Great Expectations
Performance & Direction: Great Expectations Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Great Expectations (1998) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Great Expectations features a noteworthy lineup led by Ethan Hawke . Supported by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Hank Azaria , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Great Expectations
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1998, Great Expectations is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film directed by Alfonso Cuarón. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ethan Hawke.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Loosely based on the Charles Dickens' classic novel, "Great Expectations" is a sensual tale of a young man's unforgettable passage into manhood, and the three individuals who will undeniably change his life forever. Through the surprising interactions of these vivid characters, "Great Expectations" takes a unique and contemporary look at life's great coincidences. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Ethan Hawke's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: Great Expectations
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, Great Expectations concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Ethan Hawke, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Great Expectations reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Great Expectations Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Great Expectations uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a comedy, drama, romance film directed by Alfonso Cuarón, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Ethan Hawke's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Great Expectations adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Great Expectations?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Ethan Hawke or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Great Expectations
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $55.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Great Expectations Budget
The estimated production budget for Great Expectations is $25.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Great Expectations
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Where to Watch Great Expectations Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeGreat Expectations Parents Guide & Age Rating
1998 AdvisoryWondering about Great Expectations age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Great Expectations is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, Great Expectations is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1998 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Expectations worth watching?
Great Expectations is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Great Expectations parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Great Expectations identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Great Expectations?
The total duration of Great Expectations is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
