IGBY GOES DOWN
Released: September 13, 2002
A young man's (Kieran Kulkin) peculiar upbringing renders him unable to competently cope with the struggle of growing up. I had been looking forward to this one for quite a long time. Not only was it to be the return of Claire Danes (one of my favorite actresses) to the screen but it has a stellar cast and is directed by Burr Steers, who recently graduated from small acting parts in movies like "Pulp Fiction" (!994) to taking on "Igby", his first feature film in the director's chair. Just take a looksie at the cast he assembled - Kieran Culkin, Claire Danes, Eric Bogosian, Jeff Goldblum, Amanda Peet, Ryan Phillippe, Susan Sarandon and Bill Pullman - how can you go wrong with actors of that skill level? Well, for the most part everyone gives great performances. I liked the story and I liked the actors but overall I found the structure to be a tad overlong and aimless at times. While I enjoyed portions very much, I found myself leaving the theatre a little let down. But go see it for the acting and you'll be in for a good time. Everyone from Bill Pullman playing a sadder than depressed father to Claire Danes as the blunt college drop out helps make this a crucial actor's movie if you enjoy any of their styles.
97 Minutes
United Artists/MGM