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Igby Goes Down
Review by Ross Anthony

Dark quirky humor. Reminiscent of "Harold and Maude" is some ways, but less the optimism. Most of the humor is straight-faced sarcasm or angry clever insults. Very few people in this film are happy and only those that are even likeable are only likable in limited capacity.

Still there is something strangely luring to watch, rooting for this poor sixteen year old trying to survive a perfectionist domineering mother (Susan Serandon), and a stiff older brother that emotionlessly acts as her henchman.

The director keeps the pace as sharp as the dialogue, never boring, aptly filmed and acted. Honest and hyper-real in an odd caricature sort of way. While teens are at the age of self discovery, Igby is doing his best work at self-destruction. Probably he'd like to find himself, but he's far too busy not being whatever it is his mother is trying to make of him. Perhaps this is what the film is really getting at, that subtle turning point. When you finally realize you have the power to crawl out from under parental expectations. That place where instead of using energy to rebel against something you're supposed to be, you decide to start moving constructively toward something of your own choosing.

While the drug usage did show consequence (namely an overdose and a human pretty much devoid of self-respect) I have a real problem spending my free time watching an act of statutory rape without consequence.

So basically borderline amusing, but with some content that I personally find objectionable.



  • Igby Goes Down. Copyright © 2004. Rated R.
  • Starring Kieran Culkin, Claire Danes, Jeff Goldblum, Jared Harris, Amanda Peet, Ryan Phillippe, Bill Pullman, Susan Sarandon.
  • Written and Directed by Burr Steers.
  • Produced by Marco Weber, Lisa Tornell at UA/Atlantic Streamline/Crossroads.



Grade..........................B- (1.5/4)



Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 08:07:43 PDT