Flash Movie Review: The Grand Budapest Hotel
It was a time where the words “please” and “thank you” were freely given in a sentence. Kind gestures were evident everywhere we went throughout the building. With passports in hand, a group of us went out of the country for a convention being held in a regal old hotel. Wide and majestic with its granite facade and elongated windows, the hotel had several flags waving above the doorway as if they were greeting every hotel guest. Inside the floor was fitted with a combination of huddled polished gold edged tiles that looked like reflective pools surrounded by the plush, deep red carpeting that swallowed up noises from everyone’s shoes. The lobby had an ample crystal chandelier that cast just enough light to make the room glow as if the sun was setting behind the woven tapestry that hung across the far western wall. For the duration of the convention no matter how loud or rowdy the guests became, the hotel staff never once judged or showed a disapproving face. It was when the Grand Budapest Hotel first appeared on the movie screen in this comedic drama that I recalled my memory of that trip. The difference between the two hotels was that mine sat in the heart of a large city and it did not have a murder occur within its walls. From writer and director Wes Anderson (Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom), this visually stimulating film grabbed me from the very beginning. No need to worry if visuals are not your cup of tea because the story had a creative zaniness that was elevated by the fine acting from the cast. Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter franchise, Skyfall) was outstanding as the famous hotel concierge Gustave H. Adrien Brody (The Pianist, Cadillac Records) as Dmitri, Willem Dafoe (Out of the Furnance, The Walker) as Jopling and relative newcomer Tony Revolori (The Perfect Game) as Zero Moustafa were only part of the wonderful cast that Wes assembled for this fun film. The story was a story within a story that was easy to follow. When a wealthy guest of the hotel was found murdered, the authorities believed Gustave H was to blame. What took place after were a series of screwball chases and plot twists that hearkened back to the madcap comedy movies made in the 1930s and 40s. Each scene had its own unique individualized detailing where I felt I was looking through a series of paintings. If you are not a fan of Wes Anderson, I think the cast could still win you over. ย As far as I was concerned I was willing to book a room at the hotel in this film festival winner.
3 2/3 stars
Posted on March 18, 2014, in Dramedy and tagged 3 2/3 stars, adrien brody, comedy, drama, dramedy, f murray abraham, murder, ralph fiennes, tilda swinton, wes anderson, willem dafoe. Bookmark the permalink. 22 Comments.
Okay, I’m going to dial this one up and have a watch… thanks
Have fun with this movie and keep me updated on it. Thanks for coming by.
Joltz,
Your descriptions are masterfully executed and beautifully delivered. I love reading you! Thanks again,
claudy
Oh thank you so much Claudy. It is too kind of you to come and leave your comments; they provide a comforting warmth around me. I wish you all the best.
Terrific!! I can’t wait any longer to see this! I want my town to hurry up and get it. ๐
If they don’t get it soon, maybe you should consider moving. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you get the film there soon. Keep me posted please.
I was worried this would turn out to be a turkey, with every good part shown in the trailer. I’m encouraged to take a look, based on this review! I really like the old madcap comedies of the 30s and 40s, so it is encouraging to think something might pop up now that approaches that quality.
Oh boy, I cannot wait for you to see this film then. I think you will get such a kick out of it. Enjoy and thanks for the comments.
This sounds like a real charmer! The mood and visual also remind me a bit of The Royal Tenenbaums, of which Owen Wilson is also a part of the cast.
You are right; I really think you will have a wonderful time with this movie. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thanks for the comments.
Sounds great. I loved the trailer but then a friend told me she hated it. Need to go and make my own mind up!! Your tips are usually right as far as my viewing pleasure is concerned x
I appreciate your confidence in me; thank you for coming by to tell me. Let me know what you thought of this movie after seeing it. Have fun and thanks for stopping by.
I am hoping to see this movie tomorrow! Loved the review; made me want to see it even more. ๐
Great review – makes me want to rush out and see the film. The trailer is hysterical.
Oh, I do hope you can see this film; it was such a hoot. Please let me know if you do; I would enjoy hearing your take of the film. Thank you.
Will do. ๐
Just wanted to say I like your site. I don’t have as much chance as I’d like to watch films these days, and those I do see are usually ones that either my wife or my children rent from the video store. I did see this movie, though, and I think your review of it is very fair.
This is really a very nice resource you have here. Please consider yourself bookmarked in my movie sites folder. It’s alphabetical, so you’ll be ahead of both MRQE and IMDB and just pip FlickFilosopher.
Thank you for stopping by to leave your comments. From time to time I do review DVDs; so hopefully I can help you out with your movie choices. Keep up the good work on your site, it was a pleasure visiting it.
Thank you. I’m glad you liked the site. I’ll look for those DVD reviews. ๐
Oh no! Since I was new to your site, I took the title as Flash Movie Review and not Moviejoltz. Now that I’ve promised, I can’t really go back on it though, so in my computer you’ll now be Flash Movie Reviews (Moviejoltz). How’s that for a compromise?
You can call this site anything you like; I appreciate your kindness and hope I will not disappoint you. Thank you again.
You’re welcome. ๐