The Royal Tenenbaums (****)
review by Ken Gumbs

If I hadn’t seen Amelie, The Royal Tenenbaums would have been my favorite film of 2001. Wes Anderson is back with his
third feature film. Bottle Rocket and Rushmore, Anderson’s previous films, are nothing short of modern masterpieces. Following up films like those would have been difficult for any director, any director other than Wes Anderson that is.

The Tenenbaums are a wealthy family full of wonderful characters and overachievers. Years prior to the timeset of the
movie, Royal Tenenbaum, played by Gene Hackman, becomes estranged from the Tenenbaums family. Years later he tricks them into thinking he is dying and the fun begins.

If you have a chance to look past the wonderful acting, and amazing set design you will be delighted to watch a touching story about families and forgiveness. Wes Anderson has another classic on his hands. He now has a trilogy of films that speak to the MTV generation without sacrificing artistic credibility. Anyone and everyone will love The Royal Tenenbaums.

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