Butterfly on a Wheel flaps its "thrilling" wings like a dull unglamorous moth. When Gerard Butler, Maria Bello and Pierce Brosnan give exceptionally strong performances in the same film and essentially becomes the only positive outcome, y'know something is afoot. Yes, despite them finally bringing their acting talent (although Bello is consistently good...), this tired thriller recycles the same monotonous tropes that every other mainstream film like it executes. "You must bring me this amount of money in this duration of time otherwise you're daughter will die". It's that, but repeated about five times throughout. Thrilling, right? Wrong. A successful husband and his wife take a car trip (whilst the daughter stays at home), but is joined but an unexpected individuals who holds them at gunpoint and asks them to complete a series of tasks.
"Mind games". Two words tossed around as if it was replicating Fincher's 'The Game'. A supposedly elaborate set of tasks conceptualised by Brosnan's Irish swagger-don that, may have a few thrills here and there, but overall felt far too meticulously stupid in the long run. By the time the third act reveal happens, you can't help but think "why?". Why go through all the effort, just for a menial motive? A waste of time, money and tears. Had it been less outlandish with its average execution, the great acting could've been used for something far more grounded and substantial. Oh, and don't get me started on the final final reveal. Just ridiculous.
Neither the husband or wife were likeable, bathing in wealth and materialism. Atleast Brosnan's antagonistic role was captivating to a certain extent. The editing, particular when transitioning to a different scene, was weirdly jarring. One moment the husband is having a laugh in his posh office during the day, the next second having dinner with his wife in the evening. Time just flies by, never letting the pace sink in. A few intriguing dilemmas here and there, but it's an average thriller at best. Never really taking off. "Butterfly on a broken water wheel" would be more apt...
