Review of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012) by Anthony K — 10 Jan 2013

The aged all-star cast of "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" give winning performances all around. The perpetually likable Bill Nighy and dedicated Maggie Smith are both standouts, the former donning his typical airheaded Keith Richards gait and the latter as a foul bigot, who (surprise!) learns that people of all cultures are still people.

That brings me to my second point, this film is derivative and sentimentally soupy to the point of nausea. The story follows a group of elderly Brits who all take up residence in a run-down Indian hotel that is merely a shadow of its former glory (analogies, anyone?). Over the course of the film they begin a steady rejuvenation thanks to the life and culture of the country. And in case we've forgotten, Judi Dench's incessant voice over reminds us again and again. The plot meanders in all the predictable directions and the characters all complete acceptable arcs to give them an over-the-hill happily-ever-after.

Not a bad movie, but not a marvel of cinema either. It gives a window into the beauty of old age, but often plays like one of your grandfather's anecdotes.