The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Let me preface this by saying that my definition of a family film probably does not equate to your definition of a family film. Most people think of a movie you watch on a Saturday night with the kids, passing around a big bowl of popcorn. This isn’t that type of film. For the purpose of my list, a family film is defined as a film about a family … and if you haven’t met the Tenenbaum family, get ready for a dysfunctional delight.
Wes Anderson co-wrote and directed this strangely hypnotic film. While it doesn’t necessarily live up to his masterpiece, Rushmore, it is his second best film, and it’s completely worthy to be on anyone’s decade’s best list.
The Tenenbaum family is a family of geniuses, but each has a burden they carry, thanks to their absentee (in more ways than one) father, Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman). Mom (Angelica Huston) has held the family together, until Royal wants back in everyone’s lives. He concocts a story that he has cancer in order to reunite with his wife, his three children, and his grandchildren. The entire family come back to live under one roof and “the fun” begins.
Although I am not a fan of the Wilson brothers (Owen and Luke, that is) and Stiller, they are more than competent in their roles. I probably would have cast others in their roles, but who am I to criticize? Paltrow proves that with good material she can shine. Murray and Glover, along with Hackman and Huston, are a joy to watch.
In essence, all families are dysfunctional in their own way. After watching this film you might wish you could change your last name … to Tenenbaum.
Let me preface this by saying that my definition of a family film probably does not equate to your definition of a family film. Most people think of a movie you watch on a Saturday night with the kids, passing around a big bowl of popcorn. This isn’t that type of film. For the purpose of my list, a family film is defined as a film about a family … and if you haven’t met the Tenenbaum family, get ready for a dysfunctional delight.
Wes Anderson co-wrote and directed this strangely hypnotic film. While it doesn’t necessarily live up to his masterpiece, Rushmore, it is his second best film, and it’s completely worthy to be on anyone’s decade’s best list.
The Tenenbaum family is a family of geniuses, but each has a burden they carry, thanks to their absentee (in more ways than one) father, Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman). Mom (Angelica Huston) has held the family together, until Royal wants back in everyone’s lives. He concocts a story that he has cancer in order to reunite with his wife, his three children, and his grandchildren. The entire family come back to live under one roof and “the fun” begins.
Although I am not a fan of the Wilson brothers (Owen and Luke, that is) and Stiller, they are more than competent in their roles. I probably would have cast others in their roles, but who am I to criticize? Paltrow proves that with good material she can shine. Murray and Glover, along with Hackman and Huston, are a joy to watch.
In essence, all families are dysfunctional in their own way. After watching this film you might wish you could change your last name … to Tenenbaum.
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