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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.

Rated: PG-13 [See Full Rating] for mature thematic material, sexual content and language.

Runtime: 86 mins

Genre: Comedies

Theatrical Release:Mar 14, 2008 Wide

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 critic A-Z)
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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
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

... one might expect a little runaway energy or a dash of wild spirit under the antics, but there's little punchy anarchy in this controlled experiment.

Full Review Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer | comment Comment
04/10/08
Sean Axmaker
Sean Axmaker
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

A bogus and unconvincing narrative that pretends to deal with real human issues like betrayal and paternity.

Full Review Source: ReelViews | comment Comment
04/03/08
James Berardinelli
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Do the math: X + Y = lousy.

Full Review Source: Jam! Movies | comment Comment
04/11/08
Liz Braun
Liz Braun
Jam! Movies

It's genial enough, but it should be called My First Mid-Life Crisis Movie.

Full Review Source: Boston Globe | comment Comment
04/11/08
Ty Burr
Ty Burr
Boston Globe
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

directed with an inert sense of schmaltz such that after a while it is all but impossible for the audience to pick up on any clues or cues as to what is intended to be funny and what poignant

Full Review Source: Killer Movie Reviews | comment Comment
04/06/08
Andrea Chase
Andrea Chase
Killer Movie Reviews

...could have applied more of its titular conceit to its structure - the film isn't clever enough working Allen's principles into his love life...

Full Review Source: Reeling Reviews | comment Comment
04/11/08
Laura Clifford
Laura Clifford
Reeling Reviews

Combines dark cynical humor with a moving relationship drama that never goes where you might expect.

Full Review Source: ComingSoon.net | comment Comment
04/10/08
Edward Douglas
Edward Douglas
ComingSoon.net

Dramatically it's neither fish nor fowl, so you can't quite tell if the sandwich is tuna salad or chicken salad.

Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
04/11/08
Jim Emerson
Jim Emerson
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Although Chaos Theory is being marketed as a comedy, the film is a dangerously unstable mix of hilarity and knotty earnestness; too severe even to be called a dark comedy but too funny to be dubbed a melodrama.

Full Review Source: BrandonFibbs.com | comment Comment
04/11/08
Brandon Fibbs
Brandon Fibbs
BrandonFibbs.com

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

What emerges is a short movie that feels too long, a heartfelt drama too playful to be sincere, and a narrative touching on adult themes but sabotaged by schematic false notes.

Full Review Source: Time Out New York | comment Comment
04/10/08
Stephen Garrett
Stephen Garrett
Time Out New York

The funny bits are kind of funny. But the dramatic developments, in particular the one that drives the bulk of the story, are far less successful.

Full Review Source: Arizona Republic | comment Comment
03/13/08
Bill Goodykoontz
Bill Goodykoontz
Arizona Republic
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

worth watching if you can get past the schmaltz.

Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
04/10/08
Rachel Gordon
Rachel Gordon
Filmcritic.com

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
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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

"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

A dated, unfunny sex comedy.

Full Review Source: Compuserve | comment Comment
04/11/08
Harvey S. Karten
Harvey S. Karten
Compuserve

A predictable romantic dramedy that isn’t particularly tender, moving or amusing, Chaos Theory suffers first and foremost from featuring the least engaging couple to headline a movie in some time.

comment Comment
04/11/08
Laura Kern
Laura Kern
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
 
 
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