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Showing reviews from 101 to 122 (total: 122)
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Wes Anderson strikes again. This detailed "surreal-yet-bizarrely-true" movie is brilliantly made, with overall good performances from the cast. It's definitely not slapstick, definitely not "crack your ribs" funny, but it'll make you smile and laugh (Dudley's world and his conception of time?!) How can you tackle issues like that with such simplicity and eccentricity at the same time, and yet not cross the line? A great movie that will become a reference for all movie buffs. If you're a fan of the Wayans Bros, wait a few years before you watch this one.
9/10
9.1.2002 -
bobboucher@ - age: 18-25
Have you seen Rushmore? How about Amelie? If you don't like those films don't go see Royal Tenebaums because it is a mixture of the two. People who don't appreciate films as an art form won't like this film either. I personally loved the two films and I loved this one too... I was pleasantly suprised. I hope that Hollywood will continue to produce unconvential films in the future... at least once in a while.
9/10
8.1.2002 -
cdccomics@ - age: 26-35
This movie was super pro active. Amazing in every superbity. If have any scrupels, this blasters for that. Pass all concerns on to the next person, this movie will not be railroaded at oscar time.
9/10
8.1.2002 -
sweetdaddy23@ - age: 26-35
OHHHH my god, what a waste of time.. this is one of te year's worst movies, one of the worst movies I have ever seen... don't waste your money, believe me!!! Poor acting, poor story, no begining, no end... no nothing. I don't know how the critics said it was good, that must have been paid to say so.. it's a waste that all these actors played in it. N-e ways.. it was verrry bad!
1/10
7.1.2002 -
pcomega@ - age: 18-25
Absolutely superb film. Wes Anderson (Bottle Rocket, Rushmore) doesn't follow normal comedy film conventions in that his pacing and rhythm are more akin to Kubrick (episodic, chapter-like) or Lynch (off-kilter timing and actor deliveries) If you are looking for mainstream pablum then don't see it. If you are interested in something more... run to the theater and get your ticket.
9/10
7.1.2002 -
cbpersel@ - age: 36-49
Warning: extremely slow movie!!! The trailers and ads are totally misleading...
5/10
6.1.2002 -
jessee_gurl@ - age: 18-25
I did not have any expectations going into this movie... but, I found it EXCELLENT! The characters were great adn the humour was kind of twisted... It was just amazing.
10/10
6.1.2002 -
t_jemec@ - age: 13-17
Because the reviews were so good, I went to see the film. I was very disappointed. As an acting teacher, I thought the actors played one note throughout. There was nothing funny and the pace was slow and plodding. There is not much to recommend this film. A good cast wasted in a pointless, depressing vehicle.
2/10
6.1.2002 -
jyordon@ - age: 50+
This is the best film of the year. It is the performance of a lifetime by Gene Hackman. Both Houston & Paltrow-excellent.
9/10
6.1.2002 -
joeyh@ - age: 26-35
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In order to fully appreciate and savour Wes Andersons fruitful new film, one must possess a twisted and wicked sense of humour. The Royal Tennenbaums is Andersons third film and is by far his most complex, darkest and ambitious piece. After Bottle Rocket and the irresistible Rushmore; he delivers never before seen bravura performances from his entire cast as he weaves a daunting portrayal of one of the most dysfunctional cinematic families in a long time. Gene Hackman plays Royal Tennenbaum with incredible zest. After discovering he is suffering from a life-threatening disease, he therefore sets out and attempts at reuniting with his estranged family. His estranged children were all once child prodigies and now all live dysfunctional lives attributed to his abandonment when his former wife (Anjelica Huston) requested a divorce. Among Royals prodigies include Ben Stiller who plays Chas. An arrogant and securityobsessed father with a bb gun bullet lodged in his hand who constantly fears for the safety of his two young look alike boys. Luke Wilson plays Richie; a tennis master who suffered from a meltdown due to an unattainable attraction. Then there is the adopted daughter, a seemingly empty Margot Helen (played with perfect bleak gloominess by Gwyneth Paltrow) Adopted from the age of two, this adventuress is an award-winning playwright who attributes her unsatisfactory life to her adopted fathers introducing her as My adopted daughter
Each of these complex and detailed characters is conveniently introduced through Andersons introductory musical montage sequence where in a matter of moments we are introduced to the cast. Included in this constellation of prestigious actors are Owen Wilson as Eli and a fully bearded Bill Murray as Raleigh St. Clair, an amusing doctor who consistently mopes around with his favourite experimental patient. It is important to understand that this not a straight forward drama nor a laugh out loud comedy. In its fullest essence; this alternative film is an endearing, touching, dark and anti-clinical observation of a dysfunctional family and how its members inter-relate. The true beauty of this film lies primarily in the subtle manner in which this overwhelming amount of information is presented. The previous paragraph may seem contradictorial to many but in viewing the film analytically, this film at its core is really about renewing lost family values. The primary difference lies in Andersons off-kilter storytelling perspectives that flawlessly blend drama and comedy while displaying this renewal. That is where many may spot an unfavourable trait. Andersons films in the past have spread upon two extremities. Those who understand his films and those who gawk at what seems like banter. While it isnt as aggressive as his two previous films, this piece is a tender one at heart. Yet, while I will state that Rushmore is still my favourite Anderson film, this film will be heralded as a great follow-up. The Royal Tennenbaums is delicately developed and lets the characters tell the story rather than events. Also noteworthy is Andersons ability to blend music with imagery to evoke emotion. Along the likes of Cameron Crowe and the musical offerings in his films, Anderson presents us with some classic tunes that protrude through the screen with emotion in order to make us fully understand the range of emotions these characters undergo. Through flashbacks, we see what these children really were and we see how and why their fathers abandonment caused their decay in which the hatred is based upon. Through a delicate unravelling of all these three prodigies inner most secrets, we see that there is much more than their simple, grim appearance. This is where Andersons genius can be found. From a script by Anderson and Owen Wilson (Eli) , we can see that these characters are not the sort of people one would run into everyday. Their appearance is slightly off, their wardrobe is slightly off and their genuine affection or dislike of their father is so pure that it seeps through the screen and provides us with a thorough understanding. These are all various elements of Andersons slightly off kilter and subtle piece about this dysfunctional family. The term alternative is used because with every film, Anderson seems to concoct and carry forward with a unique and alternative. This film is divided into chapters. With narration by Alec Baldwin, the film divides into an introduction, as well as chapters and an epilogue. In viewing closely the first words in each chapter reading, one can see that the words describe the exact opening scene of that segment of the film, which provides a fresh tactic in developing the style and tone of the film. In appreciating this film, there will be an objective and subjective viewpoint. Those who lean on the objective and classify the film for its script, style and movement will probably be turned off by Andersons alternative ways. Yet those who view the film in a subjective manner and attach themselves to this film personally will find the film quite nostalgic and satisfying. That is the feeling I received after exiting the screening. For evidence, one needs to replay the final sequence at a burial in the film where the family is once again reunited. The characters are together in a display of remorse, affection and finally admiration. And those who understand this film will have nothing but that for Andersons affectionate family study. Giancarlo's rating: **1/2 (out of four)
8/10
6.1.2002 -
giancarlorocks@ - age: 18-25
I went to see this film after the one I'd originally planned to see was sold out. I AM SO GLAD I SAW THIS INSTEAD!!! It was SO FUNNY and INNOVATIVE and ALIVE that I will see it again and will recommend it to all my friends.
10/10
5.1.2002 -
gretta@ - age: 36-49
I did not know what to expect of this film as it was third choice after two other films were sold out (and one film ahead of going home) I am now grateful that I had the opportunity to see some great art. No meateors attacking earth or obvious product placements, just a nice film that takes you on a journey that is both fantasy and realism. I was not aware of the directors earlier work, but will be eager to check it out now. I could see, however, where this movie is not for everyone.
7/10
5.1.2002 -
slummer@ - age: 36-49
I loved this very surreal, quirky movie. I have been a huge fan of Wes Anderson and the Wilson Brothers since seeing Bottle Rocket. Anyone who has a dysfunctional family or sense of humour will crack up throughout this film. With such a great cast of actors, and gorgeous sets it is a materpiece that all involved should be proud of. Even Gywenth Paltrow did an excellent job. I would suggest that anyone who didn't like it should stick to crappy Hollywood blockbusters and formulaic potty humor and not waste everyone's time.
10/10
4.1.2002 -
leslischneider@ - age: 26-35
I loved this film. I love Rushmore, and Bottle Rocket, and even though this was a bit more dark then the other 2, the characters development was excellent. I laughed really hard in a few points, and I found all the actors to be overall exceptional on their own behalf. Congratulations.
9/10
3.1.2002 -
newt_101@ - age: 18-25
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If you see one movie this year, make it this one... It is by far the best movie of the year thus far...
10/10
2.1.2002 -
jflex98@ - age: 18-25
Bright, honest, cynical, sweet, and hilarious. You might even have to watch it a second time to take in all the detail - there is so much going on in the background. I just loved the paintings on the wall of Owen Wilson's character's apartment!
9/10
1.1.2002 -
one800doodie@ - age: 26-35
Hands down the best film I've seen all year.
10/10
1.1.2002 -
geewhiz@ - age: 26-35
There is no point to this sitcom-style story that is but a string of slap stick humor. What a waste of talented actors and my time.
5/10
31.12.2001 -
georgevancouver@ - age: 50+
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I enjoyed Wes Anderson'd debut Bottle Rocket and his follow-up Rushmore and enjoyed The Royal Tenenbaums for the same reasons... the humour he draws from mostly unfunny situations and the ambiguities of his characters and the situations he and co-writer Owen Wilson put them in. I think that is the problem viewers have with Wes Anderson. They are never sure they are seeing something funny or dramatic, realistic or surreal or just plain silly. Slapstick elements like Danny Glover falling into a pit aren't even that funny in The Royal Tenenbaums and I think that is intentional. What is funny in the film are the things that might be unfunny in any other film. Wes Anderson plays with the audience's expectations. My brother said he had to shut-off Rushmore after 20 min. Because it wasn't funny. I told him it was hilarious. Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut. Would he have found it watchable had I said it were a drama perhaps? Don't expect slapstic comedy from The Royal Tenenbaums. If you require a category then I will call it a comedy/drama... but it even eludes that categorization. The film is never sentimental and none of the characters experience any great epiphanys about life which people like to see in movies. Even at the very end when you think Ben Stiller's character came to some life-changing realizations, he and his two son's are still wearing their track-suits... just a different colour to mark the occasion. There is no big explanation which provides insite as to why we were even told the story of the Tenebaums which people also enjoy in films. Perhaps Wes Anderson's films are too realistic for many of us to enjoy? How many of us have figured-out what life is all about like many protagonists do in films with simmilar subject matter? How many of us stumble through life unsure of our actions, unlike our heros in our favorite hollywood productions? How many people do you know that you think are weird but they have no clue about their eccentricities? Maybe you are the eccentric and they are the "normal" one? We are all pretty strange characters if you think about it and everyone has an interesting story whether we think so or not. Not all of us want to see the ordinary along with the extraordinary.
9/10
31.12.2001 -
villeneuve@ - age: 26-35
If you have a brain and know how to use it you'll laugh.
10/10
28.12.2001 -
wallflowerish@ - age: 18-25
This is, quite possibly, the WORST film I've ever seen! Save your cash, this one isn't even worth renting at the video store!
1/10
27.12.2001 -
dghart@ - age: 36-49
It was hilarious and worth seeing another time!!!
7/10
26.12.2001 -
leibaf@ - age: 18-25
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