Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mad-scientist comedy with dark humor, cartoon violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
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Igor
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say the movie evokes mixed feelings; while some viewers cherish it for its dark humor and nostalgic value, others find it unsuitable for children due to its themes and humor regarding sensitive topics like suicide. The general consensus suggests that it may appeal to older kids with an understanding of dark humor, but it's advised for younger audiences to approach with caution.
- mixed feelings
- dark humor
- not suitable
- nostalgic value
- parental guidance needed
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In the dark, gloomy kingdom of Malaria, evil scientists have free rein to create monstrous inventions with the help of hunchbacked servants who are all called Igor. The central Igor (voiced by John Cusack) secretly wants to be a scientist, so when his misguided master (John Cleese) dies in a lab explosion, Igor brings to life a towering female monster, Eva (Molly Shannon). But instead of being vicious, she's convinced -- thanks to a brain-washing mix up -- that she's an aspiring actress.
Is It Any Good?
IGOR borrows its animation style from Tim Burton and its story from Young Frankenstein, but even with such classic inspiration, it's only OK. At least the voice actors are top-notch -- the supporting cast includes Steve Buscemi as the voice of Igor's suicidal-but-invincible rabbit creation Scamper; Sean Hayes as Brain, a dim-witted brain in a jar; and Eddie Izzard as the hilariously named celebrity scientist Dr. Schadenfreude.
Kids will certainly be entertained, especially by the antics of the two sidekicks responsible for most of the laughs. The story is so simple that even very young kids will be able to follow along, and Eva is surprisingly touching as she practices "Tomorrow" and dresses up like Gloria Swanson. Igor -- like many other recent animated movies -- may fall short of the Pixar standard for greatness, but it's good enough for most little monsters who can handle the dark humor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's messages. Why is it so out of the ordinary for Igor to want to be a scientist? How do others' expectations affect the way we behave and the way we see ourselves?
How does the movie use dark humor for the sake of comedy? What do you think is the appeal of dark humor? Is dark humor appropriate for young kids?
How was the violence reminiscent of the cartoons of the past? Are cartoons such as these a bad influence on kids, or do you think kids can see the exaggeration and know that it isn't real and can't happen in real life?
Families can also discuss how this film fits into the monster-movie genre. What does it have in common with movies about Frankenstein and the hunchback of Notre Dame? How is it different? Kids: If you could create a "monster," what would it be like?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 18, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : January 20, 2009
- Cast : John Cusack , Molly Shannon , Steve Buscemi
- Director : Anthony Leondis
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some thematic elements, scary images, action and mild language.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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