Donnie Darko starts out looking like it might be derivative of any number of teen focused drama/comedies but it never gets there. Director/Writer Richard Kelly does not ever let it within Tiger Woods putting distance of derivate. This engaging, original and engrossing film is not easy on its viewers but it is ultimately a rewarding watch and in fact is probably one of the rare films that gets better the next few times through.
Let me give a warning at this time. Don't try to give this film anything but your undidivided attention. I started by watching it and playing poker online and ... and
before long my head was whiping around so much I was in need of a masseuse, not a masseure a masseuse).
This film features very early perfomances from the careers of Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, they play brother and sister, the very first feature film apperance for Seth Rogan as well as Mary McDonnell, Drew Barrymore and ER's Noah Wyle.
The story features a bunch of suburbian private school kids, a slightly off kilter dad, a mom struggle to protect her family from the world and herself from embarassment, a former nun turned school teacher turned Sci-Fi author turned crazy old lady, a pocket universe whose mere existence threatens our own and ... did I leave anything out.. Oh Yeah a six foot, profoundly disturbing looking bunny rabbit who is either a) helpful or b) bent on anihilation.

Keeps alot of pots boiling but it is ultimatly a satisfying watch even if you have to give it a few tries before all the pieces fall in place.