The brainy bunch

Starring: Gene Hackman, Anjelica Houston, Ben Stiller, Gwyne
UK Certificate: 18

The Royal Tenenbaums are a family of geniuses run to failure and mental anguish in Wes Anderson's truly wonderful tragi-comic story of returning paterfamilias Royal (Hackman) and his ham-fisted attempt to make amends for years of unkindness and neglect. It's unique and inspired filmmaking with a cast you just can't fault, and they all make an appearance on the DVD bonus material to explain why they think this movie is so great.
Set in a beautifully stylised, fictional New York and featuring an outstanding retro-pop soundtrack, the film has so many moments of sheer originality, that you'll want to watch it again and again.
As for extras, the disc includes some very funny outtakes and deleted scenes, but to fully appreciate this movie you need to listen to Prince Poindexter Anderson explain his vision on his director's commentary. It won't necessarily make more sense, but it gives you an idea how his startlingly odd mind works.