In just his second feature film, Wes Anderson turned in the crown jewel by coming up with Rushmore. This truly is his masterpiece that is still a favorite of mine. The film was perfect in a way a lot of "far more superior" films just are not. Rushmore has one of the most unique and original characters to come along in, well.....forever. There just hasn't been a character like Max Fischer before or since and is played brilliantly by Jason Schwartzman. On top of this, the story itself was very entertaining and you just couldn't wait to see it unfold. A kid in a posh private school falling in love with a teacher is not entirely original. But dress it up with likable characters played by Bill Murray, Olivia Williams, Brian Cox and Seymour Cassel and you have a recipe for success. Luke Wilson makes a cameo as well. Even though his brother Owen is nowhere to be found in the movie, he did co-write the screenplay with Anderson.

But it's the art direction, editing and music choices that takes Rushmore to another level. The soundtrack is just awesome and one that belongs in any music loves personal library. Max's plays within the movie are very good and a nice way to have that "movie within a movie" plot if you get a kick out of that as I clearly do. I highly recommend the Criterion Collection DVD as a Buy. It's worth it.