Review of Igby Goes Down (2002) by Ed S — 30 Jul 2009

Taking into account films like these, it is really extraordinary that something like the book "The Catcher in the Rye" ever came into existence. In his acclaimed literary work, J.D. Salinger managed to create a realistic portrait of teenage rebellion and dissatisfaction that was sympathetic to the protagonist without condoning or reveling in his irresponsible behavior.

"Igby Goes Down" demonstrates just how difficult a feat that Salinger pulled off, as this film fails to stir up any sympathy for its irritating, self-absorbed characters (or should I say caricatures? There isn't a single character in this film who even approaches realism), and in fact had completely alienated me from its entire cast within 20 minutes (an impressive feat all of its own).

This is a movie that also refuses to cast much of a critical eye on Igby's (the film's protagonist, played by the odd-looking Kieran Culkin) selfish and irresponsible behavior as he is continually kicked out of reform schools and runs away from home to live in New York, preferring instead to romanticize the annoying, narcissistic teen's exploits and spoon-feed the audience the rather unsatisfying explanation that he is simply a misunderstood product of an emotionally abusive upbringing, and is thus exempt from judgment.

This is a vapid and, let me reiterate, irritating movie that spends its runtime indulging its emotionally empty characters in their self-absorbed whining, and does so with too little criticism and a sickening amount of ironic distance.

Skip this at all costs. I'd recommend reading "The Catcher in the Rye" instead.