I must say, this is an incredibly strange idea to make a movie about, not that Wes Anderson's previous movies were "normal". It wasn't so much the script itself that was odd, but the feel the whole movie gave off. It had such outlandish ideas, yet some people really do try some of the things presented in The Royal Tenenbaums, for example: living in a hotel. This films individuality could've been taken as a complete bomb, but the moments it has when you don't know if you're supposed to laugh, cry, or take the material seriously are so clever; they balance with the limited appeal of the out-there originality of the whole thing.

 

     So now you're wondering, what originality; I don't know what the heck your talking about? Well, the story starts out with a short prologue, showing a family that isn't exactly on ball with things. One kid is fourteen and making business deals with people on the other half of the world, one is practicing tennis in hopes of being famous someday, and the other is relaxing in a bathtub, while using her illegally purchased drugs. The parents don't care, they've lost touched with their kids! Then the movie takes a turn and jumps forward twenty some-odd years. The father of the family calls everyone up for a reunion in hopes of getting in touch with his long lost children. What he gets is one wacky time! The Royal Tenenbaums is full of hilarious, sorrow, and clever moments. The contrastive characters coming together creates one hell of a ride, the story is unique, and if you aren't going to see the movie, read the script, you will love it!

 

     I particularly liked the way Wes Anderson cut all of the material. He divided the movie into chapters rather than scenes, so it gives off a feel like you're not just watching the story unfold, but reading it. After every change of pace, a new chapter sign flips on the screen, and the beginning of the scene about to be presented is described in words underneath, just like a novel. This effect made me feel positive in unknown ways, even at desperately sorrow moments. The staging, camera, and lights were pitch perfect - I admired the direction above all things in this movie.

 

    If you are purchasing this on DVD, you are in for a great buy. The two disc set features commentary by Wes Anderson, both of the theatrical trailers, Dolby Digital audio, exclusive videos, behind the scenes footage, interviews with Gene Hackman, Gweneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Danny Glover, Bill Murray, and Anjelica Huston, and much much more. It's definitely worth buying, and if you're too cheap for that, absolutely worth rental fare. Even if you have already seen the movie in theatres, check into the DVD, it has a lot more than the theatrically released version. It was even Roger Ebert's "DVD Pick of the Week" on his television show, "Ebert and Roeper and the Movies".

 

     The wacky, clever, and off-the-wall moments in this movie make my day. The most interesting thing is that it actually worked. For the first ten minutes of the film you'll be saying to yourself "How did this get such critical acclimation," but as the movie unfolds you will understand why its so great. I recommend it anyone on the face of the earth over ten (so what if its "R" rated). The Royal Tenenbaums is an interesting trip full of fun twists along the way.

 

-Danny, Bucket Reviews