Wes Cravin'

The Royal Tenenbaums - Wes Anderson - 2001

I've found my David Lynch replacement. While their film styles are too dissimilar for fair comparisons, I do enjoy Wes Anderson's films better. One of Anderson's best qualities is how he can successfully craft a comedy without resorting to an exhausting amount of profanity and bathroom humor. Gene Hackman plays Royal Tenenbaum whose children are played by Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, and Gweneth Paltrow. A family broken apart after divorce, Royal attempts to bring everyone back together by lying about dying of stomach cancer. Excellent character development and hilarious scene after hilarious scene. I think I have only good things to say about this movie.

Look out for: I think Wes Anderson's favorite color is yellow.

Rating: []Like It []Love It [X]Gotta Have It





Following - Christopher Nolan - 1998

Inconveniently, the English accents are heavy and Netflix streaming does not have subtitles. Like most effective crime dramas, attention to dialogue is vital. A writer finds his inspiration by following/stalking his subjects at random. One of his subjects figures out he's being followed, and instead of beating the crap out of this creep he befriends him. The followee just so happens to be an unsuspecting burglar and the writer tags along during the robberies. I really would hate to talk more in fear of ruining the plot, but it's directed by Christopher Nolan (Memento, Dark Night, The Prestige) so you know it's good.

Look out for: A great story told in just 70 minutes. A huge plus for me!
Rating: []Like It [X]Love It []Gotta Have It






The Darjeeling Limited - Wes Anderson - 2006

Owen Wilson plays Jason Schwartzman and Adrien Brody's older brother who convinces the two to take a spiritual journey through India on their way to surprise visit their mom-turned-nun. The name of this film is taken from the name of the colorfully ornate and picturesque train they board. The brothers grew up distrusting eachother but their compelling adventures in India draw them closer together. In true Wes Anderson fashion, this film is a fun and colorful watch full of witty humor. My one qualm with this film was the baggage metaphor--insultingly obvious and predictable!

Look out for: The short story preceeding The Darjeeling Limited stars Natalie Portman. Not crucial for understanding the film but certainly worth a watch.

Rating: []Like It [X]Love It []Gotta Have It