If I were the new girl in class, I would definitely sit next to Donnie Darko.

A plethora of films are going to be reviewed within the next two weeks.  My current residence is in the apartment of a fabulous couple that lives in DC.  One of them happens to be a screenwriter.  Screenwriter =  kick ass/weird ass film library! 
This week, there was a request made for me to review Donnie Darko.  For the first time, I actually obliged.  The film is in my temporary DVD library.  I've always wanted to see it. Voila.  I am reviewing Donnie Darko.  Is that a coincidence?  Or did Frank tell me to do it for a reason? 
It is October of 1988.  Dukakis is running for president.  Star Search is on TV.  People still drive Trans Ams.  The Darkos live in a quiet upper-middle class town called Middlesex.  They have two girls, one in elementary school, the other is going to Harvard; and a boy who has schizophrenic induced hallucinations.  Please meet Donnie Darko.
Donnie, played by the smoldering Jake Gyllenhaal, is being visited by a psychotic-looking rabbit.  The rabbit, named Frank, has quite a bit of control over Donnie.  Even though Donnie takes medication for his schizophrenia, the hallucinations worsen as the film goes on (and you begin to ask yourself if they are really hallucinations)... Until finally, an ending so bizarre happens that you think "Do I have paranoid schizophrenia?" 
Donnie Darko is the perfect film for those suffering from teen-angst, teens and adults alike.  Donnie is brilliant.  He unapologetically tells-off authority figures.  He deals with bullies.  He worries about the opposite sex.  He says "rad". 
Initially, Donnie Darko was a box office flop.  BUT... now it is a cult classic.  People watch it at midnight showings.  I hope they don't confuse it with Rocky Horror as far as cult classics go.  First, it would be awful if Jake had toilet paper and toast thrown at his head, but second (and more important) Donnie Darko is actually a great film.  It is intense, bizarre, creepy and kooky.  If the premise of the film does not lure you in, maybe the cast will.  Both Gyllenhaals are in the film, as is other teen star wonder, Jenna Malone.  Big time stars Drew Barrymore and Noah Wyle are in the film as well.  There is one star that shadows over all others mentioned.  His name will cause your spine to shiver (either with repulsion or joy).  Patrick Swayze!  He's not dancing, he's not a ghost, and he's not a drag queen.  He is a motivational speaker (of the most horrific variety). 
 
FILM VIEWING PROTOCOL
Unless you live in a city that has midnight showings of DD (it is rumored to play here, in DC, at Visions), put it on your Netflix queue. 
It is not a film for people who like standard film formulas.  If you wear all black, you'll love this film.  If you were in your high school drama club, you too will love this film.  If you liked "One Flew Over The Cukoo's Nest", you'll like this film.  If you have ever or are currently experiencing teen angst, you'll enjoy this film.  I happen to fall into three of the above four categories. 
Versatile viewing is possible (date film, friend film, alone film), as long as the date and/or the friends fall into one of the above categories. 
Food consumption during the film:  water and a piece of fruit.  I recommend water and a piece of fruit because afterward one should partake in yoga or another form of exercise/meditation to clear your mind. 
 
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