Take that, David Lynch!

Rating: Null/10 (26 November 2002)

Wow. It's been over a month since I first saw "Donnie Darko," and I still haven't forgotten about it. That's how good this film is. It grabs hold of you and doesn't let go.
"Donnie Darko," much like "Memento" and "Mulholland Drive," is one of those rare films that has different interpretations from different viewpoints - everybody has their own idea as to what this film is all about. Whether it be love, hate life, death, religion, etc. - it doesn't really matter. Apparently, director Richard Kelly took all of the aforementioned elements, mixed them together, and the end result was one of the best films of the past five years.
The main storyline of the film is simple. Donnie Darko, a high-school student from your average suburb in October 1988, has reoccuring visions of a six-foot-tall rabbit named Frank, who warns Donnie that the world will end on Halloween. That's the easy part. Now, you have to decipher what's really happening. Don't worry if you can't do that - Kelly unleashes lots of symbolism throughout the duration of the film that can be interpreted in many different ways (although most of the time, it's just downright silly).
"Donnie Darko" is also amazing to watch. Kelly pulls out the numerous tricks up his sleeve. Fast-and-slow-motion, sideways camera views, and other special effects make this film even better. Plus, the eighties-themed soundtrack is awesome. As for the acting itself, the performances are better than average (especially from Mary McDonnell, the Gyllenhaal siblings, and even Patrick Swayze).
It's worth every minute.
****/**** (Four out of four stars)