Movie Review: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Rated R
100 minutes
Directed by Wes Anderson
Wes, Wes, Wes. You're on a little hot streak, aren't you?
Following the (relative) disappointment of The Darjeeling Limited, which I find falls through the cracks of such films as Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums (the only 2 early works I've seen of his), Anderson redeemed himself with the instantaneously delightful Fantastic Mr. Fox, which currently tops my best of 2009 list. He then followed that up with one of his concise stories yet, Moonrise Kingdom, which currently sits on top of my best of 2012 list. So, with this little streak, I was wholeheartedly excited to see this one. And it does not disappoint in the slightest.
The writing was sharp, full of one-liners that just flew out so well. The aspect ratio changes were very bold, but yet they were never obtrusive, always feeling just right, and letting us know which time period we're in without having little text intrude on moments. The production design was spot-on, as it felt old, extravagant, and lavish. The direction was also distinctive, as never for a second did I doubt that this was a Wes Anderson movie. Ralph Fiennes was fantastic, as I've always seen him as. He was just so energetic and lively as M. Gustave H. Also impressive was Tony Revolori in his first film, though how his character went from Indian to white will always be a mystery.
The movie did under-represent women, either having them be nearly mute figures who are essential to the plot, or having them be old, sex-driven ladies who just want to get into Ralph Fiennes' pants. I also thought there were too many characters, such as Tom Wilkinson's, Owen Wilson's, and Bill Murray's. Don't get me wrong, I highly enjoyed their presences in the movie, but it's some time they could've cut out to keep the film moving at a faster pace. Finally, I just feel like the fact that everyone knows everyone in the movie is a little ridiculous. Sure, it comes in handy for some instances, but it just felt too weird.
In the end, it was a terrible movie, redeemed only by a cat (end sarcasm). But seriously, it's well worth your money and time, and you should see it as soon as possible. Plus, cats.
4/5
The writing was sharp, full of one-liners that just flew out so well. The aspect ratio changes were very bold, but yet they were never obtrusive, always feeling just right, and letting us know which time period we're in without having little text intrude on moments. The production design was spot-on, as it felt old, extravagant, and lavish. The direction was also distinctive, as never for a second did I doubt that this was a Wes Anderson movie. Ralph Fiennes was fantastic, as I've always seen him as. He was just so energetic and lively as M. Gustave H. Also impressive was Tony Revolori in his first film, though how his character went from Indian to white will always be a mystery.
The movie did under-represent women, either having them be nearly mute figures who are essential to the plot, or having them be old, sex-driven ladies who just want to get into Ralph Fiennes' pants. I also thought there were too many characters, such as Tom Wilkinson's, Owen Wilson's, and Bill Murray's. Don't get me wrong, I highly enjoyed their presences in the movie, but it's some time they could've cut out to keep the film moving at a faster pace. Finally, I just feel like the fact that everyone knows everyone in the movie is a little ridiculous. Sure, it comes in handy for some instances, but it just felt too weird.
In the end, it was a terrible movie, redeemed only by a cat (end sarcasm). But seriously, it's well worth your money and time, and you should see it as soon as possible. Plus, cats.
4/5
A-
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