A modern classic in many ways, but spoilers ahead!

Rating: Null/10 (11 October 2004)

Donnie Darko is one of those films that you either love or hate. I don't want to sound like Mrs. Farmer from Donnie Darko when I say this, but you cannot feel nothing about this movie. It's very being is dependable on how you feel about the characters and events in this movie. Just a warning, there's a few spoilers ahead
I first saw Donnie Darko when it was 11pm at night and I was at home with a friend. My friend happens to be a Jake Gynahaal fan, so she doesn't really notice much else about the movie. I, on the other hand, am totally riveted. But this film is complicated. I don't completely understand it. Parts, maybe, but by the end of the film I'm not sure what the hell just happened. But when I watched it for a second time I really started to understand it on a different level. And that's where the film is great.
I guess obviously the type of person you are will influence how you interpret this movie. My friend called it a horror film. I couldn't believe that. I mean, this movie splits into so many different genres it's impossible to spearhead it into a specific one. Another of my friends said that in the end it was "all in his mind". Thats a pretty logical way of seeing it, granted, but seriously, if you really understand the film then there is no way that ending would fit!
To really get into this film, I would say you need to read between the lines of this film and be able to keep your eyes open for the subtle hints that it drops on the way. Not to say that you should analyze this movie too much, but it's certainly not a movie where you simply go in and watch it. You really have to be able to connect with the character of Donnie, because the film is really focused on him and has much more to do with the evolution of the characters than the plot. Without the remarkable acting and character composition, this film would simply be a spacey, sci-fi flick and certainly not appeal to as many people as it has done.
This film is pure genius, especially when you compare it to some of the nonsense Hollywood is churning out at the moment. It was great to see all the subtle edges that made it realistic whilst retaining the dreamlike state that pulls us all into the plot, characters and message.