Donnie Darko: The first cult hit of the 2000s.

You either hate or love Richard Kelly's 2001 cult classic "Donnie Darko," there is no in between. I find it hard reviewing the film seeing as how so much has been said about it already, good and bad.

The story goes like this. Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a troubled teenager, in therapy seemingly every day and hooked on anti-depressants. One night, while sleeping, he is lured outside of his house by the voice of a giant bunny named Frank telling him that the world will end in 28 days. Donnie never returns to his house--instead, falling asleep on a golf course due to his sleepwalking habits--which turns out to be a life saver for him as a jet engine crashes through his parents' house, landing in his room. Under the impression that the world is ending, it seems as if Donnie tries to live his life to the fullest every day; communicating to his flakey teachers everything he ever thought of saying, embarassing a self help guru at a public seminar, persuing a relationship with a girl named Gretchen (Jena Malone), holding a massive party while his parents are out of town, etc. Donnie isn't the stereotypical depressed teen and in fact, we get the impression that the therapy and medication are actually working against him. As the days wind down, Frank orders Donnie to go on a rampage, which entails the aformentioned self help guru Jim Cunningham's (Patrick Swayze) mansion down, exposing a hidden child porn collection to the authorities who show up to investigate the estate, among many other things.

The film is set in the late 80's and the film makes sure you know this, by tossing out Dukakis references and showcasing footage of the 1988 presidential debate. These are all very well played keys to clue us in on the year of the film, however setting the Tears for Fears hit "Head Over Heels" to a collage of high school activity in its entirety pushes it just a little bit. The Dukakis references and George Bush Sr. speech footage is still current enough to drive the point home on its own.

However this is arguably one of the only flaws in the film. In fact, one of the things that made me smile the most was how the film was able to make a bunny rabbit (or more specifically a fellow teen on a rabbit costume) genuinely creepy. And that is very much because the rabbit actually has a certifiable purpose for being included, which we find out about towards the end of the film. It's not just included because Kelly thought "Oh hey, let me try to make a giant bunny scary for no particular reason." In fact, it sets the trend of the film up nicely: Nothing here is just for the sake of being here and you can constantly find hidden things on each replay.

The film does steer clear of stereo types, and you do get the feeling that Donnie's parents and two sisters truly care for his well-being. In fact, even the conflict within the opening dinner sequence between Donnie and his sister Elizabeth (played by Jake Gyllenhaal's sister Maggie) is treated with laughs in the end. After one particular scene where Donnie talks back to a teacher preaching about life being catagorized into two main emotions (fear and love), his parents are called in to be confronted by the principle about Donnie's actions. (Put hilariously by said teacher, she proclaims that Donnie told her to "forcibly insert the Lifeline exercise card into my anus!") When Donnie's parents are called into his therapist's office to discuss his progress, the situation comes up and Donnie's father (Holmes Osborne) proclaims that he has just cause. And perhaps the most touching scene in the film is when Donnie asks his mother (Mary McDonnell) how it feels to have a wacko for a son, she puts her arm around him and says "It feels wonderful."

The film does explore mental illness successfully by steering clear of the above stereotypes. Donnie is trapped within a flurry of problems, none of which he wants or even relishes in much. In fact, Donnie comes off more sympathetic than troubled, constantly comforting those around him who are going through troubles.

As the film winds down, we get the feeling that not all is what it seems. After one of the final scenes where Donnie shoots a person for running over Gretchen, we start to feel like the hour and a half of film in which we just saw is a ruse. I can't tell you what inspires this scene or much of what else is contained in it because I would be giving away too much while at the same time giving away too little. Frankly (no pun intended) put, there is simply too much going on in the film to describe within this review, including otherwise mentionable (but forgettable) cameos by Drew Barrymore.

As I said, "Donnie Darko" is a film that will either put you in one of two catagories. But this film is definitely a neccessary watch regardless and will have you thinking about what you've just taken in long after it ends. The ending is pulled off brilliantly and I could tell you what I think it means but that would be unfair; you need to take the entire film in with a clear mind and form your own opinion on it. Critics have written the film's plot off as convoluted and the message of the film as second rate. Perhaps, but for the film's lovers, they are greatly rewarded when the film comes to its end. Backed by strong performances, brilliant directing and a great script, "Donnie Darko" is a must rent film for any Blockbuster member. Be glad they allow you to keep the film for a week, because this one requires several viewings to fully appreciate and understand.