I got a chance to check out the director’s cut of ‘Donnie Darko’ and I’d like to give it a hearty recommendation. The film isn’t horror (despite the presence of a 6ft tall demonic bunny rabbit) which is why it’s here and not with the rest of the reviews. I’d love to write a full review of it, but frankly I’d have no idea how to go about doing so without giving away most of the plot. The film is best viewed through fresh eyes. However, for those of you who have seen the theatrical release, let me just say one thing that may surprise you. The movie now makes complete sense! No really! I didn’t think it was possible either. While so many director’s cuts are clogged with limp, extraneous scenes that were best cut in the first place, the expanded Donnie Darko manages to bring the film's once fuzzy meaning into sharp focus. It does so in part by adding pages from Roberta Sparrow’s book (“The Philosophy of Time Travel”) in order to frame the proceedings. It thankfully, also deletes the misleading coda of theatrical release. 

If you’ve never seen the film, it’s the type of masterpiece that David Lynch might make if he actually had talent and wasn’t so damn cynical. (Ignore me Lynchians, I’m just trying to get a rise out of ya’) The characters may seem odd and off putting at first, but the film takes its sweet time to fully develop them, and you find the lot growing on you. The camera work is excellent, and the acting is pretty much perfect. The film manages to be hilarious, chilling, and genuinely touching at different moments. If you’re looking for something unique, this is it.

And yes, I do give extra brownie points for working in the ‘Evil Dead’ references.

9.0