So ahead of its time, you have to go back...Are you ready?

Rating: 10/10 (27 July 2004)

Donnie Darko, much to my surprise did not enjoy any amount of great box office success upon its original release in 2001 (I think it was 2001) In fact, it did not even make a box office profit until its UK cinema release. I find this baffling as I believe Donnie Darko to be, quite possibly one of the best films in the history of cinema. It is many things all at once: funny, dark, touching, thought-provoking and at the end, heart-breaking.
Richard Kelly's ideas are at once clear and yet elusive. Just when you think the film is heading in one direction, it turns on its heel and goes the complete opposite way, and this lack of definitive direction makes it gripping and thrilling. Each actor, especially the highly under-rated Jake Gyllenhaal give truly memorable performances and bring each individual character to life. Jake's sister, Maggie plays the clearly bright but reluctant older sister of Donnie, Elizabeth. Mary McDonnel is perfect as Donnie's confused and worried mother Rose. And Jake gives quite possibly the performance of his life as the angst ridden anti hero/super hero Donnie. Donnie is everyone, every viewer will be able to relate to one of his qualities be it his reluctance to reach other people's goals, his troubled past or his sarcastic (and sometimes immature) sense of humour - "When you go to sleep tonight, I'm going to fart in your face". The film itself is everything you could want in a movie. It has emotion and amazing special effects without going too "Hollywood". There is an incredible air of innocence about this movie that will touch anyone and everyone. I recommend this movie to people of all ages, but through past experiences I feel people between the ages of 15 - 25 will take more from the movie as they will find it easier to relate to the trials and troubles of the teenage Donnie. You must see this film, it will open your eyes to what all movies should be, and you will find yourself watching other movies and saying to yourself - "That's not as good as Donnie Darko" as I have done it on many an occasion.