Rating: 
Summary: don't believe the hype
Review: this movie came highly recommended by reliable friends, yet i have to disagree with them... the key problem is the script which many tout as making the movie "unclassifiable". combining multiple and disparate genres it fails to make sense, create a suspension of disbelief, or offer original dialogue. particularly cliched dialogue served up by drew barrymore and noah wyle made me wince more than once. while it is commendable to push the envelope by combining genres (and it seems this is what most people are getting all worked up about) this movie doesnt mix so much as hack and chop; one moment youre convinced you are watching a social satire, the next a suspence horror, and the next an after school special, the next a poorly explained science fiction. the transitions between these sensations are abrupt and illogical. the viewer is left trying to put together a stylistic puzzle that cant be solved because the puzzle is a result of a lack of clarity and most likely experience, rather than inpired and thoughtful writing.
Rating: 
Summary: Haunting, intelligent, and beautiful- what's next?!
Review: I love that the director included so many issues in his movie- the fact that it felt so schizophrenic and jumbled gave a perfect sense of Donnie's not-so-perfect world. It was as though one were looking through the character's eyes at the world around him- where things didn't quite fit. I found the film to be brilliant and haunting; the image of a gigantic, metallic/fur-costumed rabbit sitting beside two teenagers in a dark theater ("Why are you wearing that man suit?") was with me all night, as was the 'mirror' scene. I'd definitely recommend it to *anyone*. However, it is a 'thinker'... some of it isn't even explained until you go through the extra features (the book is hard to read but it explained a LOT, as did the director's commentary). So don't turn it off in the middle, sit for a moment after it ends and think about it, then check out the extras. An old idea put in a new way (what if the crazy people have it right?)- a new sort of hero- a character who could be either villain or sidekick (but who is definitely the most interesting back-up char EVER)- you gotta see it. Myself, I can't wait to see what the director does with his next film...
Rating:
Summary: CHUT up and read my review.
Review: See this movie now or I will destroy you.
This movie is beautiful. All of the performances are awesome. Patrick Swayze is PERFECT in the PERFECT role.
Frank is the most mesmerizingly creepy 6 foot sci-fi bunny rabbit ever.
The soundtrack is amazing. I really can't say enough about this movie. It is BEAUTIFUL.
Rating:
Summary: A dark, original, and imaginative masterpiece!
Review: From the creation of up-and-coming director/writer Richard Kelly, DONNIE DARKO is the brilliantly bizarre story of a young man who is far from normal. Donald Darko (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) is a troubled high school with an intelligent, but cursed, mind. He is depressed, on medication, and likes to voice his opinions without any regrets. One night, he is visited by a monstrous, 6-foot tall, rabbit named Frank. Frank has come to Donnie, from an unknown dimension, to deliver a terrifying message: 'In 28 days, the world will end...'. What follows is an absolutely incredible movie that, unfortunately, did not get very much notice or publicity. DARKO is truly one of the best films I have seen in a VERY long time. Kelly has filled his story to the top with twists, turns, and enough dazzling images to last a lifetime. Jake Gyllenhaal (OCTOBER SKY) is extraordinary as the title role. You can tell, just by observing his performance, that he is aware of what acting is really made of. He is backed by a stellar ensemble cast, including Jena Malone (STEPMOM), Drew Barrymore (RIDING IN CARS WITH BOYS), Mary McDonnell (DANCES WITH WOLVES), Patrick Swayze (GHOST), Noah Wyle (TVs "ER"), and even real-life sister, Maggie Gyllenhaal (HOMEGROWN)! In conclusion, if you are ready to take a psychological roller-coaster ride into a dark universe, look no further than DONNIE DARKO! Rating: A+!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: Donnie darko was the best movie that I have seen this year. The 90's being THE worst decade for films, I hope that more movies are this good in our new millenium.
Rating:
Summary: An Incredible Film.....
Review: I dont know anything else to say for this film except Wow...just wow..I searched everywhere for this movie for quite awhile. Everything about it was great, the plot, the camera work, the script, and the actors especially. Im going to be expecting great things from Jake Gyllenhaal who was equally amazing in October Sky, and Richard Kelly as a writer/director, I expect many more genius films such as this. I have to admit I had to watch it almost 3 times to understand and get everything but It was well worth it. I dont think Ive ever seen such an amazing film.
This is definatly an instant cult classic, and it is definatly worth the price for all the great special features it comes with.
You get a lot of deleted scenes almost every scene in the movie has been extended, you also get 2 great commentaries, "Mad World" music video, Picture galleries with production stills and concept art, cast and crew information, theatrical trailors and TV spots, and much much more. This movie is definatly worth a rent, but renting just wont do, you have to own this incredible film.
Rating:
Summary: Buy it!
Review: Wow! Simply one of the best films I have ever seen. Do yourself a favour and buy it NOW. I am utterly blown away. Richard Kelly, you are a genius.
Rating:
Summary: Most underated film of 2001
Review: First, I must adress some of the not so great reviews here. It's obvious they didn't get the film, at all. In fact they were so wound up in trying to figure it out and trying to compare it to Harvey of all things that they could not have missed the point more. If you are not used to weird films, mind-benders, or original films in general, be warned. Maybe warm yourself up on Memento or Fight Club, then try it out. Or if you think this is crazy, try Mulholland Drive, hehe. It is a smart movie, and just when you think you know what's going on, you don't (a common thing in films these days that just happens to work really well with the story). Acting is right on the nail, Jake Gyllenhall is incredible as usual and Drew is fine. Directing is great, and very unique. I especially liked how the film itself didn't look as polished, giving it so much more depth and texture, it was a very nice effect. The music is errie, and sets the atmosphere perfect. There are so many plot twists, sub-plots, and characters going on in this film, that it makes a perfect DVD, because you really will want to watch it again and again just to try and make sense of it all. The story is great, it oozes 80s and captures that time. There's so many genres floating around in it too. It can be laugh out loud funny at times, creepy, dramatic, horror, sci-fi, and even romance. If you get anything out of this review, let it be this: It's not Magnolia, its not Harvey, it's not Final Destination, it's Donnie Darko, and it's fantastic. For those that have seen it, ask yourself these two questions, and really think about it, you might just appreciate the film even more:
-Why would Frank want Donnie to burn down that house in particular?
-What is the connection between Grandma Death and the english teacher?
Feel free to email me if you know, want to debate it, or really want the answers (although I'm not completely sure ethier).
Rating:
Summary: haunting
Review: First movie review I've written. I read some of the other reviews so there isn't much I can add except to say I found this movie wonderful, haunting, quite simply perfect. I did not understand all of it but that is not the point of the movie. It was just excellent in every way.
And it was great to see Ms. Barrymore in another non-stereotypical role. She was instrumental in getting this movie made and we should all be grateful and only hope she will continue to make decisions and choose roles like this.
I rarely buy movies. This will be one of the few.
I urge everyone to rent it at least once and give it a try.
Rating:
Summary: Chut up! Chut up!
Review: This movie manages to be thought-provoking and hilarious at the same time. It's just the greatest thing ever. I had given up on finding good movies until I rented this treasure...
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