Under a microscope, "The Royal Tenenbaums" resonates director Wes Anderson's reoccurring themes. Just like Anderson's more recent offering, "The Life Aquatic," the film focuses heavily on a Father-Son reconciliation - Royal with Chaz in Tenenbaums, and Steve Zissou with Ned Plimpton in, Life Aquatic.

In addition, there's an attempt at a husband-wife reconciliation in both films, Royal and Etheline in The Royal Tenenbaums and Steve Zissou and Eleanor in The Life Aquatic.

Furthermore, Steve Zissou and Royal Tenenbaum, the two films' central patriarchs, seem to be similar late middle-aged men that view there lives as failures and are trying in a last ditch effort to give it some meaning - trying to make up for being the bad guys for so long.

However, aside from the family forgiveness themes, The Royal Tenenbaums could quite possibly be one of the most original and genuine love stories depicted in modern cinema. I honestly believe that Richie Tenenbaum is the film's main character, and that his prevailing love for Margot is the focus of the story.

How brilliant are these characters weaved into martyrdom through their forbidden love. Of all the possible romance scenarios that Hollywood has regurgitated over the years, The Royal Tenenbaums proves to be refreshingly imaginative.

Well done Mr. Anderson.