To say Wes Anderson is a unique storyteller is an understatement. With the most avid of Anderson admirers, it might even be an insult. Well, maybe not, but in his consistently distinct pattern of filmmaking, it’s really a given. So, before stepping into the box office to see ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’, know that you’re guaranteed a different experience entirely.

‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ is a story surrounding a concierge, Monsieur Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), his involvement in a scandal, and a lobby boy, Zero (Tony Revolori), who eventually becomes his closest friend, who also helps Gustave clear his name.

The first 10 minutes immerse you into what has a very childlike feel amidst its adult themes. The color scheme, Anderson’s obsession with symmetry, and the constant dolly shots, truck shots, and toy-like animation suggest a wholesomeness to this story where there is not (note the R rating). Additionally, like most films these days, the whole process starts off with a book. In this case, however, our story begins with an actual book first by Tom Wilkinson, then F. Murray Abraham and finally Jude Law working our way from present day to 1932.

Ralph Fiennes masters his performance as Gustave H, a flamboyant and steadfast concierge to a hotel he runs very tightly. Other than being in charge of running this beloved resort, Gustave H’s tastes are both extravagant and peculiar as he pursues a painting (“Boy with Apple”) and boasts his popularity with elderly, rich women, most recently in Madame D (Tilda Swinton) to whom this painting belongs. The only time his antics are ever put under any scrutiny is by that of a new lobby boy whose been hired by one his associates, ironically unbeknownst to Gustave. From the way he moves and his tendency to act on impulse to his random bursts of romantic poetry (or frustration), Fiennes’ Gustave is a delightfully eccentric character who’s also responsible for much of the humor.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this film isn’t like anything you’ve seen. While not everyone’s cup of tea (or cup of joe), it is a quirky, original piece of film featuring amusing characters, playful sequences and camera work, exquisite cinematography and appearances by beloved actors guaranteed to make you enjoy your stay at ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’.

Jim’s Rating: 8.75/10