January 26, film 15: The Darjeeling Limited

What?
Three American brothers who have not spoken to each other in a year set off on a train voyage across India with a plan to find themselves and bond with each other — to become brothers again like they used to be. Their “spiritual quest”, however, veers rapidly off-course (due to events involving over-the-counter pain killers, Indian cough syrup, and pepper spray), and they eventually find themselves stranded alone in the middle of the desert with eleven suitcases, a printer, and a laminating machine. At this moment, a new, unplanned journey suddenly begins.

Where?
Parent’s place

With?
My mom (until she walked out) and the dogs.

Why?
I must admit that this was an Anderson film I hadn’t seen yet. When I talked to Alex about my movie project, she told me that I should see this one and that she loved this one most. Naturally I had very high hopes that this would prove to be more Wes Anderson genius to love and enjoy.

Worth it?
Frankly, I must admit that this movie is the strongest disappointment that I have seen up to now this year. While there were some moments of pure genius, and most of the production design was awesome as usual, there were too many moments that I just saw a bunch of jerks that I couldn’t care less about doing things I don’t really give a damn about (I tend to tune out when people start talking about spirituality).

Mostly it was once more Wes Anderson doing his absurdist thang with dysfunctional families, and this time around it really didn’t work for me.

5/10

January 21, film 12: The Royal Tenenbaums

What?
All the Tenenbaum children were child prodigies in their own ways. Now they have grown up into very troubled people. Now the family is coming together because the father, Royal Tenenbaum has announced that he has cancer.

Where?
At home

With?
On my own

Why?
I was discussing with a former colleague, Alex how I was doing this movie project and that I had revisited The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, an old favorite. She told me that that film never did much for her and that she prefers The Royal Tenenbaums, so I figured it was time to revisit this film too.

Worth it?
The main strength of The Royal Tenenbaums is that it has an amazing comedy cast that hardly ever jokes around. Their strong comedic timing is always around, and manages to make pretty sad situations actually funny. Also the set and costume design is amazing, and Wes Anderson is doing the thing that he is really good at: he is portraying dysfunctional families. Nevertheless, for some reason I feel much less of a connection with this film, than with The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, that still reigns supreme in my humble opinion.

7/10

January 5, film 4: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

What?
I will try to write synopses that are a bit lighter on spoilers from now on. Steve Zissou, a world famous oceanographer and documentary maker with cheesy music, loses his closest friend at sea to a Jaguar Shark. In a Moby Dickian quest for revenge he sets out with a pregnant journalist and a Air Kentucky pilot who believes he is Steve’s son.

Where?
Parent’s house.

With?
On my own.

Why?
I love this movie, and need to see it again every once in a while. What is not to love about it. It has dysfunctional families Wes Anderson style, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, amazing production design and is very funny to boot.

Worth it?
I loved this film the previous three times I saw it, and it still doesn’t disappoint. Bill Murray is great as the grumpy, self-absorbed, nature loving oceanographer who doesn’t really understand people at all, Owen Wilson is actually bearable in a movie for a change, Cate Blanchett is amazing like only she can be. I fracking love this movie and there is nothing that can change it apparently. If you have never seen it, be ashamed, buy the DVD and watch it now!

9/10