This being my first official movie review ever, I thought I would do a movie that is special to me.
Donnie Darko Director’s Cut
Released: 2001
Rated R for language, some drug use, and violence.
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, Beth Grant, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne, Katherine Ross, Patrick Swayze, Noah Wyle
Runtime: 2 Hrs. 14 Mins.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Plot Outline: A troubled teenager, Donnie Darko, escapes death when a jet-engine crashes in his bedroom, because he follows a giant bunny leading him outside. The bunny, called Frank, tells him that the world will end in 28 days. As the final date comes closer and closer Donnie is drawn into an alarming series of events that may or may not be a product of growing insanity.
Favorite Quote: “Sometimes, I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion!”
I will start off with the things that I don’t like about this movie. First off, the dialogue can be really slow, but everything said is important to the outcome of the movie. There were times when I started losing interest because I couldn’t see the relevance of the words being said to the rest of the movie. Some of the line deliveries aren’t as good as they could be. Drew Barrymore is guilty of this more than anyone, but the others do it, as well. Some of her hand gestures seem awkward (when she says, “…but they burn it.” comes to mind).
It is a sign of a good movie when nit-picky things, like the ones I just said, are the only things I can see wrong with it. So, on to the good stuff. The dialogue moves in a steady motion. Like I said before, it can be slow, but almost every word is meaningful and thought-provoking. The lines are delivered very well by the entire cast. The music fits the movie perfectly. The cover of “Mad World” is one of my favorite songs now and is my absolute favorite in the movie.
All of the characters are believeable and seem real. The relationships between the dad (played by Holmes Osborne) and Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) stands out. My favorite scene in the whole movie is those two characters sitting at a table outside. Osborne took a forgettable character and made him lovable. The most interesting characters are Frank (a six-foot-tall bunny rabbit), Eddie Darko (Donnie’s dad), and Donnie. There are other characters that I am still trying to figure out their purpose in the movie. Cherita (an over-weight Chinese girl, who everyone makes fun of except for Donnie) is a theme of this movie. I just can’t figure out what she represents. Maybe I am just reading too much into her character.
The movie brings up many questions about religion and science and doesn’t offer any answers. It makes you come to your own conclusions. Overall, I would suggest everyone see this movie. However, only watch it when you have the time to pay attention to all of the dialogue and performances. You will only get the full experience if you don’t miss anything.
