Donnie Darko

Post by **Leisher** » Mon Oct 25, 2004 12:28 am

A weird movie that'll get a weird review.

Studio Exec: So what's your idea?

Pitchman: Well, its Heathers meets The Shining.

Studio Exec: That sounds like an odd combo.

Pitchman: See, this kid talks to this creepy thing called Frank and kinda, sorta gets advice and/or orders from him like in The Shining. Plus, the kid's in high school, so there's all that teen angst like in Heathers.

Studio Exec: Who is this going to appeal to?

Pitchman: Well, we'll market it as a borderline horror and with our teen stars we'll get the teen market. We've got the good looking guys to attract women, and the horro aspet to attract men. We'll hook adults by claiming its a "thinking" movie and by hiring actors, not just pretty faces.

Studio Exec: How's the script?

Pitchman: Well, its artsy enough to confuse people into thinking it must be good. It does have some holes and pointless characters, but we can work with 'em.

Studio Exec: Who do want for cameos?

Pitchman: We were thinking of Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle, Patrick Swayze, and that mom from Home Alone to play the mom here. Just for that touch of irony.

Studio Exec: Green light it.

This movie is worth seeing for the good acting, intriguing plot, Frank (VERY cheaply done, but VERY well designed and done just right), and honestly, just to see it.

Donnie Darko won't blow your socks off, but maybe it will. Its one to watch and then discuss. Brains are required.

6 out of 10.

Its an excellently made film, but I have a hard time rating it higher since the ending is questionable. Its just, well, it leaves more questions than it answers, and I'm not convinced it was done intentionally.

Post by **GORDON** » Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:12 am

If it wasn't in a high scool setting, I'd have liked it more. As it is, I agree with 6/10.

As for the ending... it made perfect sense to me.

Edited By GORDON on 1098717182

Post by **Leisher** » Mon Oct 25, 2004 1:06 pm

As for the ending... it made perfect sense to me.

Its difficult to discuss without spoilers, but yeah, the ending fit the story. My questioning of it was whether or not it intentionally left certain plot threads hanging as a way to make viewers question things or if it was just bad writing.

unkbill · Post by **unkbill** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 2:27 pm

6/10. I thought the ending just set up for a sequel. Strange,strange movie.

WSGrundy · Post by **WSGrundy** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 2:49 pm

8/10

Weird but cool film. The sound track with the exception of the Duran Duran song was good and add to the film IMO.

unkbill · Post by **unkbill** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:41 am

Have been on antibiotics for a week or more. Haven't been drinking. Took Superbowl Sunday off. The movie was better when I had a slight buzz.

Post by **Vince** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 12:14 am

It was weird, but in such a way that you really couldn't tell if the holes were supposed to be there or just sloppy.

May be a landmark of genius movie making from that point of view.

Post by **TPRJones** » Fri May 31, 2013 6:17 pm

Boring pretentious emo crap trying to masquerade as deep and meaningful. 2/10

Post by **GORDON** » Fri May 31, 2013 7:21 pm

Many years later, the impression i have of it is that the selfish teen chooses to undo all the good he did in order to save.... girlfriend? I dont remember.

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Fri May 31, 2013 11:37 pm

I haven't seen it in years.

It was a movie I wanted to see so I bought the DVD, watched it once, thought, "It's good for what it is," and then I never saw it again.

I remember it had to do with a glitch in time or something. A bit to Emo for me.

Post by **TheCatt** » Sat Jan 27, 2024 9:47 pm

GORDON wrote: ↑Fri May 31, 2013 7:21 pm Many years later, the impression i have of it is that the selfish teen chooses to undo all the good he did in order to save.... girlfriend? I dont remember.

The world. He saved the world.

8/10, I really enjoyed it and the soundtrack was amazing. Loved the soundtrack. Moody, pitch perfect for what it was, delivered on the plot setup points. Even had a chekhov's gun to bring the point home.

I can see Leisher's point in the first point... is it horror? No, but a little. Is it a black comedy? No, but a little. Is it sci fi? No, but a little. etc, etc. No neat bucket for this one.