Why do you think that so many intelligent critics seem to so strongly dislike Wes Anderson's films?

Like this Slate critic for instance: http://www.slate.com/id/2174859/

Or this really negative one from the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/05/DDSDSJ9KC.DTL&type=movies

I personally find his movies entertaining, funny, and a marvel to look at. "Bottle Rocket" was a comical tour de force and "Rushmore" was a truly moving picture that deserves a shrine at Heartland.

But I think he has been repeating himself quite a bit in these last three movies. Although, to be fair, "Darjeeling Limited" is waaay more entertaining than "The Live Aquatic."

However, I don't think any of them are as bad as many critics seem to suggest. Why is that?

I've not seen all of his movies, and I saw Rushmore just recently, and I have to say I was a little let down by it. Of course, I'd heard nothing but that film is the greatest thing ever, so it was probably built up too much.

I do think The Royal Tenenbaums is comedy gold, though.

I'm thinking about seeing "Darjeeling" this weekend, so maybe I'll have more to add later.

I guess, you just have to trust your own instinct. Yes, "The Life Aquatic" was questionable, but the Soundtrack was wonderful.( of course if you like David Bowie and Seu Jorge).

Definitely trust your instinct, and never blindly take a critic at their word.

And now I'm thinking...Matt, you've done movie reviews. Doesn't that make you a critic?

Haven't seen Darjeeling Limited yet, but I loved Bottle Rocket, Rushmore and Royal Tenenbaums (and yes...even Life Aquatic, although not many seem to...) Haven't heard much on Hotel Chevalier... i know it's just a short...does it appear just prior to DL? On its own?

I don't put a lot of stock in critics' views. Critics have roundly panned many of my favorite films. As far as Wes Anderson, he's become a critical target because he doesn't compromise his style or vision to suit people. Just because he doesn't re-invent both every time he makes a film doesn't make him a bad filmmaker. Bottom line: Most film critics are failed filmmakers. Exception: Peter Bogdanovich.

Oh yeah, John King? Well, I don't put a lot of stock in...guys named John King.

Just kidding, of course. I'm glad you love Wes Anderson. And he's probably a swell guy.

True confession: I do put stock in Joe Shearer's reviews. If Shearer liked it, I'll probably like it. That could be an indictment of our tastes, though.

Aw, thanks. Makes me feel much better. :)

I saw it last night and consider myself A HUGH FAN of his work..I didn't really like it at all...the bothers were all kinda the same..you know quirky..I don't know really what to say..but I was really looking forward to this one

and Joe Sheer is the man!

Being an absolute movie-coholic , I've learned to go to movies with low expectations,...,

You know , you get that a lot. "Yo! you GOTTA see this movie!!!, it's great. and then I end up leaving the cinema totally disappointed and irritated mood/ mad about that I spent time and money, and think, geeze, couldn't I wait untill it comes out on DVD, and then may be get it from the Public Library and just watch it at home ?

Sometimes you have to give certain movies a second shot,...! Especially "quirky" ones. And sometimes you see certain "favourite" movies again, and think WHAT WAS I THINKING? ever happen to you?

He does have an immense storage capacity for movie quotes at least.....

Critics smell blood and keep going after Wes Anderson. People keep saying Anderson should change something -- story, style, soundtrack, whatever -- as though change for change's sake will somehow reinvigorate Wes Anderson artistically. I just don't see it. Anderson's films are a series of views into the same world full of Kinks songs, outdated but quaint technology (even the iPod in Darjeeling was an older model), and dysfunctional relationships. There's nothing wrong with that. The guy's not repeating himself; he's showing different aspects of the same world he's created, and we learn new things about new characters in new settings each time. I don't expect him to completely change his world view every time out. That wouldn't be Wes Anderson. That would be selling out.

Maybe five directors in the world can successfully reinvent themselves every time out to satisfy audiences who want change for change's sake (and then, ultimately, end up complaining when it's "too different"). Anderson isn't one of those directors. I don't see the problem.

I LOVE his films though...Man I wished I liked his newest one more..but an above average Wes Anderson film is better than most films will ever hope to be..and there's allways his American Express commerical!

I love Wes Anderson but I think The Darjeeling Limited is my least favorite of his. I liked it but didn't love it. Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums are my favorites. I agree with Matt G. I think he's starting to be somewhat repetitive.

I see validity in what john.king said but I hope he can stick to his style without becoming stale.

I don't think he needs to reinvent himself, but just steer clear of doing what some directors have done: end up cliché-ing himself.