliberate––designed to contribute to a well-ordered, predictable life. But life, as he soon learns, never adheres to a strict schedule. Frank’s wife, Susan (Emily Mortimer), and seven-year-old daughter, Jesse (Matreya Fedor), find his obsession charming in small doses, but as a steady diet it can be very frustrating. One morning, Susan attempts to loosen her husband’s scheduling stranglehold by adding ten minutes to his day. But, by setting the clock backward instead of forward, she inadvertently unleashes a series of mishaps that turn his meticulously ordered life upside down. A belligerent ferryman, a ruthless seductress, a reluctant mother-to-be and the secret amor of his best friend, Buddy (Stuart Townsend), combine to send his life into complete chaos. As his life unravels in several directions simultaneously, however, a stunning family revelation forces Frank to look fate squarely in the eye. Shaken to his core, he starts living entirely “in the moment,” allowing him to defy the conventions that have heretofore defined him. Those carefully coordinated index cards that had once kept his life in perfect order now become a deck of chance as Frank scribbles spontaneous ideas on random cards, shuffles, chooses and follows the luck of the draw…with unexpected results. Frank is about to discover that not even an efficiency expert armed with timetables and index cards can change the serendipitous nature of family and friendship, love and forgiveness. Castle Rock Entertainment and Lone Star Film Group present a Frederic Golchan Production, “Chaos Theory,” starring Ryan Reynolds, Emily Mortimer, Stuart Townsend, Sarah Chalke and Mike Erwin. Marcos Siega directed the film from a screenplay by Daniel Taplitz. “Chaos Theory” is produced by Frederic Golchan and Erica Westheimer, with Fred Westheimer serving as executive producer and Barbara Kelly as co-producer. The behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Ramsey Nickell, production designer Sandy Cochrane and film editor Nicholas Erasmus. The music is composed by Gilad Benamram. --© Official Site [More]

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Emily Mortimer, Constance Zimmer, Sarah Chalke

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Emily Mortimer, Constance Zimmer, Sarah Chalke

Director: Marcos Siega

Director: Marcos Siega
Screenwriter: Daniel Taplitz
Studio: Warner Independent

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Reviews for Chaos Theory

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1 - 20 (sorted by date; Australian critics are listed first)
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...peters out in a fairly substantial way as it approaches its woefully melodramatic finale...

Full Review Source: Reel Film Reviews | comment Comment
05/21/09
David Nusair
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews

The lead performers, the brighter fillips in Daniel Taplitz’s screenplay and Marcos Siega’s assured direction make this a pleasing item overall.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
10/18/08
Dennis Harvey
Dennis Harvey
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Reel.com | comment Comment
10/18/08
Reel.com

If actor Ryan Reynolds isn't careful, he's going to parlay his good looks and engaging presence into a full-time job as a game-show host.

Full Review Source: Newsday | comment Comment
10/18/08
John Anderson
John Anderson
Newsday

"No amount of CPR can bring this dead fish of a movie back to life."

Full Review Source: ReelzChannel.com | comment Comment
09/08/08
Heather Huntington
Heather Huntington
ReelzChannel.com

The cast is good and the themes are compelling, but the execution is a bit of a mess.

Full Review Source: Aisle Seat | comment Comment
06/17/08
Mike McGranaghan
Mike McGranaghan
Aisle Seat

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?

Full Review Source: Windy City Times | comment Comment
05/22/08
Richard Knight
Richard Knight
Windy City Times

Chaos Theory peddles the usual carpe diem movie bunk.

Full Review Source: Entertainment Weekly | comment Comment
04/24/08
Gregory Kirschling
Gregory Kirschling
Entertainment Weekly

Chaos Theory, starring Ryan Reynolds, confirms the underground vision of screenwriter Daniel Taplitz, who has re-imagined the screwball comedy in original terms.

Full Review Source: New York Press | comment 1 Comment
04/16/08
Armond White
Armond White
New York Press

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.

Full Review Source: Monsters and Critics | comment Comment
04/14/08
Ron Wilkinson
Ron Wilkinson
Monsters and Critics

As imperfect as it is, Chaos Theory is much better than most of Hollywood's output this year.

Full Review Source: Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL) | comment Comment
04/14/08
Jeffrey Westhoff
Jeffrey Westhoff
Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)

Chaos Theory lives up, or maybe down, to its title, as it's all over the place.

Full Review Source: Ebert & Roeper | comment Comment
04/14/08
Richard Roeper
Richard Roeper
Ebert & Roeper
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Chaos may make for an interesting life experience, but onscreen it results in a messy and unfulfilling movie.

Full Review Source: Film Journal International | comment Comment
04/14/08
Katey Rich
Katey Rich
Film Journal International

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.

Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com | comment Comment
04/14/08
Peter Sobczynski
Peter Sobczynski
eFilmCritic.com

This is a spot on brilliant gem of film that goes from one unexpected surprise to another. It had me laughing uncontrollably at times.

Full Review Source: tonymedley.com | comment Comment
04/12/08
Tony Medley
Tony Medley
tonymedley.com

Reynolds and Mortimer won't be fazed by this misfire but Chaos Theory certainly lives up to its title. It's a mess.

Full Review Source: The Deadbolt | comment Comment
04/11/08
Brian Tallerico
Brian Tallerico
The Deadbolt

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.

Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
04/11/08
Ken Fox
Ken Fox
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Reynolds goes through his emotional paces with conviction and is developing a trademark wounded look that is quite effective.

Full Review Source: Toronto Star | comment Comment
04/11/08
Philip Marchand
Philip Marchand
Toronto Star

It's swift and watchable enough, and the actors keep things interesting, but ultimately the movie falls short.

Full Review Source: Seattle Times | comment Comment
04/11/08
Moira MacDonald
Moira MacDonald
Seattle Times

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.

Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | comment Comment
04/11/08
Andrea Gronvall
Andrea Gronvall
Chicago Reader
 
 
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