Just got back from a screening of Wes Anderson’s newest, The Darjeeling Limited. I kind of loved it. I’ve always had a great affection towards Anderson’s films, but while a lot of people like his earlier stuff more than his later stuff, I’ve had the opposite reaction.

So I was expecting to like this one, and I did. In a lot of ways it’s the loosest of Anderson’s movies: Plot-wise it’s rambly and exploratory, flitting in and out of situations both comedic and tragic, with the expected gorgeous cinematography, production design, and music. (As Ezra mentioned earlier.) We’ll have a full review when the film opens (October 12), but what strikes me right now is simply how genuine the film feels. Darjeeling might be the slightest of Anderson’s films, thus far—at least on its first viewing, there’s not as much to think about or get wrapped up in as his earlier works. But still: Anderson catches a lot of shit for his hyper-detailed design and excessive stylization, but more often than not, and this includes Darjeeling, he backs it up with beautiful characters and authentic emotions, and there are some really beautiful and moving moments in the film.

But this is important: If you want to see The Darjeeling Limited, first watch “Hotel Chevalier,” the short film written and directed by Anderson that serves as a prequel to the film. It’s available for free via iTunes right here. “Hotel Chevalier” is billed as “Part One of The Darjeeling Limited,” and while you’re hardly going to be lost if you just go see Darjeeling without having seen “Chevalier,” you’ll be glad if you watch it. The short film, which stars Jason Schwartzman and my future wife, Natalie Portman, doesn’t seem like much at the time, but there’s some background stuff in it that pays off in unexpected ways in Darjeeling. For some annoying reason, they aren’t showing the short in front of the film in theaters, so just go ahead and download it already.

Plus, it’s got a naked Natalie Portman in it! Or, well, she’s close enough to naked, anyway. And that’s just about the highest recommendation I can give. Some critics use stars or grades to rate films; from here on out, I’m just going to use Naked Natalie Portmans. It’s the highest recommendation I can give, and so far—alas—I can only give it to one film. Congrats, “Hotel Chevalier”!

P.S. In less sexy but tangentially related news, Anderson’s stop-motion Fantastic Mr. Fox adaptation is moving forward with a hell of a cast. I’m assuming/hoping that Henry Selick is involved. I fully expect it to be awesome. (But will it earn a Naked Natalie Portman? Only time will tell.)