The Royal Tenenbaums: Wes Anderson, in this touching and entertaining dramedy, looks at a large (extended) family struggling to find common ground. For the most part, the characters are gifted but emotionally stilted, and while they are more extreme cases than what is seen in reality, the combination is readily recognizable. Two things help immensely: Anderson and co-writer Owen Wilson display loving care for all those misfits and the whole cast is in exceptional shape. Gene Hackman is phenomenal as the genial patriarch of the clan, a rascal who eventually changes ways; the heart of the film belongs to Luke Wilson as the athlete son with the thorniest of problems. Anjelica Huston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Ben Stiller are all excellent as well.

To say that Anderson is visually very precise is disingenuous; he is, of course, but so is every director worth their salt. His meticulousness, however, is rather unique; he has his toolbox, knows it, and uses it rather well. Production designer David Wasco creates a great-looking world, decorating the house where most of the action takes place with fantastic care. Costume designer Karen Patch dresses the characters, giving them a clear window into their personalities and stories through their clothes. Cinematographer Robert D. Yeoman places and moves the camera beautifully, filling the film with memorable signature lateral movements and tracking shots. Composer Mark Mothersbaugh contributes with a dreamy and gentle original soundtrack, which is enrichened by the great selection of songs to accentuate the action.

Read what I wrote before: The Royal Tenenbaums