Donnie Darko

Year: 2001

Grade: B+

Country: USA

Director: Kelly

Review

the kind of film that only comes from a first time filmmaker. that’s not a slight in any way, rather it’s a compliment to the innovation and vision that the film demonstrates. above all, it’s a well-balanced film. the acting is very fine, though it’s not a vehicle for one or another actor; the story is compelling and multi-faceted, but it’s executed well too; and the comic relief is present and enjoyable, but doesn’t get in the way of the touching ending. the 80s setting is an interesting choice. it sort of transports us to another world. there are clear references to the director’s influences – evil dead, e.t., stephen king, and back to the future to name a few. its soundtrack, too, completes the 80s feel. i’m not a big 80s music guy, but i do know that all of the music came from the 80s era, except “mad world” which is a cover of an 80s tune. hell, this movie even brings back patrick swayze. the final sequence sort of reminded me of magnolia, but that’s just me. despite having clear influences, the film manages to be rather fresh and new, in large part thanks to the screenplay. definitely worth watching.