The greatest distinction of "Ghost World" is its singular spirit. Here's a dark, deadpan comedy about alienated kids that manages to be smart, surpassingly odd, extremely funny and mysteriously endearing at the same time.

See it for Birch's hostile stare and Johansson's devastating monotone.

Most of Ghost World is funny, but the laughs are inextricably tied to the painful alienation and self-loathing that comes with living on society's fringes.

The changing point of view is probably the most interesting thing about Ghost World, although it offers many more immediate pleasures as well.