Brilliant performances but too silly to be laugh out loud

Rating: 5/10 (19 July 2014)

I read Mark Kermode's glowing review and decided this would make a good Sunday afternoon movie. Ralph Fiennes performance is as unexpected as it is sublime but did this movie have me laughing out loud? No, it was just too silly to be funny. Entertaining yes but funny? No, despite fantastic performances from outstanding celebrity actors, it just missed my funny bone at every opportunity. Tony Revolori was outstanding in the role of Zero the resourceful lobby boy who is befriended and becomes the protégé of Gustave H legendary concierge at the famous European hotel. Cast in the role of 'straight' guy to Gustave's rather slapstick character, he plays it dead pan throughout. I gave it 5 out of ten because although entertaining, I didn't laugh out loud once despite expectations. So as entertaining if somewhat unusual fiction 8/10 but as a comedy 5/10