Last Temptation of Donnie

Rating: 9/10 (23 November 2003)

Donnie Darko will make much more sense to anyone who's seen the Last Temptation of Christ. Some similarities (spoilers)
-The film takes place in 1987, which is the year Last Temptation was released in the theater. -The other movie playing at the movie theater where Donnie sees the Evil Dead is Last Temptation of Christ. -Like Last Temptation, the ending of Donnie Darko negates most of the narrative. In Last Temptation, Jesus (Willem Dafoe) is rescued from crucifixion by an angel, and he goes on to live a quiet life with Mary Magdellen. However, Jesus decides in the end that the world would be better off if he had died on the cross. Donnie ultimately makes this same decision. -In the structural sense, both films are "It's a Wonderful Life," only backwards.
Donnie Darko gives a nod to another Jimmy Stewart film, Harvey, in its use of the invisible 6-foot rabbit.
I gave Donnie Darko a 9/10 mainly for the outstanding acting performances. Noah Wyle and Drew Barrymore's small roles as are overshadowed by Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mary McDonnell, Patrick Swayze (his best role ever), Beth Grant, and Jena Malone.