GBH features near all members of the old crew (minus near everyone in the Royal Tenenbaums) with the addition of Ralph Feinnes who is extraordinary. He will not win an Oscar for this, though I believe he should gain a nod. The supporting cast - all big time actors in their own right - each had a very specific role and piece to the story and all are executed flawlessly. My one gripe is that so many of them made mere cameo appearances rather than becoming significant members of the story - seemingly done so to satiate fans of the Anderson franchise or check the "appear-in-a-Wes-Anderson-film" off the bucket list. In this regard, Grand Budapest Hotel felt less solid than, say, Moonrise Kingdom or Darjeeling. More of a caricature.
Then again, maybe that was the point. The story and these supporting characters all played their roles with such ridiculously hilarious flair. More importantly, each actor looked as if they were having a great deal of fun, which makes it that much more fun to watch. Apart from them, Jude Law, F. Murray Abraham and especially Tony Revolori, making his major film debut as Zero, The GBH Lobby Boy, all made wonderful and memorable performances.
And perhaps that is the difference between Grand Budapest Hotel and Anderson's previous works: GBH is a lighter, care-free version. The others will make viewers feel something beyond laughter - that may not be so in this. I personally loved Grand Budapest Hotel and could watch it ten times over. I wouldn't say I learned anything about myself however, beyond wanting to see what other antics Fiennes' character M. Gustave could get into. Still, this is an Anderson movie at its core and one of the very best. One that will appear to the cult following and widespread fans alike. Check it out.
8/10
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