Brilliant, but with a few flaws

Rating: 9/10 (9 May 2009)

I can understand how some people may dislike the movie: the confusing ending, the overrated praises of a few movie elitists, and whatnot.
Some of the theories presented within the movie are rather contradictory, or half-baked. For example, when Donnie talks to the science teacher about time travel, the teacher states that Einstein's theory of time travel would allow Donnie to go back in time. However, the theory states that one cannot go back in time, but only slow down time for themselves. That is my only flaw with the movie, but it's understandable, since the theories must be bent in order to make the movie flow.
I enjoyed watching everyone's performance, especially the talent Jake Gyllenhall. The subtle actions of others, and the fragility of everyone's emotions. Everyone from Cherita(the obese girl with a crush on Donnie) to Mrs. Farmers(gym teacher), were brilliant in portraying their characters.
Oh yes, if anyone wants an explanation for the ending: Consider in the Terminator theory. The Terminator(yes, the one from the movie)is sent back in time to stop a nuclear holocaust from happening. However, if he succeeds the mission in the past, he would not be created in the future, because his existence depends on the holocaust happening. Meaning that parallel universes may exist to support this theory. In one universe, the nuclear holocaust occurs, and the Terminator exists; in the other, there in no nuclear holocaust, the Terminator does not exist. Apply this theory to Donnie Darko then; in one universe, Donnie survives the jet engine falling into his room, he meets the girl, enjoys the last few days before Frank's prediction of the end of the world. In the other universe, he dies in the jet engine crash, he never meets the girl, Frank never appears. Sorry if I hurted your brain. :)