Film Review- The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The Second best exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on another colourful Indian journey to check up on the lives of the English pensioners, who took over the running of the place in the first film. Muriel Donnely (Maggie Smith) and Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) are in America seeking investment for their plans to expand the enterprise to a second hotel in Jaipur. After the pensioner charms the company with her forthright opinions they agree to send an inspector to “check” on their new investment. Cue comedy and chaos back in India as two mysterious guests arrive at the Marigold Hotel.  Sonny and his plans are also thrown into turmoil over his plans to marry Sunaina (Tena Desae), while the other pensioners led by Evelyn Greenslade (Judi Dench) and Douglas (Bill Nighy) continue their intertwining romances as British expats abroad.

I liked this film, although it will never be up there with the very best movies that have passed my gaze. The performances of the older cast members, especially Maggie Smith provide the best moments with a string of classic one-liners, put-downs and jokes about old age to warm the soul. Dev Patel is excellent as the bumbling Sonny, whose tendency to mess things up has you cringing in places. The first Exotic Marigold Hotel film, in my opinion showed us far more of Indian life and its streets, along with a clearer narrative and less confusion with the characters. It took me a while to remember who’s who and their situations, until I remembered in the second half of the film. There were not as many scenes featuring the streets or the call centre for example that I enjoyed in the first film, concentrating more prominently on the lives of the expats and Sonny. The Asian wedding scene was interesting, especially to see some of the rituals that take place at these of ceremonies and the dancing. Overall this film is second best to the first one, but then how often do we say that about a sequel? However I did enjoy watching it very much and it will most certainly leave you feeling a lot better afterwards.

Rating 3.5/5.