You know a movie’s great when you walk out of the theater not knowing how to feel about it.

That was my reaction to The Butterfly Effect.

Starring Ashton Kutcher (in his first major serious role) alongside Amy Smart, the movie is about Evan Treborn, a boy who has blackouts as a child. Growing up, there are certain moments in his life that he just doesn’t remember. Usually, they are the most horrible moments possible.

To help combat this selective memory loss, he begins writing in a journal until he leaves his hometown with his mother.

The movie then skips to the years where Evan is in college. Suddenly, by accident, he discovers he can relive those moments that were lost in his mind. Only now, when he remembers them, he can change them, acting in them the way he wants to.

So, he plays God and tries to change the way things are to make things better for him and for Kayleigh, a childhood friend. But when he changes the memories, the butterfly effect causes all the events after that memory to change as well, and not in good ways. In other words, his plans backfire each time.

If you like movies that constantly play with your emotions and have you biting your nails in anticipation, this is a must-see. Kutcher does an awesome job in the serious role.

The whole movie will keep you trying to anticipate (in vain) what is going to happen next. It will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions that you could not even imagine. There are no dull moments. While it’s not action-packed or scary, it is a very intense drama. It is well worth the beer money spent to see this movie.

Just do yourself a favor, be ready for the unexpected and the unlikely. Be ready to see the boundaries of “decent” pushed to the extreme.

While the movie isn’t necessarily for the squeamish or weak of stomach (with scenes of child pornography to children being murdered, maimed, and beaten, it definitely pushes the limits to their max), I would recommend everyone go see it.

The Butterfly Effect will be released into theaters nationwide Jan. 23.

Be sure to be there. You won’t be disappointed.