Review of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012) by Spangle — 05 Jul 2017

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is not exactly an artistic achievement, so it is tough to assess it as a piece of art. Instead, it is classic feel good cinema that is easy to digest and settles easily in the stomach, rather than making a big fuss about the whole thing. Unlike the Indian food on display in the film, this is not a film that will cause diarrhea, except for those who may struggle to digest sweets. A funny and deeply endearing flick about a bunch of British people coming to teach Indians how to live life the British way, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel may be a bit too much for some, but is largely pleasant cinema. It is funny with a great cast that hardly ever puts a foot wrong acting-wise. Though a bit quaint, the film's endearing charm is really hard to overcome.

The film, to some, could be described as racist. Yet, it often feels like a film that is conflicted in this arena. On one hand, you have Evelyn (Judi Dench) teach professional call center workers how to talk on the phone to British people, as if they have no idea. Evelyn has no experience calling, yet talks down to them as an authority. Sonny (Dev Patel) is a charming kid who is just a scattered foreigner who has no idea what to do with running a hotel because he is a dumb foreigner (right?). Toss in repeated jokes about how bad India smells (it probably does for those who are new though, not being racist, but Indian food is a rather strong smelling food so until you adjust to being in areas where the food may be, it definitely will hit your nose hard) and jokes about Indian marriage customs and it is not hard to see why some would take offense. It is rather low-brow with this humor and these depictions, even if Muriel (Maggie Smith) oddly changes all of this for the better to a degree. Initially quite racist with broad and sweeping stereotyping attacks against Indians, Muriel grows over the course of the film to respect Indians and other races for how they help her in spite of her rude behavior. Even then, she winds up being a white savior for poor Sonny and his crappy hotel. Thus, I would have to lean towards this one being quite a bit offensive and racist, even if it does not actively intend to be this way.

Fortunately, it is incredibly funny. Bill Nighy, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Dev Patel, are all an absolute pleasure to watch. Nighy, obviously, steals the show as he always does, though Patel's frantic and nervous turn gives him a run for his money. As an entire cast, this charming collection of British screen actors and the one Indian actor that Hollywood will allow (quotas and all) really make this film zip by with light enjoyment. The smart comedic script plays perfectly into the wheelhouse of its actors, allowing them to all deliver their lines with zip and comedic timing to make the lines really pop. The film may be a bit too quaint and giddy in depicting old age, but it is hard to deny that the film is funny. The comedy does not always work, but it is a film that can keep you laughing throughout and that is rather hard to come by nowadays.

Set in gorgeously designed locales, one of the major appeals of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is certainly its visuals. Throughout much of the film, the film is shot rather plainly, hardly ever capturing the eye. However, whenever director John Madden's camera slips out of his firm grip and captures some terrain or India at sunset by the water, it is hard not be gripped by the beauty. While the film does not really explore the terrain too much, the pieces of the set it showcases - especially the hotel - are very nicely designed and fun places to explore. Toss in some nice depictions of the hustle and bustle of India, as well as the natural beauty of the country, and you have a film that is rather pleasant to look at, even if it is rather unadventurously shot.

Funny, engaging, and largely quite pleasant, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is simply easy breezy entertainment. It is easy to find fault in its picture perfect facade, but why nitpick a film that I found so pleasant and fun to watch? Honestly, however, watching Bill Nighy do anything in a film is going to garner at least a lukewarm positive response from me and this film is hardly an exception to that rule. Though not the most artistic film ever made, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is the type of cheesy and idealistic Hollywood film that just feels good to watch. It is like the ratty pair of sweatpants your mom begs you not to wear in public, but I want to wear them BECAUSE THEY ARE COMFORTABLE DAMMIT.