The Grand Budapest Hotel Review

Title: The Grand Budapest HotelMPAA Rating: R

Director: Wes AndersonStarring: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, Adrien Brody

Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins

When an old writer (Tom Wilkinson) tells the story of a concierge at the formerly luxurious Grand Budapest Hotel by the name of Monsieur Gustave H. (Fiennes), he begins by telling of how he had heard it. He heard the story from an aging Mr. Zero Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham), a former Lobby Boy at the same hotel. It’s a story of love, greed, and well any other emotion you can think of. You see that story revolves around the mysterious death of Madame D (Tilda Swinton), and what will happen to her wealth and fortune. Between her degenerate son Dimitri (Adrien Brody) and his hired henchman (Willem Dafoe), the intention is to get all the luxuries of Madame D’s will. However, it is Monsieur Gustave who receives something for his years of “service” to Madame D but will it all go to her ungrateful children. And just HOW does Dimitri plan to get back the fortune including a priceless painting? Why that part's both the mystery and the fun of it!

What We Think

It’s quirky in that awesome Wes Anderson way. Featuring his usual cast of recurring actors (Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson) and introducing a plethora of others into the Andersphere, it’s got great humor and there are many moments that will catch you off guard. It’s one of Wes Anderson’s most ambitious pieces, and it also may perhaps be his best. Taking all the paramount traits which he’s built a career on. This film makes great use of its actors even in small roles like that of Bill Murray’s Monsieur Ivan or Jude Law as the young writer who collects the story from the elderly Zero.

Our Grade: A

It’s not perfect, but it is truly a fun film that held my attention throughout its runtime. Which, I may add, was perfect. At only 100 mins its felt like a brisk watch and never sagged. One thing Anderson has steadily improved is his ability to pace a film. Something like Bottle Rocket has its point where it just sags slightly, The Royal Tenenbaums less so, and so on and so forth. Watch the darn film, it is far better than its 56 million dollar box office.