Igby Goes Down

Starring: Kieran Culkin, Susan Sarandon, Bill Pullman, Ryan Phillippe, Jeff Goldblum

Directed by: Burr Steers

RS: 3of 4 Stars

2002 Comedy

You get some potluck extras on this DVD, but for most viewers the movie itself will be the big surprise. Little seen when it was released last fall, Igby Goes Down is good enough to spawn its own cult. Kieran Culkin gives a breakthrough performance as Igby, the teen screw-up with the bitch mother (Susan Sarandon), schizo dad (Bill Pullman), yuppie-scum brother (Ryan Phillippe) and scummier godfather (Jeff Goldblum).

First-time director Burr Steers channeled J.D. Salinger when he wrote the script. But it's the actors, including sharp-tongued Claire Danes and dazzling Amanda Peet, who deepen the martini-dry wit with feeling. No matter that Culkin and Steers are a bit precious on the commentary track ("I love this scene. . . . No, that one's my favorite"). The movie speaks for itself.

PETER TRAVERS
(February 20, 2003)