Review of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015) by Joanna B — 05 Jul 2015
Basking the magnificent glory that is their twilight years, we revisit the distinguished elderly residence of the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel approximately two years after their "outsourced" retirement begins, marshalled by their haphazard most-enthusiastic young host.
On the eve of his big day, the never-ceasing Sonny (Dev Patel) is enthusiastically preoccupied with the prospect of an overly ambitious expansion to his aged hotel 'empire', assisted by most-vital hotel manager and resident secret-keeper Muriel (Maggie Smith), whose mind is with other issues.
The career flourishing Evelyn (Judy Dench) is increasingly unnerved by the idea of her blossoming relationship with Douglas (Bill Nighy), while the always passionate Madge (Celia Imrie) simply can't decide between a suitors left and right.
Happy couple Norman (Ronald Pickup) and Carol (Diana Hardcastle) tussle with the concept of monogamy while new hotel guests; middle-aged Lavinia (Tamsin Greig) and silver fox American Guy (Richard Gere), vie for more than just the hotels last room.
Lacking the quick quips of the first, this installment is focused too much on the younger characters storylines of a big wedding, family obligations, Fiancé annoyance and expansion intruders. The appeal of the aged residence stories based on coping-mechanisms takes a contrived tuk-tuk back seat to convention.
The Verdict: Style never gets old, but fashions do change and can overstay their welcome.
Published : Canberra Weekly Magazine.
Date of Publication : 05/03/2015.
This review of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015) was written by Joanna B on 05 Jul 2015.
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has generally received mixed reviews.
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