Review of The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) by Harry F — 17 May 2014

This is a film that is some ways is designed for geeks and obsessive, who notice different things each time they watch it. It improves with age, and is one of the most likeably bizarre comedies ever. It has excellent characterisation, actors at their best and many crazy, weird scenes. It can definitely be called a classic.

The story follows Royal Tenenbaum, played wonderfully by Gene Hackman, as he pretends to be dying in order to see the estranged family he left behind. Hackman somehow makes the character of Royal likeable, even though he's a terrible person. His son Chas (Ben Stiller in his best and least goofy role) is a young millionaire with two sons he dresses identically to him. Chas is both innocent and heartbreaking, but Stiller plays the role completely straight. Margot, played dryly by Gwyneth Paltrow, is another great role, as she manages to be icy but never mean. The third Tenenbaum child is Richie, my personal favourite Tenenbaum, a tragic character. Support comes from a charming Danny Glover, a surprisingly unmemorable Anjelica Houston, an underrated Bill Murray and a brilliantly slimy Owen Wilson.

Verdict: Some of the most memorable characters in comedy along with brilliantly quirky direction and career best performances make this a classic comedy.