"Igby Goes Down" is the latest in a recent surge of movies depicting the familial debauchery of privileged, aristocratic eccentrics (i.e. "The Royal Tenenbaums" and the less well-known "Tadpole"), which shines not only through the originality of the plot but also through the ingenuity of the plot's execution. Neither the title, nor the storyline can prepare the audience for new director Burr Steer's Oscar-worthy surprise, seeing as how the trite theme of a spitefully rebellious yet precociously witty teenager (played by Macaulay Culkin's little brother Kieran of "Cider House Rules") poses few prospects for breakthrough movie magic. Yet from the very first scene, sharply and hilariously zooming in on the well-mannered murder of a mother (Susan Sarandon) by her two sons (Culkin and Ryan Phillippe of "Gosford Park"), the crisp absurdity of the movie's humor is complemented by the strong presence of a stellar soundtrack. The abundance of laugh-worthy moments entertains beyond any expectations.

The fast-pace afforded by the sharp dialogue, fluid camera angles and the introduction of the abundant first-rate cast initially suggests the movie to be an exceptionally enjoyable yet contextually frivolous comedy. In a slightly awkward transition, however, the drama that was subtlety laced into lunacy of the focal family expands in role and forces the viewers of a seemingly lighthearted film into some unexpectedly deep and somber emotions.

In the process, some particularly distinguished members of the cast got a chance to fully exercise their talent. The most memorably artful performance was by Bill Pullman ("Lake Placid"), who portrays the father's decent into insanity. Likewise, Susan Sarandon brings her cold-hearted and brazen character to a similarly untimely demise, while not detracting from any ounce of the movie's quick and jagged humor.

The strength of the acting, craft of the direction and ingenuity of the script leave the hard-to please movie-goer little choice but to choose "Igby Goes Down" over its current cinematic rivals.