The film's greatest strength is also arguably its greatest weakness - the rapid mood swings that leave one unsure whether to feel good or bad about the main protagonists. If one has ever been as desperate as the Tenenbaums are, the film could be a fascinating experience. But if one has never been as lonely - and thus forced to be eccentric - as the Tenenbaums are, their behavior could be both puzzling and enormously frustrating.

I'm more confused about how he equates eccentricity to be a trait that comes with loneliness.

Not only that, but the review suggests that watching a film will be a frustrating and puzzling experience unless the characters in it behave exactly as the viewer might in the same situation. If that were true, I would avoid drama of any kind altogether.

And I'd only get to watch The Shining.

Have you watched the DVD recently? It's pretty dire.