The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 1146 Going against the wind
"Naive. Simple. Stupid. Narcissistic. Perfunctory. Once again, a man is trying to play God.

Blah blah blah. It’s terrible.”

Open screen critical attack!
Wait, isn't this supposed to be a good review? Why does something seem off about the content?

The film review from "The Hollywood Reporter" scored 85 points, which is the highest score in the first batch of media reviews of "The Butterfly Effect".

Although it was a little surprising that it came from "The Hollywood Reporter", a good review is worth a fortune when it comes from the most authoritative and professional media.

But, this opening... is it normal? Is there something wrong with the rating, missing a decimal point, and it's not "85" but "8.5"?
Obviously, not normal.

But The Hollywood Reporter knew what they were doing.

"Yes, that's true; but why are you so surprised? Doesn't Hollywood churn out three hundred of these movies every year?

At least, "The Butterfly Effect" has the courage and determination to choose such an ending, refusing to compromise, refusing perfection, refusing to follow the mainstream, and to some extent, it is tragic, having to face the consequences of every stupid, arrogant and arrogant choice, even if what lies ahead is a disaster.

If there was a different ending, I would hate this movie because it would become a self-imagined and self-touching daydream for the fraternity members, with all its shortcomings magnified tenfold and transformed into a self-justifying hypocrisy; in fact, I believe that this was the original inspiration for the two directors/screenwriters -

Because the crew said that the movie will have five different versions of the ending.

God, I can already predict at least three endings.

And, I believe it was Anson Wood who pulled the reins before the out-of-control carriage plunged off the cliff, playing this version of the ending in the premiere in a gesture of both sides perishing.

This alone distinguishes "The Butterfly Effect" from the other two hundred and ninety-nine movies.

However, "The Butterfly Effect" actually has the courage to put four other versions of the ending into theaters. They are trying a brand new challenge.

Also, in the film, Anson gives the character incredible — and I can’t believe I’m about to say this — layers of depth.

It is like opening a Pandora's box, where he grows step by step from an ignorant fraternity boy to a man who dares to take responsibility. His pain, his struggle, and his despair, in a vortex of such strong dramatic tension, pull the audience into this chaotic story.

There is no doubt that Anson's performance makes the story convincing. Rachel McAdams and Heath Ledger also show convincing performances in their rival scenes, and finally present such a tragic story.

Don’t forget that the protagonist of the movie is only 20 years old, so he should be childish.”

Eighty-five points!

Tough, firm, and clear in stance.

"The Hollywood Reporter" went against the trend and, amidst the chorus of criticism, gave the film clear praise, with a score of 85.

Lowest score, 10 points, The Wall Street Journal

Highest score, 85 points, "The Hollywood Reporter".

This was definitely a scene that people had not expected before the release of "The Butterfly Effect" - the two authoritative media outlets, "The Hollywood Reporter" and "The Wall Street Journal", were tearing each other apart!
Of course, the above is a detailed review, but in a one-sentence review, The Hollywood Reporter summarized it in a concise way.

"You will love the stupid, childish, immature, and arrogant mistakes in the movie, because this is the price of youth and also a joke of fate; and Anson Wood's superstar charm makes this story have the power of a heart-wrenching blow, which is the perfect choice for this year's holiday season."

incredible!

The tough stance and unwavering position shown by The Hollywood Reporter are even more impactful when placed together with the overwhelming negative reviews.

This also marked the beginning of a polarized controversy.

The truly magical part, however, is that The Hollywood Reporter is not alone, which is why praise and criticism have formed two distinct camps.

Before, there was "The Hollywood Reporter" vs. "The Wall Street Journal", and later there was "Los Angeles Times" vs. "The New York Times", but this time, the positions were reversed.

The Los Angeles Times does not like the "butterfly effect". A rating of 20 points clearly shows the disgust in its bones, and it even refuses to take a second look at it. The New York Times is just the opposite. A rating of 80 points clearly shows its attitude.

"This is a work with explosive dramatic tension, struggling on the edge of sliding into a soap opera at all times, but Anson grasps the direction with rich and delicate performance, allowing the film to find a clear route of advancement in the emotional bomb.

A complex, desperate, turbulent emotion, Anson, standing at the center of the spotlight, injects charm into the role with a simple but firm performance.

It was a surprise, without a doubt. One of the most unmissable productions of the year.”

Praise, extreme praise, even more incredible than an evaluation of 80 points.

Although Nicholas Flynn's report for the New York Times has made his position clear, Nicholas is just a reporter and he is not responsible for writing film reviews.

Therefore, at this moment, the comments from professional film critics of the New York Times are particularly valuable, complementing Nicholas' in-depth special reports.

Even the editor-in-chief of the New York Times himself did not expect this scene. The editorial department thought that "Master and Commander" might be a grand slam crushing massacre; but in the end, they themselves were the first to raise the banner of different voices.

The situation suddenly became interesting.

"San Francisco Chronicle," 75 points, "In a way that is so absurd that it is unbelievable, 'The Butterfly Effect' is the most entertaining film of this year's holiday season. Amidst the childish script, sloppy directing, cheap photography and noisy soundtrack, Anson Wood found a way to keep the audience firmly in the theater seat and enjoy the two-hour roller coaster ride."

"Baltimore Sun," 75 points, "'The Butterfly Effect's' Biggest Problem: Stupidity; 'The Butterfly Effect's' Biggest Pros: Anson Wood."

USA Today, 73 points, "The script is so desperate to show the tragedy of fate that every plot twist seems superficial and contrived; but incredibly, the movie is attractive, all thanks to the actors. Heath Ledger once again proved his ability to stand out in a terrible plot, and of course, Anson Wood also showed his superstar brilliance for the first time."

Variety, 70 points, "This is a classic example of a film saved by its cast. Anson Wood, Rachel McAdams, Heath Ledger, and a group of commendable supporting actors accomplished an impossible task: to make a terrible script attract the audience to watch the movie."

"Empire", 70 points, "It's a disaster, but how did Anson Wood manage to keep it shining amidst the muddy ruins?"

Entertainment Weekly, 68 points, "I never expected that Anson Wood could still hold the audience's attention after leaving his comfort zone. His performance far exceeded expectations, and other actors deserve praise. But I personally don't like such a pretentious ending. But hey, we have four other options."

(End of this chapter)