Of the many facile ironies at play in Chaos Theory, the title may be the biggest: How can a movie so stuffed with writerly contrivances call itself Chaos Theory?
Chaos Theory (2008)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
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
Reviews for Chaos Theory
The performances and Marcos Siega's direction put a pleasing sheen on the material.
At least the film strives for its own quirky rhythm, which can't be said for stuff like 27 Dresses.
Befitting its title, rather a mess...You can describe it as an unfunny dark comedy or a bathetic family drama, but in reality it's both.
...has more ludicrous plot developments than an entire season of soap opera, which would be OK if this were a farce.
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.
Reynolds, called to 180 from anal nebbish to feral beast, is beautifully committed, but he gets no help on the other side of the camera.
While gambling movies are beating the odds lately, Chaos Theory weighs the virtues and catastrophes of living life fanatically uptight instead, with those of the index card variety, and the results range from charming to zany.
The premise is intriguing, but this intended satire never finds a convincing comedic footing.
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
A bogus and unconvincing narrative that pretends to deal with real human issues like betrayal and paternity.
Marcos Siega's direction is perfunctory, but with a buoyancy that keeps the torments-of-Job aspect of the story from becoming a downer.
Reynolds lets us see the wheels turn throughout this process, crafting Frank's stark behavior change as the thinking man's flip-out.
As long as you don't tie your giggle bib on too tight, there's an exquisite depth and unpredictability to Chaos Theory that's wonderful to observe.
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.
Latest News for Chaos Theory
February 17, 2008:
Trailer & Poster review ![]()
More...
February 11, 2008:
Trailer & Poster review ![]()
More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 90% 90% | The White Ribbon | 12/30 |
| 100% 100% | Daybreakers | 1/8 |
| | Leap Year | 1/8 |
| 83% 83% | Youth in Revolt | 1/8 |
| | The Book of Eli | 1/15 |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- Chaos Theory at Rotten Tomatoes
- Chaos Theory at IGN
Fresh Links
Featured

Take a look at MSN's choices for the Top 10 films of 2009.

What were your favorites? Least favorites? The funniest and scariest? Moviefone wants to know!

Hollywood.com explores why QT's characters resonate so well with audiences.

TIME chimes in with their own list of the best films released this year.

Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic



