Review: The Grand Budapest Hotel

An outrageously fun ride, led by an incredible performance from Ralph Fiennes. (Fox Searchlight/aceshowbiz.com)

Wes Anderson, you’ve won me back. After seeing his last effort, Moonrise Kingdom‘,  back in 2012, I was left feeling underwhelmed and mostly disappointed. Perhaps I had put it on too high a pedestal, comparing it to his earlier, fantastic movies. I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d see his next release in the theaters. But after watching The Grand Budapest Hotel, I am fully aboard the Wes Anderson train once again. Outrageously fun, remarkably unique, gleefully entertaining – it was such a good movie front beginning to end.

I know that most of Anderson’s movies are stacked with talent, but this one was off the charts. When Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, and Bill Murray, among others, are only in a handful of scenes, it’s going to be a good thing. The biggest stars of the journey were Ralph Fiennes, Adrian Brody, Willem Dafoe, Saoirse Ronan, Jeff Goldblum, Edward Norton, etc etc etc. Also, there was newcomer and co-star, Tony Revolori.

The story is told in such a unique fashion, as an older version of “Zero”, the former lobby boy and current owner of the Grand Budapest, describes his life surrounding this lavish hotel to a young journalist played by Jude Law (yes, the Hollywood elite keep on coming). There are times when they cut back to present day, of the two men chatting over dinner, which certainly added a nice break between scenes and more serious emotion at times. But the wild adventures that Fiennes and crew go through are so incredible to watch. I really can’t say there was a single moment during this movie that I felt bored – it was all just so much fun to watch. There were moments of laugh-out-loud laughter and a lot of chuckling too, but more than anything, I felt like I was having the time of my life sitting back and enjoying the ride.

As with all of Anderson’s movies, from past to present, there is such a level of originality, quirkiness, and artistic brilliance that set it apart from pretty much anything else you can see on the silver screen. Hotel is no different, as the backdrops, “effects”, wardrobe, and everything else are so insanely and oddly amusing. He truly is a creative genius of a director, and gets everything out of all the actors he employs. For all that shined so bright, it was Fiennes that stood out to be certain. A wonderful performance in such an amazing amount of fun.

I’ll see you for next movie, Wes.

 

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL:    (out of 4)

Review: Moonrise Kingdom

A terrific cast intertwined with Wes Anderson’s cooky and immensely fun story telling made ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ a fun adventure. (Focus Features/aceshowbiz.com)

You’ve got to give it to Wes Anderson – the man is simply one of a kind when it comes to directors. Everything he does, in every movie he’s ever made, is just different. He has a certain way of framing things, zooming in at certain moments, choosing music that nobody knows, and giving scenes and characters such a unique and nostalgic look. Packed with a cast that would make anyone in Hollywood salivate, Moonrise Kingdom was an entertaining little tale, with just enough laughs to make it memorable.

I will say, that given the Rotten Tomatoes score (94% and holding right now), and all the positive and just glowing reviews I’ve heard so far, I went into the theater with expectations that were probably too high. All in all, I liked this movie, but I didn’t love it like I do some of Anderson’s other creations.  At times it was a bit too slow, and at times the humor was a bit scarce, but it did come together nicely in the end, and it did have a number of bizarrely funny moments.

Bill Murray, who’s been in six Anderson movies, is tremendous as always. Edward Norton, who I personally think is one of the better and most underrated actors of this generation, is also great and quite funny too. The whole cast, with Bruce Willis and everybody else, really delivered. I suppose that tends to happen when big movie stars don’t stay in fancy trailers during a shoot, but rather stay in a big cabin sleeping and hanging out with each other (that actually did happen).

 

MOONRISE KINGDOM:    (out of 4)

As We Wind Down 2009: My Big 5

The end of the year draws ever so near and with the turn of the calender comes a brand new slate of movies.

2009 hasn’t quite lived up to past year’s expectations, but there have been some really, really good movies. Some surprises, some stinkers, as usual. But with oh, 47 days left in the year, here at the 5 films, in order, I’m most looking forward to:

1. The Lovely Bones – why? Peter Jackson. Simply incredible book. Amazing young actress. Great cast. Riveting story.

2. Brothers – why? Two fantastic lead actors. Heart-wrenching storyline. Incredible trailer. Great director.

3. Up In the Air – why? Clooney in a perfect role. Director who hasn’t let down yet. Massive positive hype. Trailer.

4. Avatar – why? Decade in the making. Special effects like nothing before. Have to trust Cameron.

5. The Fantastic Mr. Fox – Amazing early reviews. Creative director with a creative cast. Looks inventive and hilarious.

 

I can honestly say I’m more excited for these 5 films than any other 5 films this entire year. Bring it on!