Movie Review - The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel *** (out of 5) (PG) In 2011, the first film arrived as a lovely dramedy about a handful of elderly Brits finding a surprising second go-round in the dilapidated remnants of a once-elegant Indian hotel, run by a charmingly earnest young fellow (Dev Patel). Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith and Celia Imrie headed the stellar cast of seniors whose final fling wound up opening new doors. This one continues their journeys with Patel about to marry, and hoping to expand to a second property with outside financing, and Smith’s guidance. That adds David Strathairn as the potential backer and Richard Gere, who may or may not be visiting the property as his covert agent.

As sequels go, this one carries the banner fairly well, with less drop-off than most. Director John Madden and writer Ol Parker return for these further adventures of their original cast. Smith’s tart one-liners are among the highlights. She certainly delivers most of the film’s biggest laughs. Other subplots swirl among the residents, along with Patel’s personal and career crises. Again, India provides a wonderful backdrop of sights and sounds for this deep and gifted cast. Older viewers will be particularly delighted by the chance to see these veterans thrive in roles that defy their ages, without tilting too far into fantasy. No over-the-hill action heroes making one too many trips to the well; just relatable people trying to make the best of whatever time they have left. And that’s a good idea at any age. (3/6/15)