Watch Kids' Reviews of
IGOR (HDNET)

Igor is a steam punk Frankenstein spoof with heart. Due to a storm that killed their crops and left the skies darkened, the only way to survive is to be evil. Each year, in the kingdom of Malaria, there is a science fair where scientists compete for the best invention. In this world, all of the assistants are named Igor. One Igor (John Cusack) wants be a scientist but he can't because he's an Igor. Will Igor become an evil scientist or will he learn you don't have to evil to be somebody?

I love this movie for its unique animation. This movie has a spoof on Frankenstein atmosphere that makes it incomparable. You know, a crazy scientist creates life but it all goes wrong. This movie offers comedic input and while not all the jokes hit the bulls-eye, the majority do. The design of the city and characters are fantastic. What is distracting is the celebrity voice talent. Don't get me wrong, I love the actors in this movie, John Cleese, John Cusack and Molly Shannon are exceptional. But when I hear King Malbert (Jay Leno), I don't hear King Malbert, I hear Jay Leno, so that's a tiny problem.

My favorite character is Eva (Molly Shannon), a life-form Igor invented for the evil science fair. Problem, she's not evil and wouldn't hurt a fly. All she wants to do is become an actress. Not only is this character kind and full of heart, she's also incredibly funny. She's just so chipper in this evil land, it's hilarious.

My favorite scene is when Igor finds out the truth of his life. In this scene he feels both joy and betrayal at the same time. Through retrospection he literally comes out of the darkness and into the light.

The moral is, "It's better to be a good nobody, than an evil somebody." Igor has learned from being in this dark world that if you're evil, people will adore you. He learns through Eva's eyes that it's better to be a good nobody.

I recommend this for ages 11 to 18 because there is some rude humor and a bit of gore. That's not a bad thing - it's just an artistic vision. Igor is a unique film for children or adults. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Keefer C. Blakeslee, age 13, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.

Very enjoyable, good message about "bad is good and good is bad!" Holds your interest from start to finish. It is reminiscent of stories such as Cinderella and Hunchback of Notre Dame. Very suitable for the target age group. Some of the graphics and themes are probably too much for younger viewers. The humor is quick, witty and engaging, with many one liners. Production quality is excellent. The good vs. evil theme is often used but Eva offers a new spin on encouraging others to move away from evil. There is also a nice element of friendship, both old and new. There are some violent moments such as when Dr. Glickenstein gets crushed but it is not graphic.

Trouble ensues in this animated fable when an evil scientist's assistant, Igor, fights to become a scientist himself.