Do you enjoy exotic locales? Lush scenery? Seductive stewardesses? Spiritual questing? Snakes on a train? Then look no further- The Darjeeling Limited is the film for you!

Wes Anderson’s latest is a mystical trek through the countryside of India depicting a reunion of the brothers Whitman played by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman. As the brothers embark for points unknown the eldest Wilson requests that they agree on several things: two of which are “to become brothers again like they used to be”  as well as (I’m paraphrasing) “to be open to new experiences no matter how strange they may seem.” The latter seems to be the message inherent to all Anderson’s films- Hey, this isn’t your usual garden variety cinema which may make some of you queasy, but jump in- the water’s fine.

Anderson receives a lot ‘o flak for doing what some like to call something to the effect of focusing on his own navel. How many times do we hear about a particular artist being so completely oblivious of his audience that he retreats into the recesses of his umbilical scar? Think of something new to describe this, people!  I don’t deny that it goes on. Of course there are many artists so obsessed with their own creative processes that they lose sight of those for which they are creating. But does Wes Anderson fall into this category? I think not. He invites you the viewer into his stories. You need only decide whether you’ll be whisked away.

But hey, I digress. I should be reviewing The Darjeeling Limited. Then again in reviewing a piece of work one has to take into account its creator and the prevailing attitudes about said creator I suppose. OK, so I’ll take those attitudes into account and then I’ll get back to the movie.

When it comes to Anderson there are ostensibly two schools: those that get his work and those that don’t. There are not many figures in the Biz who are divisive as he. Why, on our little site here we have representatives of both sides. (Now, just so you know, by “get” I’m not saying that those who don’t care for Anderson’s films are lacking intellectually or in hipsterishness, which is why they don’t understand his stuff and subsequently dismiss it.)

It really seems to be a matter of taste. And speaking of taste, to me his films are sumptuous little morsels. Not too rich or filling, but just enough to satisfy. From the eccentric characters, to the bold hues, to the honest familial relationships, to the meandering storylines, to the whimsical tones, to the must-have soundtracks- I’m sold.

As for The Darjeeling Limited, Anderson incorporates those common components evident in his prior films and builds upon them. He forges into new territory (I won’t tell you what exactly, just that it’s a bit more serious than usual). What follows this particular episode are some of the sweetest moments of the film. Made that much more so by the performance of Adrien Brody.

As in Anderson’s other films, the major themes of reconciliation and discovery are present. Cruising through India aboard the Darjeeling in fact allows for discovery after discovery for the average Western movie goer- a visual treat.

While it may not be as acerbically amusing as Rushmore nor utilize an ensemble quite as inimitable as does The Royal Tennenbaums, The Darjeeling Limited has an allure all its own. I recommend you take it in.

BEER RATING: Yeti Special Export Lager (8.5 out of 10)