The Grand Budapest Hotel

   Written and directed by Wes Anderson, this is probably his most fully realized and mainstream film. It has his usual whimsical charm , a wonderful plot, and inspired dialog.

        The majority of the film takes place in 1932 inside the grand hotel. The film stars Ralph Fiennes as M. Gustave, the manager of the hotel and he is simply wonderful. Tony Revolori is his protege, Zero the Lobby Boy. They make a lunatic pair who cannot stay out of trouble. The film is also filled with a bevy of terrific actors, most of whom have worked with Mr. Anderson in the past. Look for Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Jason Schwartzman, Harvey Keitel, Adrien Brody, Jude Law, F. Murray Abraham, Edward Norton and Tilda Swinton just to name a few. 

         Unfortunately with the exception of Mr. Fiennes, Mr. Revolori, and possibly Saoirse Ronan, every other role is little more than a cameo.This leaves little room for character development but the film moves at breakneck speed and it's such fun to see these actors pop in and out, you don't mind their short screen time.

  

         Besides an entertaining and very funny script, Mr. Anderson also rewards his audience with visual treats. Eye popping sets, wonderful miniatures, and colorful use of animation all blend together to tell the tale. 

        "The Grand Budapest Hotel" is grand indeed. You'll be glad you checked in.