Three is supposedly the magic number, but depending on where you are, in some cases it shows that your idea can hold its own, but in some cases, it can be a daunting task to decide where do you go from here, cue The Butterfly Effect, freed from having to prove itself on a limiting platform of home video release decided to go big and go bold in a time-traveling, slasher-horror flick, namely The Butterfly Effect 3 Revelations.

In the gritty city of Detroit, young Sam has a complicated life, he has the ability to travel back in time, which he uses to catch killers for a profit. He follows two rules, don’t alter your own timeline and don’t leave your body alone while you’re travelling. This means he can’t prevent his girlfriend’s brutal murder but reconsiders when the sister of his girlfriend thinks the soon to be executed suspect is innocent. Now Sam hunts down a killer whose killing spree will put all that Sam has in jeopardy and challenges all that he believes.

I said that the direct-to-video format is freeing, and the third installment demonstrates this in spades, it goes the beyond the small scale of the main character’s problems, they’re featured but the scope of the film feels so much bigger with more characters affected by Sam’s actions. The Butterfly Effect 3 establishes a new way to exploit the given powers that provide some altruistic avenues for exploration. It shows a willingness to evolve and great promise for any future sequel or reboot that wishes to further build on these ideas.

The film feels so much bolder than its two predecessors, it’s gorier, it’s darker, but it’s a lot funnier. In doing so it feels a lot less serious and a lot more enjoyable, and willing to have fun with the concept, while I’m not sure I would like the first two films to take such a light-hearted tone, but by this third film, there’s room for variation. The city of Detroit feels like a character in its own right, and the cities famed industrial landscape is used as a playground for both the characters and the creator’s wildest ideas. From labyrinth industrial lairs to abandoned suburban homes, giving a real visual identity.

There’s something for everyone in the third entity of The Butterfly Effect, you’ve got slasher-centric horror for the Saw fans, time-travel paradoxes for the sci-fi buffs, a gripping murder mystery that will keep you guessing to the end. If you’re trapped in a burning building and must pick a film to watch, you’d have an easier time than Sam if you pick this entry in the trilogy.

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