Donnie Darko
An All-Star Cast In A "Classic Psychological Thriller!" -Compuserve
In the tradition of Stir of Echoes and Final Destination, Donnie Darko is an edgy, psychological thriller about a suburban teen coming face-to-face with his dark destiny. Jake Gyllenhaal leads a star filled cast (including Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle, Jena Malone, Patrick Swayze and Mary McDonnell) as a delusional high school student visited by a demonic rabbit with eerie visions of the past and deadly predictions for the future. This "excitingly original" (Entertainment Weekly) nail-biter will keep you on the edge of your seat until the mind-bending climax.
Member Reviews
Fun ode to 80's cinema - luyo
I can see why Donnie Darko is a cult classic. For no particular reason, it takes place in the 80's, and very authentically replicates the feeling that it was made in the 80's. From the casting to the photography to the excellent use of music, it creates a loveable and nostalgic atmosphere through which the story unfolds. As for the story itself, I had to take it with a grain of salt. It is typically non-sensicle as far as 80's movies go, and perhaps that was somewhat the point. Its strength is not in how the plot is tightly strung together, covering every hole, but rather in how it pulls together bizarre, freaky, interesting, emotional elements to create a world within itself and an unexpected resolution. It was quite moving when I first saw it in my teens, and it was almost as moving seeing it again now. For the most part the acting was excellent, specially by Jake Gilenhal, although Drew Barrymore seemed out of place, perhaps lost in the attempt to throw several 80's celebrities into the same movie, but the effect was worthwhile. Although it's supposed to be a thriller/sci-fi/horror, I think the strongest point of Donnie Darko is its humor. The great comical writing and acting is sadly overlooked and forgotten by most people I've watched it with, because the plot is so bizarre and at times sad. I recommend it, especially if you grew up in 80's America. It will be both trippy and nostalgic.Excellent - b1--
This movie was terrific. It had a really interesting plot, and Jake Gyllenhaal gives a great performance as a mentally disturbed teenaged boy. I think this is probably one of his best movies. It incorporates some slightly sci-fi elements without them dominating the story. It has a pleasantly surprising ending, though is quite sad in the end. This isn't one of those shallow-minded feel good movies. Great movie, I recommend it.Cult Classic - Filmgal
Donnie Darko is one of those films that's best watched (and understood) on repeat viewings and in fact, becomes more enjoyable each time around. The film will leave you breathless and the memory of it will stay with you long after the TV is turned off.
An intricate, haunting, and excellently woven plot involving time travel and a talking rabbit named Frank, the film highlights an excellent performance by jake Gyllenhaal.
On first viewing, the film emerges as an intoxicating look at the mind of a teenager in the 1980s. Dark and mysterious, the film is a mind-blowing ride through questions of our own existence. Part mystery, part science fiction with a bit of physcological thriller added to the mix.
Great performances from the entire cast including Maggie Gyllenhaal, Noah Wyle, Drew Barrymore, and Patrick Swayze.
Member Reviews
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Fun ode to 80's cinema - luyo
I can see why Donnie Darko is a cult classic. For no particular reason, it takes place in the 80's, and very authentically replicates the feeling that it was made in the 80's. From the casting to the photography to the excellent use of music, it creates a ...Excellent - b1--
This movie was terrific. It had a really interesting plot, and Jake Gyllenhaal gives a great performance as a mentally disturbed teenaged boy. I think this is probably one of his best movies. It incorporates some slightly sci-fi elements without them dominating ...Cult Classic - Filmgal
Donnie Darko is one of those films that's best watched (and understood) on repeat viewings and in fact, becomes more enjoyable each time around. The film will leave you breathless and the memory of it will stay with you long after the TV is turned off.
An ...