Amazing cross-genre debut that combines recent favorites

Rating: 10/10 (6 December 2001)

This film really gets inside of you and stays with you after you leave the theater. You'll find yourself lying in bed at night thinking about it, for many reasons. One, because it tackles MANY issues, some biggies too - time travel, destiny, and the existence of God. It's hard not to be challenged by this film. And two, because it is extremely confusing the first time you see it. I don't think you can make a fair judgement on this film until you've seen it at least twice. It is often compared to films such as "Rushmore" and "Fight Club" and most often "American Beauty," which was my favorite film until I saw "Donnie Darko." I feel that Donnie Darko succeeds where American Beauty did not. Don't get me wrong, I love AB, but all the characters except Lester and Ricky seemed one-dimensional, a little superficial, a little cliche. Here in DD we have a large cast and we delve into the characters more personally. DD is quite ambitious, however, and in its attempt to cover all basis, we do feel our minds a little stretched and in some cases a little let down because it does try to do too much. However I can put that aside in relation to what it DOES accomplish, and in such a beautiful and imaginative way. Go into it with an open mind and listen to every word. The soundtrack, comprised of 80s classics, is engaging, combining "Tears for Fears" and "George Michael" favorites. There is a remake of "Mad World" by Gary Jules (originally by "Tears for Fears") that is just absolutely captivating. An incredible sequence.