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Here's a look at the movies I saw this week.

The Grand Budapest Hotel
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law, F. Murray Abraham, Tom Wilkinson, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Bill Murray, Saorise Ronan, Tony Revolori, and Tilda Swinton
Synopsis: Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Wes Anderson brings a unique style and point of view as a filmmaker. He has delivered a number of classic tales that have developed a cult following. Doubtless his latest effort — “The Grand Budapest Hotel” — will follow the same route. Inspired by the writing of Stephan Zweig, Anderson delivers a tale of intrigue, romance, mischief and wild antics. It takes place across three time periods and is set — mostly — in a fictional European country that gets caught up in World War II. Anderson has a unique way of telling stories. There is plenty of quirk and plenty of whimsy, but there’s also a lot of heart. I loved his last film, “Moonrise Kingdom.” Others have been drawn to his cannon for work — which includes “Rushmore,” “The Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “The Royal Tenenbaums” and “The Darjeeling Limited.” There are only a handful of filmmakers working today that bring such a unique style and viewpoint to their films. Anderson’s films have a lightness and joy to them, an escapist fantasy that is refreshing. In an era where films have felt quite heavy — especially over the last year — this is a film that feels light and joyful. That’s a gift. Anderson also gives his talented cast room to delight audiences. Fiennes is incredible in the lead role, and is surrounded by a number of delightful supporting performances from actors such as Jeff Goldblum, Edward Norton, Law, Bill Murray and Willem Dafoe, among others. This movie is a lot of fun. It’s a good story, and it’s beautifully told. Not only does the story and dialogue unfold in a unique way, the visuals in the film are stunning. Anderson makes good use of bright colors, unique vistas and some charmingly low-tech set pieces in telling his story. All of it adds to the feel of the film and the beauty of the way it’s told. In an era of movies where everything feels large in scope and technology dominates so much of what’s on screen, this is a smaller, personal and intimate story. It’s a refreshing change of pace and a lot of fun.
Rating: R for language, some sexual content and violence. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Muppets Most Wanted

Starring: Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, Ty Burrell, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Fozzie Bear

Synopsis: I love the Muppets. I am of a certain age where I hold fondness in my heart for Jim Henson's creation. When Jason Segel brought the Muppets back to the forefront with "The Muppets" movie in 2011, I was pumped. That movie was a joyous experience. It was a film made by someone around my same age that loved the Muppets. It was a movie that was nostalgic and a tribute. "Muppets Most Wanted," by comparison, feels like adults using a popular franchise to pander to kids and make money off parents. There is some humor. Some of the original songs a catchy. The Muppets are still fun to watch, and the actors paired with them give it there all. There are some fun jokes, even if they're corny, but this film doesn't have the heart of the 2011 re-boot. Some of the same people were involved, but not Segel — who was busy with other projects. I think his fandom and passion gave "The Muppets" a different energy. This felt like a sort of unnecessary reach — kind of what the opening song in the film alludes to. It was OK, but it didn't have the magic of the last installment.

Rating: PG for some mild action

Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Sabotage

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Mirelle Enos, Josh Holloway, Olivia Williams, and Terrence Howard

Synopsis: This looked like a typical, violent action film — the kind Schwarzenegger has been churning out every couple of months since leaving the Governor's office. I figured it wouldn't be deep, but it might be entertaining. It wasn't. This movie was gross, violent, and crass. It's by far the worst movie I've seen this year, and I can't figure out why so many decent actors were drawn to the film. There is nothing likable about any of the characters, so it's probably good they all die in the end. Schwarzenegger phones in his performance, which is more than I can say for the others. Most of them are over-acting so badly you'd think it was a comedy. This movie is a disaster from the first frame to the last, and an epic waste of time.

Rating: R for strong bloody violence, pervasive language, some sexuality/nudity and drug use. Enter with caution.

Verdict: Zero stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, April 4 — "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Dom Hemmingway"

Friday, April 11 — "Draft Day," "Rio 2," "Oculus"

Wednesday, April 16 — "Heaven Is For Real"

Thursday, April 17 — "Transcendence"

Friday, April 18 — "Bears," "A Haunted House 2"

Friday, April 25 — "The Other Woman," "The Quiet Ones," "Brick Mansions"