The Royal Tenebaums, the most dysfunctional family you're likely to see.
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From writers, Wes Anderson, and Owen Wilson, comes a comedy about a family of geniuses.
The Royal Tenenbaums is a remarkable film, with characters you'll want to revisit.
Review by Neil Heath The Plot
Royal Tenenbaum (Hackman) and his wife Etheline (Houston) had three children Chas, Richie, and Margot.
Chas bought real estate in his early teens and seemed to have a sound understanding of international finance.
Margot was a playwright, and Richie was a junior champion tennis player and won the U.S. Nationals three years in a row.
 | | Paltrow and Luke wilson play the genius children, Margot and Richie. |
Etheline wrote a book about the genius of her children, but after years of disappointment their brilliance was quickly forgotten.
Most of this was generally considered to be their father’s fault. However, when Royal reveals that he's dying, the family make an unexpected reunion.
The review
It doesn't sound too cheery, but trust me, it's a great tale. It's full of laughs and quirky characters, but it's also surprisingly touching.
Gene Hackman is brilliant as Royal. He's known generally for his roles in action movies, however in this movie his comedy timing is priceless.  | | Hackman won a golden globe for his role as Royal Tenenbaum. |
In one scene, Royal sings the praises of his Indian servant Pagoda.
Royal explains that Pagoda carried him to hospital after he was stabbed.
When asked who stabbed him, Royal points to Pagoda and says, 'he did!'
The film is blessed with hugely interesting characters played perfectly by, to name a few, Stiller, Paltrow and Bill Murray.
We're hooked by the characters immediately.They're so good that you'll want to know more about them long after the credits start to roll.
At the beginning of the film we're given an introduction to the Tenebaum's history, accompanied by an instrumental version of 'Hey Jude'.
It's a terrific opening, and the inventiveness and humour set up in that scene, doesn't drop at one point in the film. But it's not just about the comedy.
The film contains hugely poignant scenes, which only goes to show that a brilliant comedy, doesn't have to provide gag after gag.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you liked the weirdness of 'Being John Malkovich', then you will love 'The Royal Tenebaums'.
It's clearly the most original and inventive film of the year, and one that you'll keep going back to. A work of absolute genius.
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