Monday, August 11, 2003
 
Movie Review: Donnie Darko

Based on recommendations from "Burning Eye" Cullina and Robert Prather, I borrowed Donnie Darko on DVD from Adam's House of Grilling and DVDs last weekend. I watched it tonight as part of the "Heather's Not Here Watch DVDs Until I Collapse Feature."

Well, I was very disappointed. I thought there'd be some barking and crawling around by a sexy chick, but then I realized this movie starred the wrong Gyllenhaal. Hey, cut me some slack, if you didn't know there was more than one, how many Gyllenhaals would you expect to find in show business? Granted, Maggie had a small role in this film, but it would have been so bad to..... well, never mind.

So I popped in the DVD and was treated to what amounted to 113 minutes of Gothic John Hughes meets American Beauty.

Actually, you want to know the movie to which I want to compare it most easily? Pump Up The Volume for the sheer quantity of red wine drunk by the authority figures when lounging at home. Do a double feature of the two and you'll agree.

Perhaps I am reflecting upon the movie too quickly after viewing it. Maybe this is, in fact, one of those movies that you need to think about and discuss. However, I have quite a bit of faith in my perceptions of storytelling (of which moviemaking is a subset), and when confronted with a movie that makes me think too much, I just assume the artiste with the bullhorn on the set was incompetent. Sorry, such is the case here.

I am being gracious and avoiding spoilers, friends, because I realize that you might enjoy the film otherwise (you simpleton). Still, the matter's open for debate over a couple of yummy Guinness Draughts, Adam or Robert, should you choose.

- posted by Brian J. @ 11:47 PM
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