Review of The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) by Sarah H — 18 Nov 2012

I genuinely think this film shows up a problem with Anderson's high-quirk style. "Rushmore" works because it's about an individual who sees the world a different way and has the raw enthusiasm to pull other, more realistic people into his plans and schemes; "Tenenbaums" gives you a whole series of spoiled, rich freaks and, for the first hour at least, no context of reality at all.

It isn't until the mid-film turning point (you'll know it when you see it) that the "quirkiness" softens up a bit around the edges and it all becomes much more enjoyable.