time travel, imaginary friends in bunny suits...

Rating: Null/10 (22 April 2003)

time travel, an imaginary friend from another dimension of reality in a terrifying bunny outfit, coming of age, catholic school, star search-like dance recitals to duran duran, beginning of the school day soundtrack-ed by tears for fears, and a brilliant, intense, sincere performance from jake gyllenhaal...this is an exceptional film. never mind that drew barrymore, with whom i have a love/hate on-screen relationship with, took a huge leap of a chance getting this first-time director on the big screen with his little queer story about a boy named donnie darko. props to drew, it was an excellent move.
i have yet to meet someone who DOESN'T fall in love with this movie when they see it. jake g is charming as donnie and jena malone is brilliant as his new girl in town love interest. in fact, the entire cast is great, even patrick swayze in a most uncharacteristic role. this has got to be the most intelligent, well-made, and unexpected coming of age movie of...a really long time. this is the kind of movie people should try to be making. movies like this are what keeps things fresh and interesting for frustrated intelligent movie-goers.
this movie is as dark as it is refreshing. the kiddie love story mixed with the alienation of being a smart adolescent in a stupid world mixed with space-age philosophy and a killer semi-goth eighties soundtrack make this movie a definite in your DVD collection. coming of age never looked so dark. try also "dangerous lives of altar boys" (produced by jodie foster, with kieran culkin and jena m, again). 10/10*