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Chaos Theory (2008)

6.7
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Ratings: 6.7/10 from 21,519 users   Metascore: 44/100
Reviews: 56 user | 47 critic | 18 from Metacritic.com

The story of an obsessively organized efficiency expert whose life unravels in unexpected ways when fate forces him to explore the serendipitous nature of love and forgiveness.

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Susan
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Ed
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Maid of Honor
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Best Man
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Ken
Lisa Calder ...
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Evil Ferryman
Jocelyne Loewen ...
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Storyline

At his daughter's wedding, time-management specialist Frank Allen corners the reluctant groom and tells him a long story: about the night his wife chose him, and then, about eight years later, when a missed ferry, a corporate groupie, a panicked expectant mother, and a medical test brought Frank's marriage to a crisis. In the midst of the crisis were Frank, his wife Susan, their daughter Jesse, and Frank's best friend, the feckless Buddy. Things come to a head at a lake when Frank, armed with a shotgun, decides to cross something permanently from one of his time-management lists. Is there ever room for whim and chaos? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

He planned his life like clockwork. Now things are going cuckoo. See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, sexual content and language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

16 October 2008 (Russia)  »

Also Known As:

A Teoria do Caos  »

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$23,880 (USA) (11 April 2008)

Gross:

$237,958 (USA) (18 April 2008)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

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Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Ryan Reynolds plays Elizabeth Harnois's father despite being less than three years older than her (945 days to be specific). Emily Mortimer, who plays Elizabeth Harnois's mother, is less than eight years older than her in real life. See more »

Goofs

At the very end, when Frank is talking to Ed right before the ceremony, Frank's hair is very gray. When they walk down the aisle, Frank's hair is very brown, not much hint of gray. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Jesse Allen: [to Maid of Honor, while wearing wedding dress] Give it to me straight: virginal bride or slut in white?
See more »

Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Episode dated 12 April 2008 (2008) See more »

Soundtracks

"Better Things"
Written by Ray Davies
Performed by The Kinks
Courtesy of Koch Entertainment
By Arrangement with Sugaroo!
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
generally charming comedy
21 December 2008 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

Spontaneity is not a highly esteemed commodity in Frank Allen's catalogue of virtues. An efficiency trainer by avocation, Frank is a man whose own life is organized entirely around to-do lists, time charts and abstrusely calculated probabilities. Then, one day Frank becomes a victim of circumstances so utterly beyond his control that he is forced to abandon his old way of thinking and adopt a new philosophy of life altogether, that of throwing caution to the wind and letting his every mercurial whim determine the course of his actions (he shuffles index cards to determine what it is he should do next).

"Chaos Theory," a small but insightful movie written by Daniel Taplitz and directed by Marcos Siega, boasts a cleverly addled storyline, some sharp, witty dialogue and energetic performances by Reynolds, Emily Mortimer and Stuart Townsend, the latter two as Frank's wife and best friend, respectively. The plot complications get pretty hot and heavy at times but, as with all good comedy, things have a way of straightening themselves out in the end.

Though there may be a few too many musical montage sequences in the movie for my taste - they always seem to be used as shortcuts to get the heart soaring or the tear ducts flowing - the movie has a fluidity and charm that raise it above any possible shortcomings. Moreover, the Pacific Northwest setting provides a scenic backdrop for all the amusing shenanigans taking place on center stage.


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