When I first saw Jake Gyllenhaal in October Sky (one of my favorites) I said, "That guy will be headlining the movies if he keeps going like he's going." Luckily others agreed, and now we have Donnie Darko.First off, Donnie Darko belongs in a category by itself like a large number of movies released in recent years. Horror? Not quite. Thriller? Nope, no Jodie Foster in sight. So, we have the new category that I have dubbed "Stumper" or "Figure-it-outer." Other movies in this category range from "Magnolia" to "Pulp Fiction" and even "Unbreakable".
Donnie is disturbed. So disturbed in fact, he's stupified. (Cheap Joke). He has been seeing a psychologist due to his emotional instability. Also, he is seeing a six foot rabbit. His family life is so-so, and the bindings in his family seem to be slipping daily. Like Sixth Sense, at the end of the movie, there is a shocker, and no matter what your thinking while your watching, throw it out. Thats not going to be it. But I can tell you that you will be thinking about Donnie Darko for days after you see it. It's a great movie, and requires puzzle-piecing. I just have one question: Did the world end in 88? Oh, really?
While you watching Darko, keep your eyes open for clues and remember the plot points to help yourself place the conclusion when its over. Also keep your eyes and ears out for some great book and movie references. And yes, they were watching Evil Dead in the theater. Groovy baby.
