Review of “Igor”
Mad scientists on film - from Metropolis (1927) to Van Helsing (2004) - have traditionally relied upon a hunch-backed assistant to help in their evil schemes – someone to collect body parts, mix potions and finally pull the switch that might bring a hideous invention to life. Igor – an animated feature from new production house Exodus – turns the tables on the mad scientists, placing the downtrodden assistant as hero, someone who has ambition of their own. But like the creation of many a misguided scientist – the movie is all cannibalized parts, unable to come to life despite the high levels of energy shot through screen and sound design.
Igor (voice of John Cusack) is the hunchbacked assistant to Doctor Glickenstein (voice of John Cleese), and one of a race of oppressed Igors in the land of Malaria, ruled by an evil King Malbert (voice of Jay Leno). The country has experienced a mysterious change of climate and has shifted it’s economic activity from agriculture to the manufacture of evil monsters – the best of which are exhibited at the annual Evil Fair, won every year by the most evil of evil scientists, Doctor Schadenfreude (voice of Eddie Izzard). By a stroke of luck, the sensitive and clever Igor is freed from servitude and able to make his own entry for the coming Fair – a giant maiden Eva (voice of Molly Shannon). But when Schadenfreude hears of the creation he is determined to take control of it, overthrow the king and win the Fair one more time. Together with created friends Scamper (voice of Steve Buscemi) and Brain (voice of Sean Hayes) Igor and Eva have to fight off the envious trickery of Schadenfreude and save the Kingdom of Malaria.
The film bolts its design - borrowed from Tim Burton - to a clichéd story framework, and then nails on lame gags and a few simplistic moral references to the virtues of being good rather than evil. The whole clunky affair is then spray painted in lurid tones and energized with far too much dialogue and a one-track tempo – loud and in your face. Life and charm – the real goal of every re-animating scientist – remain beyond reach – perhaps with the exception of a few momentary sparks from John Cleese and Eddie Izzard. The creation will have an uncomfortable time in the world – too rapidly witty for small children, yet not smart enough for their parents. Director Anthony Leondis needs to go back to the lab.
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