2005 - The Royal Tenenbaums

It’s been awhile since I’ve watched this.  I think it’s still my favourite Wes Anderson film.  I still need to see Moonrise Kingdom before I outwardly make that claim, but I think it’s the film that best balances his unique style and an honest human element.  I feel that largely following this film he went into a bizarre direction that was almost too stylized and became quirk over content.  That’s not to say his films still aren’t enjoyable, but I haven’t seen one that’s hit me like this one does.  Every single time Ben Stiller says “It’s been a rough year, Dad.” I lose it.  It’s such a simple and powerful beat.

This is one of the most interesting ensemble casts of any film, and such a dynamic and interesting mix.  Gwyneth Paltrow is hilarious and lovely, Ben Stiller is heartbreaking, and Gene Hackman is on the top of his game.  This film also features one of the best soundtracks of the last decade or more.  If you’ve never seen this film and you like character drama/comedy, for my money - it’s one of the best.

1987 - The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson is without a doubt one of our more specific visual filmmakers.  I still haven't seen his previous film, Moonrise Kingdom, but other than that I believe I've seen everything - and while a lot I find to be a hit or miss, he's always distinct and clear about his visuals.  To the point where I think you could fairly easily copy cat his style and one might be hard pressed to say if it was an homage or satire to the work.
I enjoyed this for the most part, although it did feel to be dragging on a bit by the end.  I must admit that I feel like there was a bit of bait and switch - I thought I'd signed up for a fun little character comedy where it was really more of a caper film - not that I mind much, but I was expecting something a bit different, I suppose.
That said, it was still enjoyable, and though I don't see why I'd ever need to revisit it, I would definitely place it into the side of Anderson's films that I actually liked.  Still in theatres!

1105 - The Darjeeling Limited

I have mixed feelings about Wes Anderson's films, and despite them I always find myself enjoying them in the end. Despite being as colorful as they are they always feel a bit cold and distant to me. Is it intentional? I have no idea. There's a heart to them, I know there is, but it's like that parent that you just can't get close to, that wants to show you love but doesn't know how. I wanted the Rita character to come back at the end and be with Jack. Oh well.

This film had some really lovely moments in it, but like most of his films, besides Tenenbaums (my favorite Anderson film), it's parts are better than the whole.