Visually and conceptually, this film is a 10 out of 10. But where Anderson's films usually generate a great deal of empathy and affection for the characters, I felt very removed from this movie. It was funny and beautiful and clever on the surface of the screen, but I never felt involved in it.

That's fine, actually. I don't mind being challenged a bit. Directors make some films for audiences and some films for themselves. I get the impression that Wes Anderson made Grand Budapest for himself. It was not really for me, as much as I love most of his films, but I appear to be in the minority.