Popcorn, Soda, and Goobers - Movie and DVD Reviews and Film Commentary

The Darjeeling Limited (imdb)

I’ll admit I haven’t seen all of Wes Anderson’s films so maybe I’m not totally suited to critique his work. I enjoyed “The Royal Tenenbaums” (dvd). I couldn’t make it through “The Life Aquatic”(dvd). And, I haven’t taken the time to familiarize myself with any of his other films. That being said, I think most would agree with me that just seeing one Wes Anderson movie might be enough for you to get the gist of his style. Heck, he even chooses many of the same actors for each of his new films.

“The Darjeeling Limited” is no exception. It’s quirky and kind of odd. The humor is subtle, dry, and a bit dark. The story centers around three brothers who have been separated for over a year and have decided to take a cross country trip across India aboard a train. The brothers couldn’t be more different and their squabbles eventually get them kicked off the train, at which point they veer off the “itinerary” and a new journey begins.

As is Wes Anderson’s way, the film is ultimately rather slow paced and shot in a very Royal Tenenbaum’s style. Their journey ends up being a metaphor for self discovery and the coming together of three unique and uniquely flawed characters. To tell the truth, outside of the fact that the film is shot completely in India, it’s really not all that memorable. It’s a bit slow and the story a bit cliche. There are a few chuckles along the way, but ultimately it feels a little too artsy and too subdued to be truly entertaining. That is, unless you’re a diehard Wes Anderson fan.

2.5 - 3 cups of Darjeeling tea out of 5