Review of Grand Hotel (2008) by Doctor S — 31 Mar 2010
1932's 'Grand Hotel' introduces almost an identical scenario that 1933's 'Dinner At Eight' follows as a large ensemble deals with a variety of personal fears, harsh realities, and small triumphs.
Both films even share the Barrymores, Lionel & John, and Wallace Beery! 'Hotel' features a dazzling Joan Crawford and the immortal Greta Garbo delivering her most famous line, "I want to be alone!" However 'Dinner' counterpunches with the saucy Jean Harlow and boasts a wittier script, and even though it's the imitator I rank it a half-star higher.
Still, 'Grand Hotel' is a grand multi-character study with fine performances and revealing dialogue. I enjoyed John Barrymore's suave baron down on his luck and Garbo's depressed dancer the most, and after a startling tragedy strikes I could hardly bear anticipating how one of them would react to the news.
This review of Grand Hotel (2008) was written by Doctor S on 31 Mar 2010.
Grand Hotel has generally received mixed reviews.
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