The most amazing, unique, and creative film I have seen since Being John Malkovich

Rating: 10/10 (28 December 2002)

This is a very beautifully made film that is both visually and intellectually stimulating where the story is as compelling as the characters. To me this film is a work of art, and a true work of art appeals and revolts the viewers equally. Those people who found this movie dull or boring have every right to do so - it just didn't yank the right strings for you, I guess. But it is totally unfair for you to judge the people who liked it as dumb, juvenile, and tasteless. The same thing goes for those of us who call you too stupid to understand the movie.
One thing everyone must realize - this movie is a total success, not because of whether it appeals to a certain audience, but because of the controversy and debate it stirred. Look at the 500 or so comments and all the discussion going on with this movie... I honestly have never seen such an overwhelming response for any other movie here on IMDB. Like it or not, this movie is a cult classic, and will be remembered for a very long time. No one in his/her right mind should call newcomer Richard Kelly a bad director - the worst thing that can happen to a bad director is that he/she does not get noticed, and Richard Kelly is the total contrary. Do not let your personal opinion blur this downright fact.
***SPOILERS*** Now this movie does have its shortcomings, I agree... the part that bugged me the most about this movie is that crack-sniffing bully and his friend. Now this is supposed to be an ultra-conservative highschool where teachers are banned for teaching controversial material (Drew barrymore's character) and kids are suspended for swearing and calling teachers bad names in public (Donnie Darko himself), and these two punks just roam around the school with knifes and cocaine. The fact that they last in that school for anything over a half-a-day is completely beyond me. Other than that, the rest of the movie captured me like a kid in a candy store.
I can't say I understood the movie completely, but this is the beauty of Donnie Darko. In my book, any movie that does all the thinking for you is a waste of time. (i.e. Die Another Day and many others)
9/10