by John

Jan 4, 2002

This is a season for weird movies! But what makes this film enjoyable is the excellent cast and the slight of hand of director Wes Anderson.

The Tenenbaums are a really dusfunctional family, complete with incest and paternal abandonment. But somehow the father, Royal, played by Gene Hackman, decides to return to the fold. Some guys are just jerks and Royal has little competition for the role. Of course, he has to be somewhat redeemable.

And he is as he gets to know his two grandsons, albeit by providing them with plenty of ground for mischief, rule-breaking and vandalism. The humor in this film is not side-splitting, but subtle. Somewhat too subtle as the film drags at moments.

The Tenenbaums survive re-marriage, attempted murder, the death of Buckley and a lack of commitment to anything. Maybe they should not survive, but the film seems to be saying that there is always another side to be considered and there some truth may be found. 

by SASHA

Jan 5, 2002

I was disapointed in this movie. I thought with the cast it would be much better.

I realy dragged for the first half and than it did pick up a little. It was very predictable.

I was glad when it was over. I guess this has a dry sense of humor that was lost on me. 

by kathy kay

Jan 5, 2002

I was really excited to see this movie, because the previews made it look really good. I was disappointed.

At first I thought it was just me, that maybe this just wasnt my type of humor, but then I paid attention to the rest of the audience in the theater and nobody else was laughing either. There were a few amusing moments, but overall a waste of talent (especially Gwyneth Paltrow, whose character could have been played by anyone off the street).

I'm curious to see what others say about this movie, but it sure wasn't for me. I can't figure out what about this movie made our local newspaper give it 3-1/2 stars.  

by George Jobson

Jan 10, 2002

Anyone for Tenenbaums? The film "The Royal Tenenbaums" is very weird and mostly it's very funny.

The film center on an dyfunciational family the Tenenbaums, who three of their children achieved early successes. When they got to adult, their lives fell apart. The head of the family (played brilliantly by Gene Hackman) got the family back together again due to his declining health.

The film has sharp wit and yes, it's very funny. More funny than the last ten failed comedies combined. It's never a dull moment at the Tenenbaums. It's sharp humor gave this film the edge. 

by Tom K

Mar 23, 2002

Quirky characters, dry humor. Good acting, good screenplay. Almost a "see now!", but it'll play just as well in the living room as in a theater. 

by Kris Koehler

Mar 30, 2002

I can't say that I'm suprised about the reviews here for this movie. Gee, guys seem to like it and women don't. That's verrrry shocking. So we either have a better sense of humor or we're just pigs!