. This film sucked me in. I didn't now what to expect but was extremely impressed by the whole package.

Rating: 9/10 (22 May 2002)

This is a fantasy, mystery, romantic science fiction movie so has something for everyone. The pace is slow but never plodding and has an impressive cast for a no budget film.
Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal: October Sky) is a 17-year-old school kid with more than his fair share of problems. One of three children in a middle class American family he finds it difficult to communicate with the other members of his family. A problem so up-setting to his Mother (Mary McDonnell: Independence Day) that she has placed him in therapy. Then to top it all off one night a demonic bunny rabbit name Frank saves him from certain death and delivers a mind blowing message to him. The rabbit continues to visit Donnie and sets him to task carrying out acts of thought less destruction, or are they. The only bright spot in Donnie's Life the arrival of the new kid in school Gretchen Ross (Jena Malone: The Book of Stars). Donnie soon becomes romantically involved with Gretchen. A kindred spirit perhaps, well she dose have problems of her own to work through.
Is there a point to Donnie's evening escapades? What part dose Frank play in them? And who is the old lady in the middle of the road? All questions are answered and if your sharp enough you may even get the answers yourself as the clues are in there. However I was a bit slow on the up-take and had to watch the movie again with the directors commentary to fully understand it. Before you get worried that this sounds to deep for your idea of an evenings entertainment. Others have watched and gotten most of it first time. This film sucked me in. I didn't now what to expect but was extremely impressed by the whole package.
Jake Gyllenhaal shows that he is already an actor of considerable talent. Despite only having eleven movies under his belt he his showing a wealth of maturity. All the cast turn in good performances and what a cast. Patrick Swayze: Ghost, Drew Barrymore: Charlie's Angels, Noah Wyle: ER and Katharine Ross: The Graduate.
Richard Kelly has set the bar pretty high for himself now. Not only did he write and directed this movie. But it is his first ever project. Kelly has come up with the most original story in sometime. He has put together the complete package. Interesting characters well shoot scenes and an enjoyable sound track. Notable amongst which is Garry Jules version of the Tears for Fears song Mad World.