Donnie Darko is one of my favorite movies of all time, a movie with an interesting story that left me chewing on it for weeks afterwards (and raiding Donnie Darko websites, and chatrooms, the DVD extras, etc.) to figure out its meaning. I still think it is a brilliant movie, and some additions are welcome. For example, for the uninitiated, the "philosophy of time travel" pages are helpful in understanding the plot. However, some of the "additions" didn't serve the movie, or even feel appropriate. For example, whenever Donnie has an "episode," they now show an eyeball (which is fine), but also some computer code??? Firstly, a computer doesn't have anything to do with what is happening in the movie, but if you want to be literal, there weren't even any computers in mass usage in the 80s! Also, towards the end of the movie, a new grid "effect" obscures an important part of the movie. Of course, the director could have decided that the original way this scene was presented gave a different meaning to what he intended and he now intends to obscure THAT. I don't know. Regardless, i still urge everyone to see this movie if you want something for your brain to wrap around, instead of the usual fluff.… Expand

The Graduate for the 9/11 generation. You will appreciate it more after your second viewing.

Perspective altering. An instant classic. Richard Kelly is setting a new standard in filmmaking that most modern filmmakers won't be able to compete with. See this movie becuase of the actors, the acting, the plot, the screenplay, the music, the content... Just see this movie!

Fantastic film. One of the most original, best new films in years.

Perfect 10, this film cannot be faulted. The pressure is on Richard Kelly to reproduce the genius thats so evident in Donnie Darko, maybe that's why he hasn't released anything since.

liked it alot both its inner perspective and outer spective views on reality and life, also the wake up part clearly was reference to the kundalini awakening, donnie suffers trauma then his kundalini wakes up, he also predicts his own death as a result of this sudden out pour of energy within the body.

Unparalled in every dimension. What Donnie Darko, both the original and the director's cut, has done that has served to make it such a cult phenomenon, is give the viewer a completely different world to live and think in. A world that's so wonderfully sculpted and detailed that one can reason and debate within the confines of a completely different world, with entirely new and different 'laws' and physics, and do so confidently because it is so complete and fleshed out it might have been real. It offers you the chance to be the expert in something else, and somewhere else to inhabit in your mind for however long you choose. I think it's this same element that helped with the success of Harry Potter and Friends- taking escapism a level further, and putting you almost literally into another dimension. It's not an easy movie to watch- repeat viewings are almost always called for, if not desired, and serve to make this more than just a story being told. What the director's cut offers, is a new perspective on certain elements of the story- pretty much giving you more insight into the director's own interpretation of it. Here technology plays a much more vital part, and in the commentary he reveals that there might be someone in the future who is manipulating the events, the tangent universe and even the secondary characters to help Donnie reach the conclusion needed for the world to continue. Granted, even the extra footage doesn't make this explicitly clear, but I think the commentary is actually more useful than just the additional footage on this one.… Expand

The good parts of this film are (highly) derivative, while the "original" parts fall flat. There are a few funny lines, and many tiresome scenes. It feels like the writer/director realized he was working on a "Heathers" redux, and added the whole time travel theme to make it "original." Whether that theme makes sense hardly matters--its a crushing, self-indulgent bore.

Any film that demands multiple viewings (not just to get at the nooks and crannies of the plot, but also to fully realize its emotional depth) gets a 10 in my book. Initially frightening and disorienting, upon subsequent viewings, Donnie Darko hits a surprising emotional pitch. Watch the director's cut first, and then I suggest taking in the original theatrical version for its tightness and pacing.… Expand

A truly amazing movie, a modern day version of The Last Temptation of Christ, which coincidental the movie references itself. What baffles me though is how the director's cut, honestly the inferior version in my opinion, is rated so much higher on this site. The director's cut goes as far flat out telling "this is EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING" without letting the viewer make sense of it all, which is part of the appeal.… Expand

A modern classic by a true auteur. And to think Jake had previously made MTV fodder like Bubble Boy!

The best comic-book movie I have ever seen.

The greatest movie of all!!

By far, this is the best movie I've seen Jake Gyllenhaal in. The acting was especially well done, a great sci-fi flick. This was a comic book?!

Excellent!

One of the best movies i've ever seen, it actually makes you think.

One of few movies that the critics like that is actually great. A must see.

The most amazing thing about donnie darko is how much praise it has received from both critics and viewers alike considering how really average it is. it's hard for me to believe that film viewers are so easily pleased with such artless photography, a thoughless clumsy narrative and a little lame humor. but i'm glad i saw it after hearing it mentioned so many times by friends. now i know i walk among the living dead.… Expand

If you people consider this a "good science fiction movie" then you clearly have never been exposed to good SF before, this movie is crap, I cannot even recommend it for its camp value it is so bad. This is merely the attempt of Richard Kelly to seem profound when he is merely ridiculous and tedious. Please people, go read some good SF like the work of Philip K. Dick or see a good SF movie like Tarkovsky's 1972 film "Solaris" or Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey."… Expand

Whether or not you prefer the original or the director's cut depends largely on whether you like your sci-fi to be a little ambiguous and not too literal, or whether you prefer it to be unshamedly speculative. It's possible to make a "psychological" interpretation of the original, but the director's cut leaves no doubt that this is a sci-fi film - essentially about time travel. This is a masterpiece.… Expand

The good parts of this movie, black comedy about suburbia, remind me a LOT of Heathers. The "original" parts of the movie, based on some idea of time travel, are tedious. Cutting this theme back in the original film made it at least seem a little mysterious. The directors cut makes that theme more literal , silly, bloated, and self-indulgent. Anyone who assets they found some deep and original meaning here is fooling you and/or themselves.… Expand

Did I miss something?

Probably one of the best movies I have seen.

This is a fantastic movie and I was glad I got a chance to see it in the theaters! I think the intial release without the added footage was better, it was a little more mysterious, allowing you to form your own conclusion about the movie. Still all in all this is a fantastic movie, you shouldn't miss, one of my all time favorites!!

This is such a twisted, captivating and alaround stimulating film! The acting is amazing and the plot is original! It just never gets old!

One of the best movies from any genre. Brilliant in every aspect.

Truly one of the most remarkable films I have ever seen. It cuts right to the core. I felt every emotion imaginable while watching and was still left wanting more. A challenging and breathtaking film.

One of the most interesting movies I've seen in a long time.

OK all i got to say is WOW. WOW WOW WOW...my favourite movie this year has got to be DONNIE DARKO! It makes you think of yourself, your life and your beleifs. It makes you feel his feelings and relate it to you and your life...well thats they way i felt. Overall its the most awsome and "wicked" and GREAT movie i have seen in my life! GO SEE IT (From Australia).

FINALLY! It must be hugely gratifying to Richard Kelly that his movie is being given a second chance. Astoundingly, this only grossed $500,000 on its initial release, just weeks after 9/11. I will always associate this movie with that time. An airplane engine falls out of the sky with no explanation, leading up to this question: given the opportunity, would you sacrifice yourself so that those you love who are doomed to die could live? No other film was asking this at the time. And the genius touch of "Frank" the rabbit is highly admirable. Over time, I think Frank will become a beloved cult-movie icon, like Eraserhead. It's much to Kelly's credit that when his identity is unveiled in the riveting movie theater scene, it's actually more creepy and disturbing, not less. Bravo!… Expand

While this movie, as a science fiction, is not quite as good as Solaris and 2001: A Space Odyssey, as Michael S. was so hostile to express, Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut works best as a brooding, but sometimes humorous, drama. In my opinion, the movie is not so much about parallel universes, and such, as it is about a young man's sexual feelings towards his older sister. Hard to see but the evidence is there.… Expand

Donnie Darko is, I think, a rather underrated and often unconsidered science fiction film. With its several interpretations, it really makes one think. The acting is also superb.

Great movie, one of the few movies that I didnt expect to be so good! The movie gets your attention and holds it till the very end.

One of the most imaginative films i have seen in a long time. The philosophical questions it raised are though provoking. It was also an indictment of contemporary values and rigid thinking expoused by those in power. Makes you looks below the surface reality to other layers of meaning.

I recall reading somewhere that the director wanted to make a movie about growing up. maybe that edxplains why some might perceive it as a kiddymovie. the movie appears incredibly well made- interms of the idea, the writing, the imagery, the acting ... The only thing i found out of place in the movie was drew barrymore's perfomance, although it is great that she was the producer.

It's not a freaking sci-fi movie, nerds.

This is the best film I have ever seen!

Smart and entertaining to anyone under the age of sixteen. If you've matured, see Blade Runner or Gilliam's Twelve Monkeys for a good, intelligent sci/fi movie. Bad acting, bad writing - doesn't deserve the cult classic status that it holds.

For me it's the best movie I've seen. It's funny, interesting and it makes you think. It has small details to discover every time you see it again which keep the movie fresh.

My favorite movie of all time. I saw it for the first time when I was 20 and it changed my life. I had never identified with a film character like this before, and doubt that I ever will. I think you owe it to yourself to experience this movie. Uniquely American and flawlessly executed.

This movie is the best cult movie ever made in my opinion. although, i think the original is MUCH better than the directors cut. the original is more mystical and unrevealing, hence it being more of a challenge to figure things out, which i like. so i would give the original 10/10, but the directors cut 8/10.

Solid in every facet.

Not a good movie, once more the wooly rabbit suit is pulled over our eyes.

There is a nobility to this film which moved me greatly- More than any other film in recent memory. Unfortunately, it is apparently missed by a great many. Quite simply the most surprisingly brilliant film of it's year and in my top 5 films of all time.

Even if you aren't a big fan of sci-fi, the drama part of the movie is awesome. But if you like sci-fi you'll just love this.

Its just so weird...i have to give it a good rating. Seriously go see it because of how amazingly weird it is...im still confused...

Its just so weird...i have to give it a good rating. Seriously go see it because of how amazingly weird it is...im still confused...

Its just so weird...i have to give it a good rating. Seriously go see it because of how amazingly weird it is...im still confused...

Kiddie sci-fi at it's worst . Never entertaining yet entertainingly dull.

Manages to deal with science, religion, fate, social blights, and love all at the same time while never seeming overcooked or trite. Meticilously filmed and paced (especially in the extended edition which I personally prefer), this is a shining example, along with Charlie Kaufman's films, of smart, fresh cinema.

Hey, I'll admit, I loved the original which I saw in the theater in 2001. But the Director's Cut is terrible. It reveals how uninteresting the plot really is (something hidden by the less explained original). And the new special effects and sound are terrible.

Leaves one with the feeling of being alienated by all his friends at school, or of being given a mysterious assignment by a teacher who's just left the room and will only reappear in perplexing nightmares. If that's what the director intended, then he gets an "8" for succeeding; but I give him a "2" for wanting to jerk his audience around like a stuffed animal. Overall, Donnie gets a "5."… Expand

I totally agree with Tim on this one. I loved the original better in the fact that it didn't explain everything to you like you were a 5 year old. I liked some of the added scenes, but hated the time travel book pages that directly told you everything you had to find out for your self after watching the original. I still love the movie, but the original is far superior to the directors cut.

Its the little teenage obsessions and trivial moments that makes this movie so watchable and so entertaining. I was hooked from the beginning with its tantalizing opening song and stayed hooked well after the credits rolled as it stayed in my DVD player for weeks!

This isn

It's interesting. It's weird. It's funny. And it has a giant bunny rabbit. Awesome. Go and see it.

Every time I see this movie, which has probably been 10 times, I discover more depth and content to revel in. I highly recommend this film and have it in both blu-ray and DVD, just so I can loan it to friends. It has those gnostic undercurrents (The world is not what you think, and neither are you) which I loved in Blade Runner, The Matrix, Dark City, Waking Life, etc.

Do you ever wonder if the world you are living in is real? Do you wonder if it is nothing more than just a fabrication of your own insane imagination, or if it is happening for real? Donnie Darko is asking himself those very same questions as he travels down a mind breaking, insanity inducing journey that leaves you with a disturbing and haunting answer that will shatter everything you think you know about reality and also leave you with one nagging question, where does fantasy end and reality begin? Richard Kellyâ… Expand

A unique, puzzling, strange, and gripping story about a boy in existential angst, aided of course by time traveling bunnies. I'm sure the suits were like, WHAT?, but I'm glad it made it to the screen. This is the definition of a cult classic.

Just seriously so strange and mystical it has you thinking for days. Not to mention the strange bunny man and the teenage angst. This is a film that fuses both universal consequences and personal problems into one genius cinematic bubble.

http://mushreviews.blogspot.com/2011/04/donnie-darko.html

I know I'm a tad late at watching this cult classic film but in my defense it has been on my wish list for over a year now, but just recently decided to download it and watch it. I must say, wish I watched this earlier as I was completely and totally blown away.

Never have I before seen a film which when it was over I sat in awe for like ten minutes and throughout the whole night I was thinking of all the points the movie brought up. I have never spent that long reflecting on a movie before. If you don't know of this movie I'll give a brief description. Basically it's about a teenager named Donnie Darko who is having essentially hallucinogenic visions. He imagines a 6 ft tall bunny rabbit who tells him when the world is going to end. Then the whole movie seems to revolve around the possibilities and science behind time travel and such.

Very sci-fi but presented in a way that I feel all people would like and even to a certain degree understand. Although the specifics of the time travel they go into are very confusing at times and even now I can't quite wrap my head around it all. Overall this is a great movie that is a must see for all. It gets you thinking about a complicated subject matter and is one of the most unique movies I have ever had the pleasure to watch.… Expand

This movie talked to me, and I know it talks to a lot of people, specially young people. This movie had such an impact on me it impressed me and I still think about it and how it made me feel. I want to watch it constantly but I refrain myself so that every time I do watch it it remains a memorable experience.

A film that mixes social issues and moral concepts of quantum physics and that still has a whole intricate screenplay, full of moments that connect key elements arranged separately on the timeline of the script and doing it all quite well without holes carefully distributed equally, it is definitely a milestone. Like Lynch's recent films, these films are not just movies, they are objects of study, meaning, here you also need a second immersion in the world of Donnie to connect all the dots. In my opinion, he wasn't schizophrenic. Frank was just there to guide him in your mission. and impressive as in the end when he was receiving revelation, Frank horn trying to wake Donnie not to die in a panic. Science fiction is very well developed, combining both time travel and parallel universe. and the creepy feeling that all agreed. It's hard to understand seeing the film only once time, and it is very difficult without seeing the Director's Cut. It's totally open to interpretation, which makes the original better, but less enlightening And it is amazing how they made it look like a REALLY late '80s, photography, music, culture, everything. You don't know what had been done in 2001, certainly think it was 90s. Probably the smartest/complex movie I have ever seen, impossible to absorb everything in one view only. Many details and issues are touched gently that you can be talking about it for years. Since the high school portrayed, bullying, politics, Donnie's mental state and his low self esteem, always considering a madman and a burden for parents. His stop with the drugs portray the true situation of patients. His revolt against society/life (with the attitude of young Donnie are common these days) showing the injustice that they are, the error of people only see the surface problems and separate them between two categories: good or bad, or love and fear. relationships, platonic or not being the common fights between brothers, even loving one another. Donnie's criticism to young people have children early, is teenage life portrayed in a movie alone. is so critical that makes you think about all this on an unconscious level, then spring up as an idea of many layers, one whole. In fact, the cult theme just amazed me. The movie has a wonderful story, a story all snug by the 'erased' Richard Kelly. Whatever the issue of quantum physics or the subject matter. The climax of the movie is the great lesson of sacrifice to save a world that does not even deserve to be saved. It is not necessary or at least understand the movie to get a conclusion of what the director wanted to come to us. Donnie's story is sad and shattered. Donnie may well represent each of us. Each love we had, that there was repression in every school and every sacrifice we had to do to fix something in our lives. I know it's a cult film, and hated by many people, I guess. But I still believe I'll live long enough and I never will see a movie so important to me like that. The soundtrack is flawless, from Echo and the Bunnymen to INXS, Joy Division and through the end of the beautiful song â… Expand

This film is my absolute favorite film ever. I bought the special edition for a very low price, simply because it seemed like an extremely weird sci-fi flick, and I figured it would be funny to see a six-foot-tall bunny rabbit talking to Jake Gyllenhaal. What I didn't expect, however, was the film's utter seriousness, and it's message. The message, I've learned from research, is that the message is different to everyone. Director Richard Kelly may or may not have meant it, but the film's ending is extremely ambiguous; I've had multiple people tell me what they thought it meant, and none of their explanations quite matched my own. This adds to the greatness of the movie, I believe, because it involves the audience, coaxing them to form their own opinions on the film's meaning. In my view, which I will not begin to explain, in the event someone reads this without having seen the film, the film is extremely touching, to the point where I could barely contain my tears. I cry every time I watch it, actually, and I do not cry easily. If all of that isn't enough to get you to watch the film, let me tell you this: the rabbit is terrifying, despite how silly the idea may sound.… Expand

When I first saw Donnie Darko (the theatrical cut), I was instantly taken in by its clever mix of sci-fi and teenage drama. I enjoyed the mix of humor and angst, the use of music, the enigma at its core. Which is exactly why I now say, less is more. I didn't much care for this extended cut, and felt it added nothing of value and even detracted from the film's sense of mystery. See the original cut first, and if you're really interested, then check out this one.… Expand

This used to be my movie, the one I would always think of when anyone asked me what the best movie you ever saw was. It turned me towards philosophy and made me, in some respects, a more thoughtful person. But this was not a favor to me, in fact this movie simply preached to my childish pseudo-intellectual side that wanted to be "deep". The problem is that the movie isn't really all that deep, it just appears deep with lots of cryptic messages and surreal occurrences. Reminds me a lot of Bioshock Infinite to be honest. I still think it's a fun movie to watch, but I'm changing my previous score from a 10 to a 7.… Expand

This film is fantastic and is probably my favorite movie of all time, unfortunately this is a movie you just have to sit down and watch yourself and is probably impossible to recommend to someone without just spoiling the whole thing or leaving them just as confused as they would be had they watched it.

This was one of the best movies I have ever seen. This movie was a fantastic mix of horror, sci-fi, drama, and even a bit of comedy. This movie had me a bit confused at times and scared but that just makes it better. It made you think, and I love that in movies. It had an awesome storyline, a spectacular cast, cool soundtrack, and a great director. It had me on the edge my seat wondering what was next the whole time. Again one of the best movies I have ever seen and if you didn't like it then "wake up."… Expand

Donnie Darko's Directors Cut builds off the theatrical version by a lot with character development and a few loose ends with plot. If you decide to take a dive in the moody, thought-provoking Donnie Darko waters, you might as well dive in the 133 minute director's cut version.

A film that intrigues you start going forward and that surprises you. The creator of this film was truly a genius!

In my top 5 movies of all time hands down and always will be. The first time I saw this was at least 7 years ago and I've seen it countless times since, each time enjoying it more and more. Easily my favorite Jake Gyllenhaal movie. Also i would highly recommend the Director's cut over the original. The first time I ever saw the movie I saw the Directors cut and recently I saw the original once and it just paled in comparison. The Directors Cut almost guides you for a better understanding of the movie.… Expand

Jake Gyllenhaal is phenomenal. He manages a great blend of humor and depth which wonderfully coincide with the direction and screenplay. And the story - a deliciously dark romp of confusing and bizarre images packed together with a great blend of satiric humor and frightening concepts. All in all, Donnie Darko brilliantly utilizes the star power of Jake Gyllenhaal to create a beautiful mystery fusing comedy, horror, and drama to create a cult classic full of dark atmosphere and profound themes.… Expand

Wake up recut.

trite, mundane, pretentious, hackneyed, sloppy, arrogant and dull......i never did understand the cult following this film has garnered. if ever the movie said anything to me, it said that writer richard kelly is way too in love with his own material (southland tales and the box being proof of this). there is nothing wrong with wanting to endeavor into your project like a child, nurturing it and loving it just as such. however, once a director reaches the state of "i don't care if it does make sense", you have then left your audience in the ditch and are now lost. there is an obvious disdain and further disconnect with kelly's audience, as the movie is only experienced in stylized sequences, complete with "plot twists" askew. oh, the plot twist. ever was there a more cheap though effective technique in fiction writing. this brings me to my next point. the story is so convoluted, there have been countless websites developed for the simple function of either identifying or deciphering the movies message, plot, theme and "code" like a child who recently discovered the usesfullness of a Marvel styled decoder ring. only whence identifying these modes (or theorizing them, as there really is all you can do with this film), the former just seems so wishy washy in the end, you'd just as soon begin thinking of this film as a classic because if it doesn't make sense, it must be cool, right? Kelly has no business directing, as there is only a subtle hint of character in every one of these one or two layered protagonists. Richard Kelly really is the Omar Rodriguez of film and i see no other reason to praise him, save for the fact that he knows the Gyllenhaals? i assure you, rich.....your farts smell the same way as mine, and as your movie. **1 out of 5 stars**… Expand