The Royal Tenenbaums
Starring: Gene Hackman, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, Anjelica Huston, Danny Glover
Directed By: Wes Anderson

This ensemble comedy succeeds on many levels. It's first level of success comes with it's script, written by Anderson and Owen Wilson, which has a great story and sparkling dialogue. It's the kind of comedy that's so dry, you really have to be paying attention to pick it up. The story revolves around Royal Tenenbaum (Hackman), a father of a family of geniuses, who partially abandons them, and then when he is broke tries to get back into their lives and their favor. Gene Hackman is amazing as Royal, he is tough edged but soft, a scoundrel but also a man who just wants to try and make up for past mistakes. Hackman is hilarious, and he looks like he really enjoyed himself making this film. The rest of the cast is terrific as well, with Owen Wilson being another standout, his role as the next door neighbor, who also has a bit to prove is hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time. What is really the true winner about this film though is the story, which at it's core, would seem to be a comedy, but it really is about redemption and all the characters have something they need to get off their chest, and move on. It's a real treat, and will make you laugh out loud. B+