
Variety
Underachieves in its own way by trapping an expansive, probing story in a brittle, highly artificial style that constricts character and emotional development.
Full reviewThe editor of Film Comment said in awe of The Royal Tenenbaums: "I have never seen moments like these in any other movie". This aptly observed the movie's sense of revelation for fans. If Wes Anderson's earlier films (the brilliant Bottle Rocket, Rushmore) didn't do it already, Tenenbaums – the storybook-like tale of a family of failed geniuses yearning for past glories – heralded the arrival of an original voice in film comedy.
Underachieves in its own way by trapping an expansive, probing story in a brittle, highly artificial style that constricts character and emotional development.
Full reviewAt once endearing and unbearably show-offy, it seems to be the product of a sensibility formed by age-inappropriate reading.
Full reviewAnderson offers no phony uplift for the Tenenbaums or for audiences. But he does know how to take a sad song and make it better. In these troubled times, that's a gift.
Full reviewExists on a knife edge between comedy and sadness. There are big laughs, and then quiet moments when we're touched.
Full reviewDirector Wes Anderson, who also co-wrote the "Royal" script with actor Owen Wilson, unquestionably has one of America's most distinctive filmmaking sensibilities, but that is part of the problem. As my mother used to say, too good is no good.
Full reviewThe Royal Tenenbaums is available to stream in New Zealand now on Google Play and Apple TV and Disney+.
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