Donnie Darko

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, Noah Wyle, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mary McDonnell, Seth Rogen
Directed by: Richard Kelly
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Box Office: $517,375
2001

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: After a plane engine crashes through his house, young Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins seeing the strange apparition of a demonic rabbit who tells him that the world will end in just a few days. As Donnie tries to discover the truth behind the strange events, he uncovers a secret concerning time travel and discovers that he may be the only person who could stop an apocalyptic end of the world.

Review:

Tim: Donnie Darko is a very strange movie, but it is also very different. It is so refreshing to watch something that is so beyond what you normally see. Richard Kelly directs a complex, layered, and emotional film in his directorial debut.

It is hard sometimes to realize that this film is also really about time travel. It raises some profound questions about that topic, which is really interesting. However, this movie is about so much more, too.

Donnie Darko is a complex, very confusing film. If you watch the DVD, use the directory's commentary, because it will help immensely. If not (like me when I watched it) you might want to look up some explanations online to shed some light on the actual conclusions of the film. It is that confusing. However, confusion because of complexity is not necessarily a big problem with a movie.

The cast looks superb, but it is really Jake Gyllenhaal that gives the most outstanding performance. He is creepy, likeable, and just strange all at the same time. That is not an easy feat. Jena Malone is decent. The rest of the cast, including Barrymore, Swayze, Wyle, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Mary McDonnell do not have large enough roles to make much of a difference in this film. And, we can't forget the demonic rabbit. It is one of the creepiest and yet coolest aspects of any film I've seen.

I advise you to take a chance with this movie. It absolutely bombed at the box office (grossing less than $1 million), but found a large following on video, raking in millions of dollars. This is one of the little known gems that truly deserve to be seen.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: October SKy, The Day After Tomorrow, Pleasantville, Memento