Report Card---"The Grand Hotel Budapest"

"The Grand Hotel Budapest" is, in fact, grand.
It is, to quote Forrest Gump, a box of chocolates.
A box of Godiva Chocolates.
This isn't Hershey's, or Nestles.
This is a very fancy movie.
It is a lovely gift for the audience.
It is simply this delightful chunk of whimsy.
If you're looking for more than that, go someplace else.
Accept it on it's own terms, and fall in love with it.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Always. Mainly because you are dazzled by the look of it.
A+.

Compelling even?

It's really not designed to be taken that seriously.
No Grade.

Is it controversial?

It is a glorious soufflé. No room for controversy.
No Grade.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

Superb.
A+.

Is it well written?

Extremely.
A.

Is it well cast? Well played?

There are a lot of big names doing virtual cameos. That only adds to the fun. And WILLEM DAFOE is in this one too!
A+.

Well shot?

That's where this really shines. Wes Anderson is an utter master of using the camera to tell visual jokes, much like John Hughes used to. And even better, to paint stunning pictures with it.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Just right.
A+.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Believable enough. And I cared totally.
A.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Slightly predictable, but it never mattered.
A-.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Only about how so many inferior directors are given so much more credit than Wes Anderson, who is, unlike the others, a true visionary.
A+.

Is it funny?

Hilarious.
A+.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Yes. And don't watch it on a little screen.
A+.

Is it impressive?

Visually, unsurpassed.
A+.

Overall grade: A+.

I'm glad to see that there is at least some room at the Oscars for a soufflé.

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My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

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