Grand Budapest Hotel, The MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -4

Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Owen Wilson. Comedy/drama. Written & directed by Wes Anderson.

FILM SYNOPSIS: The Grand Budapest Hotel recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.  The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Wes Anderson is responsible for many quirky films, including The Royal Tenenbaums in 2001. Renown for his stylized idiosyncrasy, Anderson infuses most of his work with a distinctive tone and whimsical approach to both filmmaking and life. With each of his new screen efforts, I keep hoping for more of what I found in Royal Tennenbaums, a dark-humored look at a dysfunctional family that despite its objectionable material (and there was a lot) it taught the need for family and forgiveness, and gave a brilliant portrait of a man seeking atonement. Sadly, whatever positives he presents, Anderson allows for too much shock value, like a chef who depends too much upon seasoning to give his stew flavor.

Once again, we are presented a very humanistic parable that seems in line with today’s breezy view of homosexuality and lacks any regard for God or those in the audience who reverence Him.

Though the director has an eye for striking and efficient compositions, here Anderson’s creative depth once again reveals a filmmaker who relies heavily on the crude and the profane to hold an audience’s attention. That doesn’t say much for the filmmaker or the filmgoer, does it?

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Indian Paintbrush