I've been meaning to rewatch Royal Tenenbaums for the same reason, but then I picture Ben Stiller and those little boys in the red track suits and put it off again. I will admit my dislike of the movie partly comes from my deep dislike of Stiller and Paltrow.

One of the things I love about Life Aquatic is the alternate reality of exotic settings, cartoon-y sea creatures and outdated technology. (It's true that all of his movies have precious, storybook feel but I think with this one he commited to it more than with the others.)

I don't mind Steve being an asshole but then again I think Max Fischer is a *bigger* asshole, we simply see his motivations are hormones and inexperience. I always felt that Zissou was trying his best to connect but wasn't very good at it. (like after he's pulled a gun on Jane and made her cry: "I was just trying to flirt with you!") Actually I think there's a huge similarity between Max Fischer and Steve Zissou- overachievers who pull everyone along by the power of their personality and vision but when it comes down to it are kinda jerks.

More to say but I should have been out the door a minute a ago. Yikes!