A film that makes you think (for a change!)

Rating: 10/10 (20 February 2003)

Donnie Darko has created quite an internet buzz and it deserves every good thing that is said about it, and some of the bad.
This is Richard Kelly's first direction and he really outdid himself because he has a film that has comedy, horror, love, drama and more.
The story follows Donnie around and shows that he's a little crazy, and generally not a great guy. He sleepwalks and sees a bunny rabbit named Frank that tells him the world is going to end in a month. Since he feels that Frank saved his life, he feels obligated to do what Frank wants him to.
The story alone isn't what hooks the viewer. It's the overall visuals, the performances by the actors and the overall mood that is generated. Most of the movie is very dark, but not in a gory way. It just reflects the mood of the characters and the story it is telling.
Some of the additional perks are the incredibly great soundtrack featuring Tears For Fears, Duran Duran and a wonderful cover by Gary Jules. The references to things from the late eighties are also very welcome and incredibly funny.
Some will love the ending, others will hate it. But it really works as a topic of discussion. What else could one ask for? I love this movie!