I was so disappointed in this film and that probably had a lot to do with thinking that I would like it, thinking that it was MY kind of film. Well, it wasn’t. I love original film making but I still need to care for the characters, feel that they are worth investing my time/emotions in and this film just left me feeling…flat. I think that is one of the worse feelings when watching a film, I love to love and I love to hate but I hate to not care. I really did not care.

Px

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I’m often surprised by the reactions this movie gets. I find it beautiful with real characters and genuinely touching at the end.

I understand all your complaints, but by the end of the movie, Royal has left the world (his family) a better place.

Don’t you think?

Nice blog. I have always loved this movie and agree with you, everything seems rather passive. Gene Hackman however always makes me laugh, pretty much whenever he is on the screen. Out of all the Wes Anderson movies its my favorite.

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Great review; great blog! I am quite persnickety about my movies, and this one kept me enthralled also due to the craft of the script rather than the likeability of the characters themselves. It is almost un-American to make a film with characters like this, especially without a big character-changing everything-is-peachy-now ending. A fascinating character-study, and a well-written script. It gave me newfound respect for those silly Wilson boys.

Have you reviewed “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” yet? I’d love to see your thoughts on that one…

Haven’t seen it yet, but probably will. You’re not the first to inspire me to give this flick a shot, but dammit, I think you’ve given me reason.