100 Word Review – In Bruges (2008)

After a botched assignment, two hit men (Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson) head to Bruges in an attempt to avoid the heat in London on the orders of mob boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes). But there is more to this mini vacation than there first appears…

Written and directed by Martin McDonagh (Seven Psychopaths), this may be the most hilariously twisted crime comedy I’ve ever seen.

Be warned, it’s not for the squeamish or the overly politically correct. It is dark, dry and just plain brilliant. The screenplay was nominated for an Oscar and how it didn’t win is beyond me.

100 Word Review – The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Based on the writings of Stefan Zwing, writer and director Wes Anderson (Fantastic Mr. Fox) takes us on a journey into the fictional Republic of Zubrowka in this beautiful comedy.

Ralph Fiennes stars as Gustave, a concierge at The Grand Budapest Hotel, accompanied by his faithful friend Zero (Tony Revolori).

This film is full of all the wonderful actors you could hope for from an Anderson film, and a few more besides. The direction a weird and wonderful work of art, with all the precision of a master. Winner of 4 Oscars and nominated for 5 more, it’s #183 on IMDb’s Top 250 list.