In his first directorial endeavour since 1999's TOM'S MIDNIGHT GARDEN, writer/director/producer Willard Carroll followed the lead of 2004's BRIDE & PREJUDICE in attempting to take Bollywood aesthetics to a western audience. Independently produced but boasting strong production values and a recognisable Hollywood actress in the lead (Ali Larter), MARIGOLD (2007) is notable for taking a Hollywood star to India and putting a Bollywood leading man in the romantic lead of a film intended to reach a western audience. Sadly the film did not make an international star of Indian Salman Khan and in fact it was little seen. There are probably few people who have even heard of it, which is a shame. While it's less than perfect it's a pretty successful attempt at a Bollywood/Hollywood crossover and an entertaining romantic comedy in its own right.
27 Reviews
Not as bad as you may expect.
kastellos21 March 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I decided to watch this film because I generally enjoy some Indian films, especially the older and more "artsy" types of directors such as Benegal and Ray and the newer serious films of Nair, Chanda, etc. I thought, from its description, that this would be a lower quality Bollywood film, the type that I find tedious, overly long and sometimes downright silly.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. This is not a good film, but it may be worth watching for many. The primary theme "Love vs Tradition" is an old one, and overdone in Indian films, but it's a better theme to many than the good guys killing aliens or bad guys which seem to be the themes of most American films.
Larter is quite good, and she is the main reason for my score of a 5. You'll find her despicable in the beginning, and, although her "change" is predictable, she carries it off well, and by the end you are rooting for her. Khan, and most of the Indian cast are a bit too wooden. The music is only OK; I've seen better in many Bollywood films.
Give it a chance, and stick with it. It gets better as is goes on, the women's costumes are terrific and the scenes in Prem's home will make it worthwhile for some viewers, and Jane Austen endings are always nice.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. This is not a good film, but it may be worth watching for many. The primary theme "Love vs Tradition" is an old one, and overdone in Indian films, but it's a better theme to many than the good guys killing aliens or bad guys which seem to be the themes of most American films.
Larter is quite good, and she is the main reason for my score of a 5. You'll find her despicable in the beginning, and, although her "change" is predictable, she carries it off well, and by the end you are rooting for her. Khan, and most of the Indian cast are a bit too wooden. The music is only OK; I've seen better in many Bollywood films.
Give it a chance, and stick with it. It gets better as is goes on, the women's costumes are terrific and the scenes in Prem's home will make it worthwhile for some viewers, and Jane Austen endings are always nice.
Soggy Marigold biscuit in Indian Chai
danzs17 August 2007
OK, its basically our very own commonplace script of videshi girl falling for prince charming Indian boy, and predictable outcomes.
More was expected keeping in mind that the production is a foreign outlook to Bollywood but the end product is very insipid, boring and common. Nothing to look forward to and even Salman looks very lost at times.
Thank goodness it comes with a runtime of under 2 hours cause it makes the viewer feel minute tick.
Come on, most of our scripts of late have shown that they can be innovative and a bit bold, but Marigold is simply like the biscuit which gets soggy in your cup of chai rather than 'THE FLOWER'
More was expected keeping in mind that the production is a foreign outlook to Bollywood but the end product is very insipid, boring and common. Nothing to look forward to and even Salman looks very lost at times.
Thank goodness it comes with a runtime of under 2 hours cause it makes the viewer feel minute tick.
Come on, most of our scripts of late have shown that they can be innovative and a bit bold, but Marigold is simply like the biscuit which gets soggy in your cup of chai rather than 'THE FLOWER'
Ali Larter shines in this Bolly-Holly mess!
Chrysanthepop10 January 2008
'Marigold' is pretty much one of those typical bad Bollywood films with all the ingredients of exotic locations, excessive songs, over the top drama and acting, disapproving parents...etc etc. While I mentioned the exotic locations, they are beautifully shown here. I particularly liked how Goa looked somewhat different from other films. The songs are totally forgettable.
I wonder how many bad Bollywood films Carroll watched and copied to make this mess. Even the actors seem to be in a state of 'I can't believe I'm in a Hollywood film'. For example, take a look at Salman Khan who's grinning all through the film. It wouldn't take more than a second for one to bet that his thoughts were 'God! I'm actually working with a Hollywood star'. Ditto for the rest of the cast. Nandana Sen is especially funny (unintentionally of course) as she reminds me of a chicken.
Now let's get to the one person that makes 'Marigold' somewhat watchable. Ali Larter. The actress looks drop dead gorgeous in the traditional Indian outfits, she's spot on in the comic scenes and she really seems to have gotten under the skin of the character. I also liked how she gracefully performed the Bollywood dances, especially in the item number that takes place in the middle of the film where she's dancing with Raj and his co-star. The way she conveys her feelings to Salman's character in that same song is superb. 'Wouldn't mind watching her in more Hindi films although she's already doing great for herself in Hollywood. So if there is anything at all to look our for in this film, then it's Miss Larter. She's far from the typical caricature blonde white girl seen in the usual Bollywood films.
I wonder how many bad Bollywood films Carroll watched and copied to make this mess. Even the actors seem to be in a state of 'I can't believe I'm in a Hollywood film'. For example, take a look at Salman Khan who's grinning all through the film. It wouldn't take more than a second for one to bet that his thoughts were 'God! I'm actually working with a Hollywood star'. Ditto for the rest of the cast. Nandana Sen is especially funny (unintentionally of course) as she reminds me of a chicken.
Now let's get to the one person that makes 'Marigold' somewhat watchable. Ali Larter. The actress looks drop dead gorgeous in the traditional Indian outfits, she's spot on in the comic scenes and she really seems to have gotten under the skin of the character. I also liked how she gracefully performed the Bollywood dances, especially in the item number that takes place in the middle of the film where she's dancing with Raj and his co-star. The way she conveys her feelings to Salman's character in that same song is superb. 'Wouldn't mind watching her in more Hindi films although she's already doing great for herself in Hollywood. So if there is anything at all to look our for in this film, then it's Miss Larter. She's far from the typical caricature blonde white girl seen in the usual Bollywood films.
stereotypical Hollywood movie trying to make bollywood look bad...whats new?
chirag_shah77520 August 2007
wow...I just watched this movie...American people have this stereotypical view towards Hindi films such as, ALL Indian films have dances, songs and a love story....Its pathetic how far away from the truth that is. This film simply exposes the stereotypical western view of Hindi films. Horrible acting, horrible direction, horrible cinematography. And all this by a Hollywood director. Most Indian films today are much more content driven, realistic, touching and meaningful than this piece of crap. Indian cinema (not just Hindi) also cover a variety of different subjects. Just like most other Hollywood films these days, this shows a very stereotypical view of of another country, where truth is thrown out the window. This is a highly NOT recommended movie. Instead watch good Hindi films like black Friday, eklavya, omkara, khakee, awarapan, gangster, don, zakhm, dor, sholay, mother India, lagaan...Those films are what real Indian cinema are all about.
Marigold, at your own risk !
adityat-119 August 2007
To put in simple words or rather a word, would be best suited by PATHETIC !!!!!! The movie starts with attracting a little interest by the plot, but, BUT as few minutes by audience is getting restless for restrooms and getting snacks, or to get a breathe of fresh air outside the closed dark hall....
It seems like watching a movie from 1960's where colors were dull, directed by a debutant, and acted by high school students ! Movie revolves about a American high headed actress trying make a comeback into films by acting in one of the not-so-great Indian movie. Her acting is real Sad complimented by the worse dialogue delivery.
OverAll: i would not recommend anyone to watch this movie Still want to watch: Then try watching it at home, when some TV channel airs it, believe me it would be fun as this movie would not get a Single advertisement and no sponsors.
And better carry a aspirin, u might need it if you cant find a remote control to change channel ! p.s. I have no clue, if the other reviewers even watched the movie ? i did and wasted my $10 on the ticket !
It seems like watching a movie from 1960's where colors were dull, directed by a debutant, and acted by high school students ! Movie revolves about a American high headed actress trying make a comeback into films by acting in one of the not-so-great Indian movie. Her acting is real Sad complimented by the worse dialogue delivery.
OverAll: i would not recommend anyone to watch this movie Still want to watch: Then try watching it at home, when some TV channel airs it, believe me it would be fun as this movie would not get a Single advertisement and no sponsors.
And better carry a aspirin, u might need it if you cant find a remote control to change channel ! p.s. I have no clue, if the other reviewers even watched the movie ? i did and wasted my $10 on the ticket !
Marigold is a modern fairy tale
forummember7 August 2007
I saw Marigold at a preview showing a few days ago, and found it to be a thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable film. The film is about a not-so-successful American actress who goes to India to act in a low budget film, only to find herself stranded there when she finds on arrival that the film's financing has vanished, along with the producers and investors. A chance encounter with an Indian film shooting nearby leads her to be hired for a small dancer role in that. Since Indian films incorporate a significant amount of singing and dancing, this is a problem for Marigold, who has two left feet, not to mention a personality so tightly wound-up and thorny that she can hardly hear the music, let alone feel it, as Prem, the choreographer of the film, advices her to do.
But "prem" -- the word, not the person -- means "love", and Prem -- the person, not the word -- seems to embody that emotion in the way he deals with all around him, whether it be his production assistant friends who introduced Marigold to the shoot, the narcissistic and arrogant leads of the film, or the bitchy and uptight Marigold herself. Soon, under his expert tutelage and endearing treatment, Marigold finds her feet -- literally and figuratively.
I must say a word for those not familiar with the use of song and dance in Indian films. Unlike American musicals, the story progresses through these dance numbers, as plot developments unfold, and character transformations occur in parallel with the dancing. It should also be pointed out that Indian dance is about a lot more than mere movement. An essential part of it is the enactment of the dancer's feelings and emotions while telling the story of the dance. This is the main purpose of the dance and the dancer.
That Marigold reaches this stage of accomplishment is demonstrated in a stunning dance number about midway through, when Marigold, while performing the dance she is required to do for the film-within-the-film, also expresses her love for Prem. It is an amazing performance by Ali Larter, especially when one considers that she is not used to dancing in her films, or emoting her character's feelings via dance. It shows her skill as an actress, as well as how much hard work she has put into the role.
Of course no romantic film can work without a credible Prince Charming. Salman Khan, who plays the role of Prem, fits the role to a T. Even when it turns out that he is a Prince not so charming, he does not lose the audience's sympathy. Salman has been ruling Hindi cinema (sometimes called Bollywood) for many years now, and it is worth remembering that his first leading role was also as Prem. He is completely charming, sweet, adorable, sexy, and vulnerable. For those who have never encountered him on screen before, be prepared to be hit with mega doses of sheer magnetism! He and Ali Larter make a lovely pair, and are as well matched in their acting as in their appearance.
Will they manage to work out their problems? It doesn't seem possible as we hear the last song of the film, a lovely blending of fact and fantasy, reality and metaphor. The ending certainly took some of the audience I saw it with by surprise, but they were left satisfied. The songs are used very cleverly. They are in Hindi, unsubtitled, for the film-within-the-film sequences, and in English for other occasions. But their meaning is always clear from the context and choreography.
Marigold is a very satisfying romantic comedy -- yes, there is quite a bit of humor as well in it. The Indian locations and costumes give it a fairy tale quality, befitting a story which can be likened to a modern fairy tale.
If you are or have been curious about Indian cinema, but were hesitant to try it, this is an excellent introduction. It captures the color and vibrancy of Indian films, not only in the costumes and jewelry (which are quite impressive), but also in the lively dances and world sound music.
If you are a fan of Ali Larter, you should watch it for her excellent acting in portraying a selfish, demanding, "high-maintanance" woman who nevertheless has an inner attraction that inspires the love of two men. If you are a girl, you will enjoy admiring Ali's lovely costumes and ogling her hunk of a leading man. If you are a guy, you can not only admire Ali in her sexy costumes, but learn from Salman Khan what it takes to bring out the loving heart even from someone as edgy as Marigold.
But "prem" -- the word, not the person -- means "love", and Prem -- the person, not the word -- seems to embody that emotion in the way he deals with all around him, whether it be his production assistant friends who introduced Marigold to the shoot, the narcissistic and arrogant leads of the film, or the bitchy and uptight Marigold herself. Soon, under his expert tutelage and endearing treatment, Marigold finds her feet -- literally and figuratively.
I must say a word for those not familiar with the use of song and dance in Indian films. Unlike American musicals, the story progresses through these dance numbers, as plot developments unfold, and character transformations occur in parallel with the dancing. It should also be pointed out that Indian dance is about a lot more than mere movement. An essential part of it is the enactment of the dancer's feelings and emotions while telling the story of the dance. This is the main purpose of the dance and the dancer.
That Marigold reaches this stage of accomplishment is demonstrated in a stunning dance number about midway through, when Marigold, while performing the dance she is required to do for the film-within-the-film, also expresses her love for Prem. It is an amazing performance by Ali Larter, especially when one considers that she is not used to dancing in her films, or emoting her character's feelings via dance. It shows her skill as an actress, as well as how much hard work she has put into the role.
Of course no romantic film can work without a credible Prince Charming. Salman Khan, who plays the role of Prem, fits the role to a T. Even when it turns out that he is a Prince not so charming, he does not lose the audience's sympathy. Salman has been ruling Hindi cinema (sometimes called Bollywood) for many years now, and it is worth remembering that his first leading role was also as Prem. He is completely charming, sweet, adorable, sexy, and vulnerable. For those who have never encountered him on screen before, be prepared to be hit with mega doses of sheer magnetism! He and Ali Larter make a lovely pair, and are as well matched in their acting as in their appearance.
Will they manage to work out their problems? It doesn't seem possible as we hear the last song of the film, a lovely blending of fact and fantasy, reality and metaphor. The ending certainly took some of the audience I saw it with by surprise, but they were left satisfied. The songs are used very cleverly. They are in Hindi, unsubtitled, for the film-within-the-film sequences, and in English for other occasions. But their meaning is always clear from the context and choreography.
Marigold is a very satisfying romantic comedy -- yes, there is quite a bit of humor as well in it. The Indian locations and costumes give it a fairy tale quality, befitting a story which can be likened to a modern fairy tale.
If you are or have been curious about Indian cinema, but were hesitant to try it, this is an excellent introduction. It captures the color and vibrancy of Indian films, not only in the costumes and jewelry (which are quite impressive), but also in the lively dances and world sound music.
If you are a fan of Ali Larter, you should watch it for her excellent acting in portraying a selfish, demanding, "high-maintanance" woman who nevertheless has an inner attraction that inspires the love of two men. If you are a girl, you will enjoy admiring Ali's lovely costumes and ogling her hunk of a leading man. If you are a guy, you can not only admire Ali in her sexy costumes, but learn from Salman Khan what it takes to bring out the loving heart even from someone as edgy as Marigold.
Rashmi's review on marigold
rashmi-padhi9 April 2008
The basic plot of 'Marigold' boasts of a romantic comedy wherein the film industry is kept as a backdrop. An American actress Marigold, played by Ali Carter gets stuck in India. Worse that, she is out of money. She then decides to play a small role in a Bollywood musical, so that she can earn enough money to get back to her nation. Here she gets to meet Indian choreographer Prem, played by Salman Khan. Basically, the movie fails at the script level. Just by calling a film a Hollywood venture doesn't guarantee quality cinema. Marigold stands out as the best example. The art direction is weak and outdated. Musically, Marigold turns out to be a dud. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's is far from being acknowledged as a decent hear. Actingwise, Salman delivers of his most amateurish performances till date. Ali Larter is good and has immense screen presence. Performance wise too, she is good.
One can also find good reviews regarding this movie at http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=36310
One can also find good reviews regarding this movie at http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=36310
Salman Khan, Ali Larter: happy meeting of Bollywood and Hollywood
VirginiaK_NYC25 May 2007
Marigold is by far the best "outsider's" take on Bollywood I have ever seen. (I didn't grow up with Bollywood, but I've seen a few hundred of them now.) I'd say it leaves Gurinder Chadha, Mira Nair, and even Merchant and Ivory (of Bombay Talkie) almost in the dust. Willard Carroll, the director, really loves Bollywood, and he has the self-confidence to allow us to know it - there's humor, but no arch, ironic distancing, no "of course I don't really mean this" stuff. As Jerry Lee Lewis would say, he "gets it," and so he can let us have it too - the joy of a Bollywood movie experience, along with touches that are supplied by a westerner's stepping into the story-teller's role.
It's a story about a caustic, bitchy, beautiful American B movie actress (she's only been in movies with numbers in their titles, like Fatal Attraction 3) who finds herself in a different Bollywood movie from the one she went to India to be in (Kama Sutra 3 has folded its tents while she was en route, apparently because its producers are now in jail). Salman Khan, in real life a Bollywood mega-mega star, is the dancing master of the delightful written-on-the-fly movie she has now been pulled into ("is this before or after I go blind?"), and through the sweetness of his mildly psychically gifted character, she learns more than how to find her inner ecstatic dancing ability.
The strong beginning gives you both Bollywood - a super-energetic troupe of dancers in front of the Taj Mahal (both funny an familiar to the western viewer, as well as providing the high-velocity musical thrill we love in a Hindi movie), and Salman on screen from the outset - no Bollywood 20 minute wait for the hero. He has on an Indian costume embellished with Kit Carson-style Western movie fringe (all in white).
Ali Larter's actress character is pleasing to the western viewer - she's blonde, which is "traditional" for a "white" person in a Bollywood movie, and visually understandable casting - but she's a robust girl, not the ethereal kind of blondie we're usually presented with, and she's a more or less three-dimensional total bitch, carrying on profane and abusive cell-phone conversations with a boyfriend and agent in the US.
We also have scenes of women who are having problems with each other going out to a bar to deal with them - the capacity for people not getting along to relate and have emotional conversations is traditional in Hindi movies, but we seldom see much of any such thing going on between women (other than the discussion between mother and daughter about the daughter's choice of groom), let alone "strangers" - unrelated people - let alone bar-going. So the spirit is the same, the details are fresh, and I was completely delighted by this.
I only saw it once, at a preview showing, attended by the director, a fine speaker and question-answerer - he and Salman got to be "brother-like" good friends over the making of it, he loves India, he has plans to make a Wizard of Oz movie in India. I can't get too detailed about songs when I've seen them just once, except to say I liked them all. They range from a happy parody of the Bollywood number in the movie-within-the-movie - the ladies' costumes, with Leghorn hats and seashell-cased bodices (it's a beach scene) on flowy dresses - are worth the cost of a ticket alone -- to a lovely reflective many-scened romantic song in a sadder and more serious part of the movie.
Mix of Hindi and English in the music, and it works.
Salman Khan gets a lot of credit from me for openness to unusual projects - this and Jaan-e-Mann - and good judgment about which ones to be in. Carroll said he was full of suggestions and ideas all along the way, and totally fine (i.e. not narcissistic at all) whether Carroll accepted or rejected them - clearly just a pro who loves being involved and collaborating.
It's a story about a caustic, bitchy, beautiful American B movie actress (she's only been in movies with numbers in their titles, like Fatal Attraction 3) who finds herself in a different Bollywood movie from the one she went to India to be in (Kama Sutra 3 has folded its tents while she was en route, apparently because its producers are now in jail). Salman Khan, in real life a Bollywood mega-mega star, is the dancing master of the delightful written-on-the-fly movie she has now been pulled into ("is this before or after I go blind?"), and through the sweetness of his mildly psychically gifted character, she learns more than how to find her inner ecstatic dancing ability.
The strong beginning gives you both Bollywood - a super-energetic troupe of dancers in front of the Taj Mahal (both funny an familiar to the western viewer, as well as providing the high-velocity musical thrill we love in a Hindi movie), and Salman on screen from the outset - no Bollywood 20 minute wait for the hero. He has on an Indian costume embellished with Kit Carson-style Western movie fringe (all in white).
Ali Larter's actress character is pleasing to the western viewer - she's blonde, which is "traditional" for a "white" person in a Bollywood movie, and visually understandable casting - but she's a robust girl, not the ethereal kind of blondie we're usually presented with, and she's a more or less three-dimensional total bitch, carrying on profane and abusive cell-phone conversations with a boyfriend and agent in the US.
We also have scenes of women who are having problems with each other going out to a bar to deal with them - the capacity for people not getting along to relate and have emotional conversations is traditional in Hindi movies, but we seldom see much of any such thing going on between women (other than the discussion between mother and daughter about the daughter's choice of groom), let alone "strangers" - unrelated people - let alone bar-going. So the spirit is the same, the details are fresh, and I was completely delighted by this.
I only saw it once, at a preview showing, attended by the director, a fine speaker and question-answerer - he and Salman got to be "brother-like" good friends over the making of it, he loves India, he has plans to make a Wizard of Oz movie in India. I can't get too detailed about songs when I've seen them just once, except to say I liked them all. They range from a happy parody of the Bollywood number in the movie-within-the-movie - the ladies' costumes, with Leghorn hats and seashell-cased bodices (it's a beach scene) on flowy dresses - are worth the cost of a ticket alone -- to a lovely reflective many-scened romantic song in a sadder and more serious part of the movie.
Mix of Hindi and English in the music, and it works.
Salman Khan gets a lot of credit from me for openness to unusual projects - this and Jaan-e-Mann - and good judgment about which ones to be in. Carroll said he was full of suggestions and ideas all along the way, and totally fine (i.e. not narcissistic at all) whether Carroll accepted or rejected them - clearly just a pro who loves being involved and collaborating.
Hollywood fish-out-of-water diva meets Bollywood duty-bound-son in Willard Carroll's charming amalgamation of the two film genres
mizzuzk16 August 2007
Mention Bollywood to anyone with a slight familiarity with the genre and the images usually conjured up are of tacky, over the top musical numbers peopled with costuming that makes Vegas seem a bastion of conservatism. This perception is not helped by the whiff of condescension that permeates most movies that have approached Bollywood from an outsider's perspective. Willard Carroll's romantic comedy Marigold, however takes a different tack. It is not a nudge-nudge wink-wink look at those silly people and their clueless antics but a sincere appreciation of Bollywood for its vitality, its lack of irony and self-consciousness.
It is obvious that the director has a tremendous affection and respect for Bollywood while at the same time is bemused by its kitschier aspects. And if you have a familiarity with Bollywood, you can appreciate what he does here in making a true hybrid of Bollywood and Hollywood movie conventions. From one of the opening shots, a flashback of the Salman character as a child by the sea, talking with his grandmother (played by Helen! - how many Salman movies start with this same premise?) to the flashback sequence that is incorporated into the movie that Marigold and Prem has been filming, anyone who has seen enough Bollywood movies will recognize these references. The story itself incorporates tried and true conventions from both Hollywood and Bollywood as well the fish out of water meets duty-to-one's-family-at the expense of personal fulfillment. The structure of the film follows the typical Bollywood plot line of the more comical set up of the first half giving way to a more dramatic resolution of the second. Yet ultimately the sensibility of the film is that of Hollywood, with its understated, wry humor and its story of a woman learning to believe in herself, to reach self-affirmation.
You couldn't have a movie inspired by Bollywood if there weren't any musical numbers and this movie does not disappoint with seven of them. Unlike Bollywood, however, the songs do not pop out of nowhere and transport its characters to a European locale or Goan beach; they exist as musical numbers that are part of the film that is being made, reminiscent of how musical numbers were justified in Busby Berkeley movies as being part of a stage show. Or they come out of a situation where music already has a reason to be there a sexy nightclub scene where Prem teaches Marigold to dance or a beach scene where there are musicians (including a cameo from the playback singer Shaan) performing. All reflect the emotional state of the protagonists at that point in the movie. Often the music will take a conventional song from one genre and put a twist on it from the other. So in one of the highlights of the film where Marigold comes into her own, the song picturazation is fairly typical of its genre the female star singing and dancing among a line of women but in this case it's blond Ali Larter looking like a total natural Bollywood film star, emoting and lip synching to the Hindi lyrics with no subtitles.
Also synonymous with Bollywood are sumptuous visuals and Marigold fulfills that aspect beautifully thanks to some of the top talent working in Bollywood today. The cinematographer is Anil Mehta who was also the cinematographer for Lagaan and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The choreographer is Vaibhavi Merchant and production designer is Nitin Desai, both from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas. You can really see the influence of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam on this film in fact, the illuminated floor in one of the numbers was originally from Dholi Taro Dhol, which coincidentally has an embedded Marigold pattern.
As for the cast, Carroll obviously has a penchant for spotting acting talent as evidenced by Playing by Heart one of the first movies for both Angelina Jolie and Ryanne Phillippe. And in this film he again hits the mark with Ali Larter. One of the main reasons the film works is because of Larter. She makes a bitchy, unappealing character sympathetic and her subsequent transformation believable and she is smart, funny, and sexy because she is smart and funny. She and Salman share excellent chemistry and that is one of the film's biggest strengths.
Salman Khan plays the role of Prince Charming here as filtered through his iconic role as Prem. This is old school Prem, however, so expect a quiet, subdued Salman - those used to him in his usual stripping avatar may be disappointed or relieved! It's a sincere and sensitive performance from him marred only by poor enunciation of his English lines.
With a refreshing lack of cynicism and unabashed embrace of romantic love, the film is a love letter to Bollywood and Hollywood movies of yore.
It is obvious that the director has a tremendous affection and respect for Bollywood while at the same time is bemused by its kitschier aspects. And if you have a familiarity with Bollywood, you can appreciate what he does here in making a true hybrid of Bollywood and Hollywood movie conventions. From one of the opening shots, a flashback of the Salman character as a child by the sea, talking with his grandmother (played by Helen! - how many Salman movies start with this same premise?) to the flashback sequence that is incorporated into the movie that Marigold and Prem has been filming, anyone who has seen enough Bollywood movies will recognize these references. The story itself incorporates tried and true conventions from both Hollywood and Bollywood as well the fish out of water meets duty-to-one's-family-at the expense of personal fulfillment. The structure of the film follows the typical Bollywood plot line of the more comical set up of the first half giving way to a more dramatic resolution of the second. Yet ultimately the sensibility of the film is that of Hollywood, with its understated, wry humor and its story of a woman learning to believe in herself, to reach self-affirmation.
You couldn't have a movie inspired by Bollywood if there weren't any musical numbers and this movie does not disappoint with seven of them. Unlike Bollywood, however, the songs do not pop out of nowhere and transport its characters to a European locale or Goan beach; they exist as musical numbers that are part of the film that is being made, reminiscent of how musical numbers were justified in Busby Berkeley movies as being part of a stage show. Or they come out of a situation where music already has a reason to be there a sexy nightclub scene where Prem teaches Marigold to dance or a beach scene where there are musicians (including a cameo from the playback singer Shaan) performing. All reflect the emotional state of the protagonists at that point in the movie. Often the music will take a conventional song from one genre and put a twist on it from the other. So in one of the highlights of the film where Marigold comes into her own, the song picturazation is fairly typical of its genre the female star singing and dancing among a line of women but in this case it's blond Ali Larter looking like a total natural Bollywood film star, emoting and lip synching to the Hindi lyrics with no subtitles.
Also synonymous with Bollywood are sumptuous visuals and Marigold fulfills that aspect beautifully thanks to some of the top talent working in Bollywood today. The cinematographer is Anil Mehta who was also the cinematographer for Lagaan and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The choreographer is Vaibhavi Merchant and production designer is Nitin Desai, both from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas. You can really see the influence of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam on this film in fact, the illuminated floor in one of the numbers was originally from Dholi Taro Dhol, which coincidentally has an embedded Marigold pattern.
As for the cast, Carroll obviously has a penchant for spotting acting talent as evidenced by Playing by Heart one of the first movies for both Angelina Jolie and Ryanne Phillippe. And in this film he again hits the mark with Ali Larter. One of the main reasons the film works is because of Larter. She makes a bitchy, unappealing character sympathetic and her subsequent transformation believable and she is smart, funny, and sexy because she is smart and funny. She and Salman share excellent chemistry and that is one of the film's biggest strengths.
Salman Khan plays the role of Prince Charming here as filtered through his iconic role as Prem. This is old school Prem, however, so expect a quiet, subdued Salman - those used to him in his usual stripping avatar may be disappointed or relieved! It's a sincere and sensitive performance from him marred only by poor enunciation of his English lines.
With a refreshing lack of cynicism and unabashed embrace of romantic love, the film is a love letter to Bollywood and Hollywood movies of yore.
Salman how could you.
bjk194916 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I really like Salman Kahn so I was really disappointed when I seen this movie. It didn't have much of a plot and what they did have was not that appealing. Salman however did look good in the movie looked young and refreshed but was worth the price of this DVD. The music was not bad it was quite nice. Usually Indian movies are at least two to three hours long but this was a very short movie for an Indian film. The American actress that played in the movie is from the television hit series Heroes, Ali Larter. Her acting had a lot to be desired. However she did look good in the Indian dresses that she wore. All the movie had not a lot to be desired and I hope Salman does a lot better on his next movie. Thank you.
Surprisingly good film!
MidnightWarrior9 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I just finished watching Marigold today and I'll begin by saying that I found this DVD on the shelves of Blockbuster. While strolling around looking for something new and good to watch, the picture of Ali Larter caught my attention.
After drooling over Ali Larter, I picked up the cover and continued to glance around the cover. From the looks of it, I thought the costumes were a bit over the top. And then I saw the other Indians on the cover and figured this was some kind of spoof film or something like that.
When I flipped over the the synopsis part and saw Salman Khan, I did a double take. Salman Khan in an American film with Ali Larter in a DVD at Blockbuster? Because Salman Khan is to Bollywood films like Mel Gibson is to Hollywood films, I had very high expectations for this film: it HAD to be good! I am very pleased to say that Marigold is a phenomenal film! It far exceeded any and all of my personal expectations!
I suppose a film like this is what happens when you have a decent script, a talented, experienced, knowledgeable and goal oriented director, two incredible actors playing the lead roles and just a very hard working supporting cast and crew! Khan and Larter appear to have really great chemistry together and both shine on the big screen: they look really good together. The musical numbers weren't bad at all, which was surprising, considering how cheesy and long Indian films' musicals are these days. And you'll be happy to know that the Indian costumes are very far from being cheesy as you'll get.
The beginning of the film was kind of slow, the middle was really good, the scenes leading to the climax were pretty dramatic, but the ending was just awesome! I have a few gripes and complaints about the DVD, however. While I loved the widescreen aspect ratio of the DVD, I didn't like the fact that several other things were left out of the DVD. For starters, there are no subtitles. Now English being my first language, it's not a problem. However, when some of the Indian actors and actresses spoke, it was (at times) difficult to understand what they were saying; captioning would have helped.
Another thing that I would have appreciated on the DVD would be a blooper reel or some kind of collection of outtakes. And lastly, how about a menu feature that would allow us to skip right to the musical numbers? Man, some of those songs were really good! On the flip side, I throughly enjoyed watching the making of Marigold.
I have tons more to say regarding the awesomeness of this film and how much I liked it, but I don't have the time nor do I want to keep on writing why I enjoyed it so much. I hope that Salman Khan does more English films in addition to his Hindi films and I certainly hope this Hindi film will not be Ali Larter's last Bollywood film. And I encourage the director to continue making Bollywood film hybrids featuring Salman Khan, Ali Larter and other big name actors - just make sure the scripts are original and good.
10/10 - this is just a great love story film that your entire family can enjoy!
After drooling over Ali Larter, I picked up the cover and continued to glance around the cover. From the looks of it, I thought the costumes were a bit over the top. And then I saw the other Indians on the cover and figured this was some kind of spoof film or something like that.
When I flipped over the the synopsis part and saw Salman Khan, I did a double take. Salman Khan in an American film with Ali Larter in a DVD at Blockbuster? Because Salman Khan is to Bollywood films like Mel Gibson is to Hollywood films, I had very high expectations for this film: it HAD to be good! I am very pleased to say that Marigold is a phenomenal film! It far exceeded any and all of my personal expectations!
I suppose a film like this is what happens when you have a decent script, a talented, experienced, knowledgeable and goal oriented director, two incredible actors playing the lead roles and just a very hard working supporting cast and crew! Khan and Larter appear to have really great chemistry together and both shine on the big screen: they look really good together. The musical numbers weren't bad at all, which was surprising, considering how cheesy and long Indian films' musicals are these days. And you'll be happy to know that the Indian costumes are very far from being cheesy as you'll get.
The beginning of the film was kind of slow, the middle was really good, the scenes leading to the climax were pretty dramatic, but the ending was just awesome! I have a few gripes and complaints about the DVD, however. While I loved the widescreen aspect ratio of the DVD, I didn't like the fact that several other things were left out of the DVD. For starters, there are no subtitles. Now English being my first language, it's not a problem. However, when some of the Indian actors and actresses spoke, it was (at times) difficult to understand what they were saying; captioning would have helped.
Another thing that I would have appreciated on the DVD would be a blooper reel or some kind of collection of outtakes. And lastly, how about a menu feature that would allow us to skip right to the musical numbers? Man, some of those songs were really good! On the flip side, I throughly enjoyed watching the making of Marigold.
I have tons more to say regarding the awesomeness of this film and how much I liked it, but I don't have the time nor do I want to keep on writing why I enjoyed it so much. I hope that Salman Khan does more English films in addition to his Hindi films and I certainly hope this Hindi film will not be Ali Larter's last Bollywood film. And I encourage the director to continue making Bollywood film hybrids featuring Salman Khan, Ali Larter and other big name actors - just make sure the scripts are original and good.
10/10 - this is just a great love story film that your entire family can enjoy!
A charming modern fairy-tale of love across two cultures
JaynaB21 January 2015
This movie exceeded my expectations.
For the first ten minutes i was not sure I'd even finish watching. Ali Larter's character was thoroughly unpleasant and it looked like the whole movie would be filled with characters of pure plastic.
Instead, I was drawn into a surprisingly sophisticated blending of two cultures' film-making styles, with a modern romance melding almost seamlessly with the Hindi dance scenes being filmed for a movie-within-the-movie whose story line, as with many Bollywood films, was a myth-based love story well-spiced with humour.
Although the title character sped from ultra-entitled bitch to sweet, yearning young woman in love (about as fast as her learning to dance stunningly in a mix of Hindi style and American freestyle), the rest of the story flowed well enough to temporarily smother my natural incredulity about ancient family traditions being set aside for pretty blonds.
This is a fairy tale, after all, a nice blending of movie-making and mythos in both Hollywood and Bollywood, that should not be taken for a realistic portrayal of either culture, but for a charming story of love that will make you laugh as often as cry.
For the first ten minutes i was not sure I'd even finish watching. Ali Larter's character was thoroughly unpleasant and it looked like the whole movie would be filled with characters of pure plastic.
Instead, I was drawn into a surprisingly sophisticated blending of two cultures' film-making styles, with a modern romance melding almost seamlessly with the Hindi dance scenes being filmed for a movie-within-the-movie whose story line, as with many Bollywood films, was a myth-based love story well-spiced with humour.
Although the title character sped from ultra-entitled bitch to sweet, yearning young woman in love (about as fast as her learning to dance stunningly in a mix of Hindi style and American freestyle), the rest of the story flowed well enough to temporarily smother my natural incredulity about ancient family traditions being set aside for pretty blonds.
This is a fairy tale, after all, a nice blending of movie-making and mythos in both Hollywood and Bollywood, that should not be taken for a realistic portrayal of either culture, but for a charming story of love that will make you laugh as often as cry.
This movie shows an American actress gets stuck in India and since she is a bit broke she decides to play in a Bollywood movie!
auhabib12 October 2009
To me Bollywood movies are not generally up to much, though they are still quite desired and Bollywood is a big file maker as they have their own fans.
The only motive that made me watch the movie was to see to what extent an American actress could change or affect the logic that Indian movie were based on. Not only did not it change the movie story also this blending caused some ridiculous series of events.
I mean it is quite common to see heaps of illogical things through Indian movies as they have their own world in their movies. But once you see such incidents happen to an American it makes you laugh. For God's sake can you believe a famous American actress is stuck in desperate situation and feel impotent. Can you imagine an American actress falls in loves with a dance instructor whose fiancée already fell in love with American's boy friend and they met each other at the same time. There were lot of similar things to mention. the less said the better.
Perhaps I was wrong as I expected too much from Indian Movies.
The only motive that made me watch the movie was to see to what extent an American actress could change or affect the logic that Indian movie were based on. Not only did not it change the movie story also this blending caused some ridiculous series of events.
I mean it is quite common to see heaps of illogical things through Indian movies as they have their own world in their movies. But once you see such incidents happen to an American it makes you laugh. For God's sake can you believe a famous American actress is stuck in desperate situation and feel impotent. Can you imagine an American actress falls in loves with a dance instructor whose fiancée already fell in love with American's boy friend and they met each other at the same time. There were lot of similar things to mention. the less said the better.
Perhaps I was wrong as I expected too much from Indian Movies.
Predictable, but unpretentious and entertaining
Jeffrey-14712 November 2011
I'm less engaged by movies that pretend to be more than they are, and fail. This one promises little, and delivers more. It's an unpretentious, even if contrived, love story, featuring an egocentric American girl who learns humility under adverse circumstances. There are generally sympathetic, even if predictable characters, picturesque settings, beautiful faces, lively dances, and engaging music. Eye candy throughout. Provides a somewhat antiseptic window into Indian culture... but at least it's something. Not a bad introduction to Bollywood musicals, either.
I'm grateful not to be so sophisticated and urbane in my tastes that I'm unable to enjoy it. It's just simple fun; nothing more.
I'm grateful not to be so sophisticated and urbane in my tastes that I'm unable to enjoy it. It's just simple fun; nothing more.
Must see for Ian Bohen fans!
bpeck137 October 2008
Warning: Spoilers
If you have ever seen a Bollywood movie, you know they are longer than most movies due to the multiple song and dance routines (each one is over five minutes long). Fortunately, this one has fewer song and dance routines and fits into the "standard" movie length. Don't get me wrong, I like Bollywood movies, but tend to fast forward through the song and dance portions. I bought this DVD because I am an Ian Bohen fan. Although his role wasn't as large as I hoped, he still had a good amount of screen time. And his character was much different than his other roles.
Overall, this was a good movie. Like most Bollywood movies, there is at least one element of controversy/conflict of the traditional Indian culture. But true love triumphs over adversity and a happy ending is had by all.
Overall, this was a good movie. Like most Bollywood movies, there is at least one element of controversy/conflict of the traditional Indian culture. But true love triumphs over adversity and a happy ending is had by all.
Clicked for me (great music/dancing)
stevedm-119 August 2008
I had no expectations (never saw previews for "Marigold") and enjoyed the characters, contemporary music, and sharp dancing in this light-hearted movie. Even though 98% of the dialog is English (great thing for me), I wish the DVD had subtitles to help with some of the quick moments when the character's accent can be difficult to understand. I wouldn't judge this movie against Bollywood films, but just on it's own merits as fun entertainment (a musical people movie).
I'm hooked on Ali Larter as an actress (and her interviews in the Bonus Material indicate she is a nice person). I have since watched this movie several times (gets better each time).
I'm hooked on Ali Larter as an actress (and her interviews in the Bonus Material indicate she is a nice person). I have since watched this movie several times (gets better each time).
Light, romantic, improbable....typical Bollywood, ha!
inkblot1114 February 2012
Marigold (Ali Larter) is a struggling American actress who appears in less-than-stellar films like Fatal Attraction 3. Now, her agent has sent her to India to make a minor film, but when she arrives, the movie crew has shut down production. In addition, her plane ticket was one way only. Not having the funds to return to the States, Marigold accepts an offer from a Bollywood director to appear in a musical, therefore, earning a paycheck. But, alas, Marigold is not the good dancer she needs to be! Another Bollywood star, Prem (Salman Khan) takes her under his wing. Soon, Marigold has "moves", so much so that the beautiful Hindi co-actress gets upset and demands her part be larger. Marigold is stunned, too, when Prem's interest in her, an American, turns ardent. As he explains, his psychic mother once told him he would meet a lovely Marigold, more beautiful than the flower. At first somewhat resistant, due to a boyfriend in the States named Barry, our Marigold falls for Prem, too. But, since he is the son of a Prince and has been promised, since childhood, to wed a gorgeous Hindu lady, will their romance go anywhere? We'll see. This light, romantic and improbable film resembles a typical product of Bollywood, a maker of an abundance of movies. The stars, Larter and Khan, are extremely attractive actors, as is most of the cast. If you like beautiful human beings, here is a film for you. Also wonderful are the scenery and photography, showing an India of incredible loveliness, without a glimpse of poverty. Since the script and direction are acceptable but not especially noteworthy, only fans of light romance will probably enjoy it. You know who you are, right?
Listen to the Music
soul_muse22 August 2011
Marigold the movie introduced me to two fine actors, Salmon Khan and Ali Larter. Since then I have followed occasional news of other movies the two stars have appeared in. I was surprised to see Ali Larter in Resident Evil, Afterlife. Now Salman Khan's new movie Bodyguard should be appearing in India very soon. I hope it comes to the United States soon.
I like the movie Marigold, it is a simple basic love story, and I like seeing land marks and sights in India. The costumes are so awesome and the dance choreography so beautiful. If you are into dance movies, then this is a movie for you. As well, I really do enjoy the dancing musicals which come out of India. This one is really good because it has comedy in it and a tug and go between the two stars.
What I really want to know is, who are the singers of the songs in the soundtrack. Does anyone know? I haven't a clue, except I read that Ali Larter sang Listen to the Music, in the closing credits, although the closing credits are so tiny, it was difficult to read if Salmon Khan did any of the singing.
Bravo, Hollywood meets Bollywood.
Don't listen to any of the bad reviews.
Just listen to the Music.
I like the movie Marigold, it is a simple basic love story, and I like seeing land marks and sights in India. The costumes are so awesome and the dance choreography so beautiful. If you are into dance movies, then this is a movie for you. As well, I really do enjoy the dancing musicals which come out of India. This one is really good because it has comedy in it and a tug and go between the two stars.
What I really want to know is, who are the singers of the songs in the soundtrack. Does anyone know? I haven't a clue, except I read that Ali Larter sang Listen to the Music, in the closing credits, although the closing credits are so tiny, it was difficult to read if Salmon Khan did any of the singing.
Bravo, Hollywood meets Bollywood.
Don't listen to any of the bad reviews.
Just listen to the Music.
Wouldn't Universally Recommend
GypsiB7 February 2018
In this Hollywood/Bollywood "crossover" film, Marigold (Ali Larter), a vain and spoiled American actress arrives in India to star in a film. When it is cancelled, she has the good luck to make a friend and find another movie. On the set, she meets Prem (Salman Khan), whose gentleness and kindness help her to change, and they fall in love. Prem has a secret, however, that will prevent their happiness.
The cute plot is typical Bollywood, with both romance and drama. Songs were average, but did nothing to advance the plot; the choreography was generally good, though. The costumes, particularly Marigold's, were gorgeous. Khan's role was stereotypical and two dimensional, giving him little scope for acting. Larter did a good job being unlikable, but did it so well that it was hard to warm to Marigold even after her personal transformation. Sadly, Khan and Larter did not have good chemistry.
Other problems I had include finding the personality change to be too abrupt and not credible, and disbelieving that Prem could fall for Marigold before this change. By suspending belief on those points, I was able to enjoy most of the film, but it's not one I would universally recommend.
The cute plot is typical Bollywood, with both romance and drama. Songs were average, but did nothing to advance the plot; the choreography was generally good, though. The costumes, particularly Marigold's, were gorgeous. Khan's role was stereotypical and two dimensional, giving him little scope for acting. Larter did a good job being unlikable, but did it so well that it was hard to warm to Marigold even after her personal transformation. Sadly, Khan and Larter did not have good chemistry.
Other problems I had include finding the personality change to be too abrupt and not credible, and disbelieving that Prem could fall for Marigold before this change. By suspending belief on those points, I was able to enjoy most of the film, but it's not one I would universally recommend.
Sorry, I think it's dreadful
dbh8508 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Maybe I'm too old for this sort of story - it would well fit an American film for 12 year old girls, I expect. I am an American female, close to 60. Therein lies my problem. I am not an unkind person and I hate the thought of hurting someone. I see the same fellow wrote and directed it. I feel bad to say this about a project that he worked so hard on. Truly. But I must say this.
Film comments:
I thought it might be insulting to Indians - and I'm weary of the entitled, rude, thoughtless, bitchy American. Ugh. That's a tired cliché.
I felt too many of the Indians were portrayed as immature, insecure, unprofessional, bumbling idiots. Another tired cliché.
I can't address the acting at all - the writing was so terrible. Two couples fall in "love" after VERY brief acquaintance. The cultures are very different from each other. To MARRY a person in a different country with SUCH different cultures - I worry for the futures of these couples. I would be concerned that once they start having children, they will each wish to pull the children into their respective cultures. I've seen this happen to many couples who were from very different cultures. It's a very sad thing to see.
And honestly - what did Marigold show of herself that would compel ANYONE to "love" her? She was a horrible person - selfish, entitled, etc. Any man who would feel he had fallen in love with her has a serious problem. Maybe it's a rescue fantasy. Maybe self-hatred. I don't know. But I cannot see any emotionally healthy person falling in love with someone who is so rude and disrespectful of the feelings of others. And such brief acquaintance - especially the other couple that married.
I might have loved this when I was 12. But in my late 50s, I'm just glad I was doing work on my computer while I had it on. If not, I would want my time back!
Film comments:
I thought it might be insulting to Indians - and I'm weary of the entitled, rude, thoughtless, bitchy American. Ugh. That's a tired cliché.
I felt too many of the Indians were portrayed as immature, insecure, unprofessional, bumbling idiots. Another tired cliché.
I can't address the acting at all - the writing was so terrible. Two couples fall in "love" after VERY brief acquaintance. The cultures are very different from each other. To MARRY a person in a different country with SUCH different cultures - I worry for the futures of these couples. I would be concerned that once they start having children, they will each wish to pull the children into their respective cultures. I've seen this happen to many couples who were from very different cultures. It's a very sad thing to see.
And honestly - what did Marigold show of herself that would compel ANYONE to "love" her? She was a horrible person - selfish, entitled, etc. Any man who would feel he had fallen in love with her has a serious problem. Maybe it's a rescue fantasy. Maybe self-hatred. I don't know. But I cannot see any emotionally healthy person falling in love with someone who is so rude and disrespectful of the feelings of others. And such brief acquaintance - especially the other couple that married.
I might have loved this when I was 12. But in my late 50s, I'm just glad I was doing work on my computer while I had it on. If not, I would want my time back!
Pleasant love story
Kingslaay28 April 2017
I was somewhat impressed with Marigold, it did not follow a silly formula that directors use when making Indian related films. We got a glimpse of Indian culture and saw how a stuck up American actress was humbled and overwhelmed by the rich Indian culture. She also finds love along the way. The story is entirely believable unlike the joke that was Slumdog Millionaire because foreign actresses can be expected to travel to India for filming commercials or short films. Salman Khan was excellent and showed why he has great talent by effortlessly playing the simple yet wealthy person.
Some parts are annoying as it seems they can't make a Indian associated film without unnecessary dance scenes and outdated stereotypes like arranged marriages. This acted to diminish the film. Overall still good.
Some parts are annoying as it seems they can't make a Indian associated film without unnecessary dance scenes and outdated stereotypes like arranged marriages. This acted to diminish the film. Overall still good.
A Cross-Cultural Experiment That Works!
lkm-715-54058813 September 2016
Loved the sense of humor, the incredible dancing, the music, the costumes, and the international cast of actors. Good energy runs through this film, making it a great family pic. This movie is smart too -- watch for references to Gandhi at his spinning wheel, Busby Berkeley, Fred & Ginger, and many more subtle touches, both funny and sobering. Loved the image of the black Taj Mahal next to the white one. There are several divas besides Marigold, the main character, who shine in their own ways. And the divos (male divas, of course!) are excellent.
Worth watching again and again. Beautifully done, very much recommended.
Worth watching again and again. Beautifully done, very much recommended.
Not nutritious but sweet
petrelet23 November 2012
I ran across this on cable and thought it was a sweet, frothy, feel-good pleasure. Apparently people either like this movie pretty well or they hate it. But it seems to me that people who hate it are mostly judging it by the standards of excellence of the "Bollywood tradition". I know nothing of this tradition so maybe they're all correct. Also I don't think that it teaches me as a North American anything about the Indian film industry, or the socioeconomic realities of India, and I plead nolo contendre if you accuse me of coddling stereotypes about the universal desirability of sexy American blondes.
A couple other people say that this is basically like a Disney movie for twelve-year-old girls. Leaving aside the gender stereotyping for a moment I actually think they're pretty close to the mark in terms of the sensibility of it all. But sometimes you are just in the mood for cotton candy, okay? Not everything has to be a veggie burger on a whole-grain bun. And for cotton candy I think it's pretty good. There is enough witty stuff in the screenplay that for me it sort of jazzes up the formulaic, stereotypical and predictable stuff. So put me down on the right-hand side of this bimodal distribution.
A couple other people say that this is basically like a Disney movie for twelve-year-old girls. Leaving aside the gender stereotyping for a moment I actually think they're pretty close to the mark in terms of the sensibility of it all. But sometimes you are just in the mood for cotton candy, okay? Not everything has to be a veggie burger on a whole-grain bun. And for cotton candy I think it's pretty good. There is enough witty stuff in the screenplay that for me it sort of jazzes up the formulaic, stereotypical and predictable stuff. So put me down on the right-hand side of this bimodal distribution.
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