Yep, this film looks and sounds great. The costumes, the colors, the artwork, all the little details. It's whimsical & fanciful, not unlike a really good children's book. On this aspect alone, "The Royal Tenenbaums" is a resounding success. But style alone cannot make a great film or a great director.
What's missing? Let's try real, grown-up characters. I was impressed by Mr. Anderson's ability to rustle up a great cast, but all they did was mope around in twee outfits. Meanwhile, we're supposed to have empathy for this dysfunctional family and what they've gone through, but there's really no depth here. What a waste.
Another issue is the pacing: too slow, and not on the mark all the time. With time, the jokes are fewer and farther between. The film thus starts to drag after the 1st hour. The visual aspect is the only thing keeping you in your chair at this point.
What's missing? Let's try real, grown-up characters. I was impressed by Mr. Anderson's ability to rustle up a great cast, but all they did was mope around in twee outfits. Meanwhile, we're supposed to have empathy for this dysfunctional family and what they've gone through, but there's really no depth here. What a waste.
Another issue is the pacing: too slow, and not on the mark all the time. With time, the jokes are fewer and farther between. The film thus starts to drag after the 1st hour. The visual aspect is the only thing keeping you in your chair at this point.
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