Donnie Darko 8/10

Rating: 8/10 (12 May 2015)

Having been late to the party on Donnie Darko for nearly fifteen years, I was excited to finally have the moment, where the film was in hand, and I was in the right mood. Donnie Darko met my expectations and took me for a wild ride. Jake Gyllenhaal was fantastic as his typical suave but awkward persona that he plays in a lot in his films (Zodiac, Prisoners). He happens to be so good at that type of role I keep hoping he brings it every time. I was also really impressed with the supporting female cast that included, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mary McDonnell, Jena Malone and Drew Barrymore. All of them were absolutely terrific. Behind the camera, Richard Kelley, who I have never heard of before this film, was impeccable at keeping the viewer in the dark but also entertained. The story was a tad hard to follow for myself at points, just because I'm not a whiz at understanding paradoxes and time traveling but I still managed to hang in. I now know why Donnie Darko (8/10) is such a cult favorite that is intellectually driven and obviously very original.