The Grand Budapest Hotel!!!

It's the one you've all been waiting for! And if you don't live in New York or L.A., you'll still be waiting until next weekend... If you haven't been eagerly and impatiently counting down for The Grand Budapest Hotel, I DON'T GET YOU. I mean, have you seen this trailer? It's frickin' phenomenal!

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It's such a good trailer, that I was actually fairly concerned that it may have set my expectations too high (like The Wolf of Wall Street did with it's super great trailer and super terrible film). And, I suppose some of that concern was valid. I did thoroughly enjoy the film, but I had very similar issues to those I have had with other Wes Anderson films. Let's talk about the good first though. To start, the film is absolutely beautiful. You can probably tell from the trailer and other pictures online, that every shot is a colorful masterpiece. You eyes feel like they're at Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. Ralph Fiennes (beloved by all as Voldemort), is simply amazing. His performance is comedic perfection from start to finish. The script is delightful and funny, but it is where I begin to have my problems. 

The film is laid out as an author telling the story of how he came to write the book, The Grand Budapest Hotel (I know, it's confusing even to say here). I think this device is a little tiresome and unnecessary. The story follows the antics of M. Gustave (Fiennes) and his new lobby boy as they become entangled in a murder and theft, and I would have much rather spent the time getting to know some of the other splendid characters introduced in the film instead of continuing to be interrupted by the "author" speaking. Adrien Brody, Billy Murray, Saoirse Ronan, Tilda Swinton only begin to touch on the incredible cast, and I wanted to see more of each of them. Anderson's work can sometimes come off as detached, which always seems a shame to me as the characters he creates are beautiful and yearning for more exploration. 

A NOTE: I believe I'm being more critical than usual because great filmmaking deserves thorough examination and causes you to think and analyze. These Anderson trademarks that are not my favorite may be exactly what someone else loves about his films. And a great film can do that. It inspires debate and pleasure. In summary, this is a whole-hearted recommendation for The Grand Budapest Hotel. 

More for you! See the Willy Wonka happening?