MovieChat Forums > American Horror Story (2011) Discussion > Just finished 'HOTEL' on Netflix

Just finished 'HOTEL' on Netflix

posted 8 years ago by [deleted]
8 replies | jump to latest

I joined the AHS party late, so I just finished watching 'HOTEL' on Netflix. I have to say, it wasn't as bad as the critics and viewers made it out to be (from what I read beforehand).

A few observations:

It took a while for the story to pick up (IMO). As most reviewers said - it was slow and confusing at first. But by the fifth episode, it started to pull itself together.

Lady GaGa was 'interesting' but no replacement for Jessica Lange. I think LG held back, when she really could have showed her 'acting chops'. Her character needed more bite (no pun intended) to make her more engaging week after week.

Evan Peters was the most interesting actor of all - I can't believe the character he created, so different from his past characters.

On the other hand, Angela Bassett (whom I used to enjoy in just about everything she ever did in her career), really over-acted, as she has since she joined AHS. She needs to learn less is more - especially when she wants to snarl, suck in her cheeks, and pout. She doesn't come across as sexy, scary or menacing - just amateurish. Certainly, she can do something different with her characters in this anthology series? Her snarl is becoming a joke.

Overall, not as bad as I was expecting it to be. Now I need to wait for Season 6 to air on NF, which I'm hearing is disappointing as well.

[–] MinaVladimir (4086) 8 years ago

I agree, Lady Gaga is no Jessica Lange. Maybe with a bit more practise she could become a decent actress, but I didn't care much for her here.

As for Even Peters, he did try something different, and that's cool. But I felt the character was more fitting for someone older.

I liked Sarah Paulson the most. But I like her every season, so...

It's been a while since I've seen 'Hotel', but I enjoyed it for the most part. But it's definately not my favourite season.

[–] [deleted] 8 years ago

Thanks for your response - I know I'm about a year off with the season! LOL

Not my 'favorite' season either - that would have to be 'Asylum' or 'Freak Show'.

Sarah Paulson can do 'no wrong' in my book. She's an actress I have seen over the years, but became very interested in all her work since watching the first season of 'AHS'. (Same with Lange - never appreciated her until Season 1 of AHS, and Kathy Bates).

I agree Peters' character seemed to be written for someone a bit older, but in the end he seems to have pulled it off. (I think we're so used to seeing him in 'young adult / older teen roles).

I think with better direction, Lady GaGa could have nailed this. She just had to let loose a bit.

How was Season 6? Again, I've heard mixed reviews....but looking forward to watching when it becomes available once again.

[–] MinaVladimir (4086) 8 years ago

It was a mixed bag for me. It started dragging a bit, but it picked up again. I found it to be an interesting change from previous seasons. But I didn't it find as interesting, to keep watching week to week, I just let the episodes pile up.

I have no idea if this is helpful, but I hope you get some enjoyment out of it when you see it :)

[–] [deleted] 8 years ago

I will give it a chance when it comes to Netflix or DVDs. I am a fan of Cuba Gooding Jr, so I'll see if it's worth watching.

The funny thing about HOTEL - I watched the first few episodes on FX when it aired in 2015, couldn't get into it and stopped watching. I checked out the DVDs (from my library) when they came in a few months ago - same thing. Couldn't get past episode 2. Checked them out again in early Feb - same thing. Finally sat down in front of Netflix and promised myself I would at least sit through four episodes...and started to enjoy them.

[–] MinaVladimir (4086) 8 years ago

I'm the same way with Twin Peaks. I know people love it, and it's this cult show, but I just can't get past episode 2. But one of these days I'll force myself to watch it.

[–] [deleted] 8 years ago

SAME WITH ME AND TWIN PEAKS! LOL! Everyone tells me to 'stick with it' but two or three episodes in and I feel like I'm wasting time.

Another friend told me if I like AHS, to watch 'Penny Dreadful'. I tuned into the first ep on Netflix, and was 'entertained', yet I don't think it's one that has hooked me - so it will be a while before I tune in again.

[–] MinaVladimir (4086) 8 years ago

I'm glad I found a fellow Twin Peaks unappreciator :D And I'm just old enough to remember what a phenomenon it was, when it first aired, but I just can't get into it.

I managed to get through most of Penny Dreadful, except the last few episodes. I'll get around those eventually.

AHS is a bit campy sometimes, so True Blood maybe more similar in tone, than Penny Dreadful. But I can't think of anything really similar at the moment.

[–] [deleted] 8 years ago

[deleted]