Igby Goes Down
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 30
  3. Negative: 3 out of 30
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  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kenneth Turan
    30
    Writer-director Steers has chosen to overload "Igby" with phony archness and forced black humor, making it not the place to look for satisfying acting.
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Mick LaSalle
    25
    Mean-spirited and not remotely clever, though it strives for archness at every turn.
  3. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: William Arnold
    25
    Its motif is self-pity, Steers displays no particular way with a scene, and, as Igby, Culkin exudes none of the charm or charisma that might keep a more general audience even vaguely interested in his bratty character.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 45
  3. Negative: 7 out of 45
  1. DaveM.
    10
    Extraordinary cast and performances by all. Cinematography is great of the East Coast cities portrayed. A must see.
  2. Tss5078
    7
    I really love these weird independent comedies, that you have to be somewhat intelligent to understand. They are so much different from all the repetitive crap that we are subjected to over and over again. This is the story of a kid from a privileged family who just doesn't fit in. He sees the hypocrisy of it all and decides to run away to NYC, where he meets some unique characters that you'd only find in New York. The middle Culkin brother, Kieran, stars and was incredible. Simply put, sometimes the story is good, but the movie is made by its star, and Culkin gives one of the best performances I've seen in a film like this. Igby Goes Down has a ton of stars, it's a clever story, and you really connect to the characters. I really enjoyed this film, but be warned, it's not for everybody. I honestly believe when it comes to this type of film, you need a personality that relates to some aspect of the film. Without that connection, you might not get as much out of this film as others did.… Full Review »
  3. pinattar
    7
    If you enjoy movies like "Running with Scissors" or "Breakfast on Pluto", I think you will like this. It has a really similar structure, you follow a young boy with a dysfunctional life through a period of this life. And like those previous movies mentioned this really is more of a dramady then a striahgt comedy or drama, but alot lighter than the other movies. As for the acting, normally actors overplay sarcastic type characters but Kieran Culkin was great, he's sarcastic but not annoying. This was definitely his movie. And Ryan Phillippe was the perfect choice for the douchebag/elitist brother, he just naturally comes off as one because of this voice and speech pattern. As for the rest of the cast, they were all very good. The writing and direction was fine, although I didn't really like the ending and there they went with Amanda Peets' character. A fine movie worth watching, 7.5/10… Full Review »
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