MOVIE REVIEWS - The Grand Budapest Hotel

WHEN Wes Anderson is good, he’s very good - dare I say it, brilliant - and when he’s occasionally off-key, the Texan writer-director still puts other film-makers in the shade.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Mar 2014, 13:23 BST
Jason Schwartzman as M Jean in The Grand Budapest HotelJason Schwartzman as M Jean in The Grand Budapest Hotel
Jason Schwartzman as M Jean in The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Grand Budapest Hotel is a tour-de-force of invention and creativity that leaves no narrative stone unturned in its quest for laughs and heartfelt emotion.

Anderson is in sparkling form, tracing the history of the titular establishment from 1932 to the present day through the eyes of two lovers, who become embroiled in a madcap crime caper involving a stolen painting.

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It’s a brilliantly bonkers ensemble comedy from a filmmaker who marries quirky production design with eccentric characters and wry humour, yet still manages to find a nub of humanity in every outlandish situation.

Jason Schwartzman as M Jean in The Grand Budapest HotelJason Schwartzman as M Jean in The Grand Budapest Hotel
Jason Schwartzman as M Jean in The Grand Budapest Hotel

Anderson marshals an incredible cast including regular collaborators Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray, plus he teases out an uproarious and energetic performance from Ralph Fiennes as the suave protagonist at the centre of the mystery.

My rating 9/10

Check your local cinema for show times.

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