The Grand Budapest Hotel Review - 4 Stars

Wes Anderson got my attention early on in his career with his film “Rushmore” — the story of a middle class kid who gets a private school scholarship only to be expelled for putting on airs and falling in love with an adult teacher. Since then Anderson’s films including “The Royal Tenenbaums” and most recently “Moonrise Kingdom” have come to stand for the kind of style and playfulness nobody sees anymore. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” ups the ante.  A story within a story within a story, it takes place somewhere in Europe before the second world war in a grand hotel much like the one from the 1932 classic.  Ralph Fiennes takes young Tony Revolori under his wing teaching him the ways of the grand concierge.  Their adventures include a murder, an inheritance, some jail time and a great escape.  the story takes place in almost doll house looking settings leading to chase scenes worthy of the great comedies of the silent era.  Sometimes “The Grand Budapest Hotel” gets a little too cute but most of the time its great fun and when it began to wrap things up, I actually wanted it to go on a little longer. The audience applause helped pushed me out the door.  but I think I’ll go back and see it again.  Does it deliver what it promises?  Comedy adventure done with style.  Is it entertaining?  Great storytelling.  Is it worth the price of admission?  A resounding yes.