Movie Review: Igor

I admit I did not know much about Igor going into the movie. I seem to remember seeing a trailer, but I do not recall many of the details. I did know that it was about a character named Igor that dreams of being a mad scientist. With that little bit of knowledge, I entered the theater, bottle of water in hand (only so much popcorn a guy can take, you know?), settled down into the nearly empty theater and awaited the start of the film. I figured I was going to like the movie, the concept was certainly an intriguing one. Unfortunately, the time that would fill the space between the dimming of the lights and the rolling of the final credits was only fitfully entertaining, with much of the rest of that time filled with boredom and missed opportunities.

The story centers on Igor, voiced by John Cusack, an Igor (yes, it's a name and a job) in the town of Malaria, a place that used to be a sunny and cheerful farming community, until dark clouds rolled in, killing the crops and plunging them into poverty (political allegory perhaps?). The leader of the town declares himself king and turns their economy into one centered on evil, where evil, destructive creations are their stock in trade. The townsfolk make them and everyone else pays to keep them from being used.

The two main job classes are those of Igor, the assistant's that require a Yes Master's degree (get it?), and evil scientist. If you have a hump on your back, you have no choice but to be an Igor. The problem is that this Igor has big dreams and aspirations of becoming a scientist. Ever since he was but a youth, he was creating and inventing things, but since he was an Igor, he could not do anything with them. Among those creations are his friends Scamper (Steve Buscemi), a dead rabbit brought back to life who cannot die despite his strong suicidal tendencies, and Brain (Sean Hayes), literally a brain in a jar that has been placed on wheels with a single robotic arm.

Each year, the town has a competition to crown the top scientist with the most evil invention, an award perennially won by Dr. Schadenfreude (Eddie Izzard), who bears a more than passing resemblance to Elton John. Igor dreams of entering the contest himself, but he is trapped assisting his none-too-bright scientist, Dr. Glickenstein (John Cleese). Then, following a tragic accident during which Glickenstein does not survive, Igor has his chance.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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