L SM

As with all of Wes Anderson’s films, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” has an immediately recognisable and very charming style. The movie is full of a stellar cast who perfectly represent each character; and a plot that has a variety of twists, suspense and comedy, without being overwhelming or too hard to follow. The overall mood is bittersweet, which is aided by the narrators’ nonchalant tones and recitals of events. Most of the characters are very well developed, and the viewer can’t help but develop bonds and strong opinions for each and every one. Which is why [Mild Spoiler Alert] the final events of the film build on a much more sorrowful feeling, and the eventual final fate of the hotel, making it no more than a distant memory makes for one last sad remark, like a eulogy for every character you met along the way. [No More Spoilers] I believe this film is well worth a watch from anyone who’s a fan of very artsy cinematography, and well written characters; and especially if they’re a fan of Wes Anderson’s other work.

I personally loved this film and really feel like it hasn’t received the love it deserves. It’s got lots of trippy points throughout that don’t feel forced, and an ensemble of really good actors. Though mildly gorey throughout, the effects used aren’t just for blood and guts, and there really is a beauty to this film. Natalie Portman plays a very Ellen Ripley-esque character (minus the cat) and I really liked seeing her as a slightly more militant padme. The film can be hard to follow at points because a big part of the plot (without spoilers) is a lack of direction, there’s seemingly no aim even as vague as go deeper or get out; but I personally don’t think this was accidental because it feels so intentional. While the plot is harder to follow, the film’s easy to watch. A bit like the cloverfield paradox, you can switch your brain off and just watch (though this film you can think about more). Overall, good film, good actresses and actors, great effects and a well-developed lack of direction. I think even just the art of this film makes it worth a watch.

It’s a movie, there’s not much else to say about it. Overall it’s good and I can’t really find many negatives aside from just quite mediocre. If you like annihilation, prometheus or interstellar, it’s very similar in plot and mood to those I believe. However it has an easier-to-follow narrative than those others. It doesn’t really have a plot twist, and while the gore in this film is quite vivid, there’s only 2 actually gross scenes. The reason I say mediocre is because it’s quite easy to predict what’s going to happen, as I mentioned before there’s not really a plot twist and if you think at any point someone’s about to die, chances are you’re right. Acting is all around good, aside from Ava in her family scenes which is a little awkwardly placed; and right at the end when it feels like stuff was kind of just thrown into the mix. It has a mixed cast which is worked into the plot quite well and it’s quite nice to see. Overall, if you can handle the brief moments of gore, this is one of those films where you can switch your brain off and enjoy. It’s pretty good, and easy to follow, but just feels like it needed something else added.