One of the most particular and unique directors working in the US today. Anderson's eye for composition and detail is mathematical, but his strong focus on meandering narratives and elaborate yet quirky detours isn't for everyone.
Rare treats
There are many priceless moments, many memorable scenes and plenty of amazing details that make the film that much better. The Grand Budapest Hotel is Anderson at his very best.
Spectacular stop-motion animation from Wes Anderson. It's witty, it's classy, it's funny and it looks smashing. There's so much attention to detail, so many different kind of gags and it's all executed so well. Just a smidgen too long, apart from that it's near-perfect.
The good stuff
If you like (stop-motion) animation this film is a definite recommendation. The animation itself could've been better, but the whole setting is just too much fun to pass on.
This feels like the last film in a cycle. The French Dispatch is pure, unfiltered Wes Anderson, probably at his most aesthetic and precise. At the same time, it's difficult to image what else Anderson can do with this style, as it did get a little repetitive over time. The insane pacing and different stories eat up a lot of energy, still, by the end it felt like Anderson didn't bring quite enough. It's a pretty uneven film that starts to fray once you look too closely at individual elements, on the other hand there's no one else like Anderson and the film is full-on cinematic fun. Not his best work, but if you love Anderson, it's almost impossible not to love this film.
Solid pieces
The Darjeeling Limited
The inoffensive
Worthy but flawed
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Plain forgettable
