The Royal Tenenbaums -- A Film Review
Wes Anderson firmly establishes himself as the current master of eccentric cinema. The Royal Tenenbaums, like his previous two other films (Rushmore and Bottle Rocket) is a character(s) study of the odd and quirky sort. Letting other filmmakers play with heroes, Anderson places his camera lenses on the underdogs and outcasts as they struggle to achieve their dreams.

Working again from his own script co-written by actor Owen Wilson, Anderson fills the screen with members of what is possibly the most dysfunctional family ever. The Tenenbaum children (played by Luke Wilson, Ben Stiller, and Gwyneth Paltrow) were all prodigies, each displaying wisdom and skill beyond their youth, but thanks to years of neglect from their father, have all grown up to be a collective of depressed failures. Royal Tenenbaum, the aforementioned deadbeat dad, is played with gusto by Gene Hackman in one of his best performances in years. Royal is a character that is so unlikeable it's hard to keep our eyes off of him. The film follows Royal trying to reunite with his estranged family and make amends after years of constant let downs.

The film is populated with a number of supporting characters played by Bill Murray, Danny Glover, and most notably Owen Wilson who despite always seeming to play the same character, once again steals every scene he is in. Each character is given enough time and attention to have at least one good scene, which is hard to do in films with such a large ensemble cast. Anderson is a miracle in the way he juxtaposes humor, tragedy, and warmth. A lesser filmmaker would have played most of this action over the top, though thanks to Anderson we find ourselves caring for this pathetic lot.

The film emits a terrific style utilizing story chapters, narration (by Alec Baldwin), and a kick ass soundtrack. Like most of the great filmmakers (led by Martin Scorsese), Wes Anderson makes the songs in his film less a music score and more a storytelling device. For example, the scene with Luke Wilson cutting his hair off in the washroom set to Elliot Smith's "Needle In The Hay". Awesome, awesome scene.

In a time when most comedies are done in the "gross out" manner, The Royal Tenebaums is a welcomed change. A film that you must actively follow to appreciate the humor. A film that, though involving, will last with you longer then 10 seconds out of the theatre. Keep an eye on the works of Wes Anderson, he's the real deal and he's going to win an Oscar one day. Count on it.

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