The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015) User Reviews

Warm, funny......and uplifting

[stephcl · 8/10 · 27 February 2015]

I took my mum to watch this as she is the same age as the characters so identifies with them and plot. But I equally found it a positive take on the opportunities in old age albeit in an exotic somewhat fantastical environment. It does acknowledge the downsides of getting old but sends the message that these will occur anyway.......but the good stuff can still happen to those who are open to it, whatever your age.

Fabulous casting with every character a joy to watch and all of whom seem to be enjoying themselves immensely.

Some reviewers seem to be disappointed that this film isn't ground breaking or 'gritty' enough with its plot or dialogue. But if you liked Best Exotic Marigold, this is like catching up with old friends who always make you smile. A gentle film told with humour and warmth.

Yet more of the dame(s)

[bob-the-movie-man · 7/10 · 14 March 2015]

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was a surprise hit in 2012, leveraging the "oldies" out of their armchairs and into the cinemas in droves: the film returned around 15 times its modest $10M budget. Now three years later comes the sequel – the amusingly titled "Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", and its much of the same again. After all, why break a winning formula? Set eight months after the original, and with an enviable occupancy record, expansion is on the cards for the Marigold Hotel. Sonny (Dev Patel) and Muriel (Maggie Smith) head to San Diego in search of investment funding from the US company Evergreen Inc, with the view to expand the franchise into a second property and beyond. There is interest from the owner Ty Burley (David Strathairn, probably best known as the head of Treadstone in the Bourne films) but that interest also brings the threat of a hotel inspector making Sonny (now back in India) suspicious of every new face. Richard Gere's appearance as a wannabe novelist sparks a particularly frantic burst of sucking-up, the farce surrounding these scenes being very reminiscent of the famous Fawlty Towers episode.

Sonny and Sunaina (Tina Desai) are to be married, and the storyline compounds the stresses associated with the business expansion with the stresses associated with the rituals and relationships surrounding the nuptials. Adding fuel to the fire is the unwelcome intervention – in both love and business – of a rich and good-looking family friend and rival (Shazad Latif), bringing the couple's relationship to breaking point. In a slew of secondary story lines, the rest of the ensemble cast comprising Bill Nighy, Judi Dench, Ronald Pickup, Celia Imrie, Diana Hardcastle (sidenote: wife of Tom Wilkinson) and Penelope Wilton pursue love and happiness against the romantic backdrop of Jaipur.

It is hard to actively dislike this film. Like the first film, and like similar recent films such as The Hundred Foot Journey, the esteemed cast demands your attention from the off and the lush colours of India (strikingly enhanced by the job of Evelyn – Judi Dench – in fabric procurement) wrap around you and warm you like a favourite cardigan. The script entertains, with good humour throughout and a smattering of laugh-out-loud lines. In terms of the acting, there is nothing like a Dame and both Dench and Smith are once again excellent, displaying nuanced and – particularly in Smith's case – very moving performances. Bill Nighy (after the strikingly different performance in "Pride") is back into reliable Bill Nighy acting territory again! New to the cast in this outing is one of my favourite comedy actresses Tamsin Greig ("Episodes") and Richard Gere, looking more silver-fox than ever.

But a particular joy for me was Ronald Pickup, celebrating 50 years in the business (after a debut in Dr Who!) who turns in a stellar performance as the besotted but slightly neurotic Norman Cousins.

Another star of the film is India itself. Having had the opportunity to travel extensively, I have never been particularly drawn to India: but this film does more for the Indian Tourist Board than a host of travel brochures ever could. Jaipur looks breath-taking – who knew they had a "Great Wall of China"? – and I may need to reconsider my future travel itinerary.

John Madden ("Mrs Brown", "Shakespeare in Love") directs again, with Thomas Newman scoring.

Any sequel will naturally be compared against its original and, whilst good, this is no "Empire Strikes Back". The film tries to partition itself into the different stages of the wedding preparations, but this becomes rather forced and irritating, particularly since the whole wedding storyline, and the mining of Sonny's jealous streak, gets a bit tiresome. I yearned to be left alone with more time for the quieter and more subtle love story lines permeating the rest of the film.

The script also tends to overly labour the 'you're old so you're about to die' angle in a manner that seems at times to be rather patronising.

But in summary, if you enjoyed the original then you won't find the sequel to be much of a disappointment.

(If you enjoyed this review, please see the multi-media version at bob-the-movie-man.com and enter your email address to receive future posts. Thanks.)

A happy visit with old friends

[neil-476 · 8/10 · 5 March 2015]

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has been successful in its appeal to mature clientele looking for a welcome in their autumn days, so enthusiastic young proprietor Sonny Kapoor seeks to expand the franchise: possibly this is one pressure too much on top of his impending marriage.

2011's Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was a delight: funny, colourful, moving and human. It carried some great truths and entertained as it did so. It left me wanting to know more about these people after it had finished. And now a sequel comes along, continuing their stories, and adding a couple of newbies in Tamsin Grieg and (gasp!) Richard Gere. There is additional plot material concerning Sonny's empire-building ambitions and assorted ramifications (at least part of which borrows heavily from Fawlty Towers' Hotel Inspector episode), and the thread concerning the apparent contract out on Carol is, frankly, ludicrous but, otherwise this sequel happily extends the stories of the characters we met in the first film. The trailer dangles certain plot developments in front of us, and plays tricks with us, too.

Gentle humour underlies everything, as exemplified by the title: it works as the title of a sequel, but it is also a fine joke, balancing Sonny's gauche self-promotion with a joyously naive lack of awareness of how colloquial English usage results in it damning itself with faint praise.

Lovely.

Wonderful to welcome back old friends

[non-thomas · 28 February 2015]

Have looked forward to this sequel and was not disappointed. It was so good to catch up with old friends (literally and metaphorically). Maybe the storyline was more diluted as less concentrated on the 'guests' and more on Sunni and his attempts to expand his empire and get married but the journey that the 'guests' had started was still ongoing. For me the film is a testament to the fact that old age need not be a slow descent into oblivion; we can lose interest before reaching the terminus or we can hang onto the strap handles and stick it out to the end, which is the message in the film and I know which I prefer. I have n't yet found my personal Best Exotic Marigold Hotel but when I do hopefully Dames Judi & Maggie,Bill, Celia, Ronald, Diana will be my fellow travellers, all haphazardly supervised by Sunni. To those expecting gratuitous violence, blood and gore, gritty reality and leave the cinema feeling life is on a downward spiral, then stay away. To those who want to enjoy a heart warming film,rekindle faith in human nature and joy and expectation in life, go see it and escape this miserable, violent world we live in; go with your friend/lover/partner or alone - just go and enjoy. I am in the age group that would qualify me as a guest but I, like them, am still on a wonderful journey, determined to strap-hang to the end.

May be second best, at the same time it's hardly second rate

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 3 July 2017]

Considering how great the first film was, 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' had a lot to live up to. Despite the mixed reviews, the cast are such a talented one and it did look interesting. Did also question the point initially and, considering that sequels with a few exceptions rarely are as good or better than their predecessors, expectations were sort of mixed.

Finally seeing 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel', it was moderately enjoyable but with a fair share of faults so was a disappointment compared to its predecessor. Not as bad as some reviewers have made out, but it could have been much better and the complaints/criticisms are understandable and legitimate from personal opinion.

Starting with 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel's' faults, it does get off to a slow start with the first half an hour taking too long to get going. There are also too many subplots, some of them not developed enough, slow the film down and are a little too contrived-ly written.

Not all the cast work this time either. Dev Patel and Tamsin Grieg are annoying, but worst of all is an out of place Richard Gere who is very wooden as a character that was better left out. A little too heavy on the clichés too, with not enough done to make them interesting.

However, 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' looks absolutely splendid. It's gorgeously filmed and the scenery is to die for. As is the lovely and authentic in flavour music.

Parts of the script do work well, though the first film achieved a better balance of funny comedy and heartfelt drama. There are some heart-warming life lessons, some funny witty moments, uplifting warmth and cosy charm. The story is problematic, being a bit slow going in places and bloated, but does boast enough heart and charm, the ending is very touching.

Of the talented cast, the standouts are the always good Maggie Smith and Judi Dench. Bill Nighy is a lot of fun too as is Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup similarly charms. One does miss Tom Wilkinson however.

In summary, second best but not second rate. 6/10 Bethany Cox

Second Best - a little bit of Bollywood

[pefrss · 7/10 · 6 March 2015]

I did not really think it was necessary to make a sequel to The first Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. But I could not resist returning to Jaipur and watch that great group of British and Indian actors again. Somehow I felt like the inclusion of an American actor was only written in to make the film even more popular in the US. I did not care so much about the story line this time. While the first movie seemed more realistic to me, the second one looked more like a fairy tale. More Bollywood, and I was expecting everybody to break out in song and dance at any moment.

Yeah, seniors in their sixties or seventies are going to attract plenty of love interest and Indian wealthy men are going to be competing for a senior British lady, who finally falls for a driver. Nearly 80 year old women are going to get great jobs, while the men have to stutter their ways through tour guiding and watering down wine.

Not only makes the movie people believe that India is a very beautiful exotic inexpensive place (which she is with exceptions) but that everybody regardless of age will get a job there.

About the Indian part, I wish I would have found anything remotely as pretty and exotic as the Marigold Hotel in India. Even the Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur was not so exotic when I visited and Jaipur in general looked messier than the one shown in this film. Since the movie the Monsoon Wedding I was impressed by Indian weddings, but somehow it seems that now every movie about India has to include an elaborate wedding and it makes you wonder how people who obviously do not make much money can afford such expensive affairs. Not that I mind seeing a little bit of Bollywood and I love seeing people dance in India. So no complaints there.

Well, I guess the movie is still good entertainment for the target group to which I belong, but it is second best and has obviously been put together out of greed. .

There's no present like the Time

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 4 March 2015]

Greetings again from the darkness. It's been about 4 years since the delightful first film, based on Deborah Moggach's novel, was a box office hit. My review of that film was the first time I used the phrase "gray cinema" - describing a growing genre specifically targeting the aging population. Neither director John Madden nor writer Ol Parker have had much going on since, and they re-team for this sequel that should satisfy most of the sure-to-return core audience.

Spirited and energetic hotelier Sonny (Dev Patel) is back and has his sights set on expansion to a nearby second property. Most of the original residents are also back: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, and Diana Hardcastle. Lilette Dubey returns as Sonny's mother, Tina Desai is now his fiancé, and Penelope Wilton resurfaces after dumping Bill Nighy in the first movie. New faces to the scene include Richard Gere, Tamsin Greig and David Strathairn, along with a few other lesser, but effective supporting roles.

A similar extended pre-opening credit sequence is again utilized to catch us up on the status of the regulars. Maggie Smith is now co-managing the hotel. Judi Dench is a buyer of local fabrics. Bill Nighy is a willing, but inept tour guide. Celie Imrie is juggling two wealthy suitors. Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle are working – at jobs and at a relationship. Mr Patel and Ms Smith take a business meeting to the U.S. to meet with Mr. Strathairn with a design on financing the second property. Mostly the trip is an excuse for Dame Maggie to crack wise about us uncultured Americans, and few can deliver a one-liner like this lady.

It's also on this trip, where Patel's character begins a change in tone. In the first movie, his character was eager, naïve, pleasant and charming. This time, his ambitious nature is over-the-top and actually quite annoying (by design yes, but still annoying). This single feature affects the pleasant nature and unnecessarily puts us on edge and prevents us from connecting with a key character.

What's very clear is that this film misses the structure of Ms. Moggach's novel, and the numerous sub-stories come at us so quickly that every character is mostly surface level with no real depth allowed. The best exchanges are between Ms Dench and Ms Smith (one being 19 days older than the other), while poor Mr Nighy is treated like a wounded puppy for much of the story. Also lacking is the cultural clash so prevalent in the first, and instead we witness a group that has acclimated to the surroundings preventing any real interesting conflict – though the colorful sights of town are still amazing to see. The "high-speed" tuk-tuk chase adds an element of humor, and of course we get the Bollywood-style dance number at the end of Sonny's wedding to Sunaina (Tina Desai).

Despite the flaws, there are still plenty of laughs and loads of charm, and it's certainly a pleasure to see a welcome response to the question "Is age a barrier to happiness?". The actors and the setting make this an enjoyable two hours, though some may question the attempt at a deeper philosophical approach at the end.

Quite good really.

[revans-58368 · 6/10 · 3 October 2015]

The first offering was such a wonderful film, it was funny, moving, warm, the kind of film you'd want to watch again. They tried desperately hard to recapture that magical spirit in the second offering. In some ways they did, but in others it fell a wee bit short. The acting masterclass from both Maggie Smith and Judi Dench continues, both display their true caliber. Richard Gere was rather wasted in this film, I didn't think he was given enough to do, he didn't add a great deal. I loved parts of it, Judi Dench sealing the fabric deal was brilliant, I liked that. I didn't warm to Penelope Wilton in the first film, I really enjoyed her part in this one, even though she wasn't given the best send off. The bit I didn't really rate was the lack of conclusion for Maggie Smith's character Muriel, it felt like it was building up towards something big, and absolutely nothing happened, what was that all about. Some great one liners, moving, just a big of sparkle missing.

Wonderful

[indiedavid · 9/10 · 6 March 2015]

I was really anxious to see this film since we loved the first one but, as always with sequels, I had low expectations. I was not disappointed in any way, shape or form. There are a lot of negative reviews by people who don't understand the human brain. A sequel will NEVER be the same as the first time you experienced a great film. You already know the characters, general story, etc. and there is no room for surprises. What you can hope for is that the journey is continued and presented in a manner that entertains and stays true to the first film. My wife and I discussed the film afterward and we both agreed that there were components of "The Second" that were actually better than the first film. We got to know most of the characters better, we got to see Indian culture in much more depth and the story was much more involved than the first film. Overall, I have to say that this sequel was the best I have ever seen. It stayed true to the characters and most importantly to the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Simple, Feel-Good Fun!

[namashi_1 · 7/10 · 13 September 2015]

The sequel to the delightful 2012 hit The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' is a heartening sequel. Its Simple, Feel-Good Fun!

'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' Synopsis: As the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has only a single remaining vacancy - posing a rooming predicament for two fresh arrivals - Sonny pursues his expansionist dream of opening a second hotel.

With a cast so effortless along-with a few new attractive additions, Director John Madden keeps the narrative warm & light-hearted. This is the kind of film, you can watch with your entire family & relax.

'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' aces in performances, yet again! Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Celia Imrie & Ronald Pickup charm us like never before! Richard Gere is a welcome new addition to the cast. So is Tamsin Greig. But its Dev Patel & Tina Desai who steal the show, with heartfelt, believable performances, holding their own against a list of thespians.

On the whole, 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' is a winner.

Sorry, but Definitely Second Best

[marsanobill · 4/10 · 3 April 2015]

There's lots of what the fine original movie had--great scenery and atmosphere--plus lots of exuberant dancing, and of course a great cast. But this sequel is crippled by an apparent need to wrap EVERYTHING up; as a result there are way too many subplots, and the movie drags-- and eventually bores (much like the Bill Nighy-Judi Dench romance, which ground my teeth). There's inefficient writing: the opening is a completely unnecessary subplot with our hero and Maggie Smith going to the US to raise money to buy a second hotel. This gives Smith an opportunity to be Downton-ishly waspy about bad American tea, but is really a waste of screen time. Other forgettable subplots: the old Randy guy and his two-timing girlfriend, the return of Nighy's evil wife (although here she's as superb a bitch as she is the perfect prig on Downton Abbey). By far the worst has Richard Gere as a hotel inspector who falls for the hero's bitter, bullying, sharp-tongued mom. The writing here is criminally bad and Gere is so wooden you could carve him into a camp stool. This is a case of what the Brits call or used to call 'over- egging the pudding.'

It had big shoes to fill...

[yellowgixxer750 · 9/10 · 2 March 2015]

...but managed pretty well.

There's a terrible risk with producing a sequel to a unique, quirky and successful movie. For want of a better cliché, it's flogging a dead horse.

This film confronted that risk and trounced it soundly. I was wondering how the heck the producers would manage it, and went to the cinema expecting to be disappointed at best and mildly annoyed at worst. But no. I left uplifted, happy and feeling as though I had wasted neither the time nor the ticket price.

The characters continue to develop. New characters are introduced but are generally given the chance to have their own back stories as well. The film genuinely manages to give the impression of being a candid look at the lives of a disparate bunch of people - their interactions, hopes, fears, prejudices and so on are all laid bare for us, as before, yet somehow it still manages to feel fresh.

There are real, proper laughs, some fantastic one-liners and some very well done moments of pathos. It's beautifully filmed and the big set-pieces are a delight.

In short it steps into the large boots of its predecessor, and fills them nicely. Go and see it.

Not second best at all actually

[studioAT · 6/10 · 1 March 2015]

I enjoyed the first film but even then was surprised that it was getting a sequel. Did it need one? Probably not.

The excellent cast was what made the first outing so enjoyable so with them all back again (plus Richard Gere)regardless of the lukewarm reviews this film has gained it will be a hit.

The story holds up well and gives us a further insight into each of the beloved characters new lives in India. My personal favourite was Douglas who in the hands of Bill Nighy becomes so endearing and watchable.

It's a little over long and a bit obvious at times but I really enjoyed this film and feel that it is a sequel that more than matches the original.

Second Best sums it up.

[louiseculmer · 4/10 · 8 March 2015]

in this lacklustre sequel, the residents of the Best exotic marigold hotel, instead of enjoying a peaceful retirement, are all rushing round getting jobs and dithering over their various romantic entanglements. Proprietor Sonny is looking to expand, despite the fact that the first hotel doesn't appear to be full. he is so absorbed in his new project that he is neglecting his lovely fiancée. to try and pad the film out to two hours, everyone keeps getting involved in pointless misunderstandings, which could be sorted out quite easily if anyone talked to each other, but they never do. there is none of the charm and humour that made the first film delightful to watch. This film raises the occasional faint smile, but no laughs such as I got from the first one. if you enjoyed the original film, you may like this one, but i wouldn't count on it.

a refuge

[Kirpianuscus · 12 June 2016]

film of a state of soul. seductive for humor. for the teenage side of an age. for the lights and characters, music, dance and the British mark. for the gentle manner to say truth as words from ancient Oriental poem. and for its silence isles. a perfect film as refuge because it is not only the second part of Marigold Hotel but an oasis , far by the trend of blockbusters or independent films, manifestos or moral lessons. a film who gives solid proofs for the admirable art of great actors. out of fans circle interests. because it has not stars. because each new presence - Richard Gere especially- represents the right part of the puzzle from the first Marigold. a film about essential small things. and theirs roots, fruits and taste. a film about solitude, happiness and courage.and, like the hotel itself, comfortable refuge for the viewer.

Full of life and having a great time

[osj2507 · 7/10 · 6 September 2015]

These film are heartwarming, and this is a very good follow up to the first, the characters are still likable and enjoying themselves, unfortunately we have to say good bye to some one every time.

We are still in India, we are still focused on the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and the people living there, all is accounted for and having a good time, but people enter the scenery and they stir the pot, the balance is shifted back and forth, but in the end our young entrepreneur does the right thing and gets the girl :)

Always a pleasure seeing the cast of these films, they know what they are doing and even though age is part of these film, they all seem to be living it up, full of life and having a great time, both on and off the camera.

This film made me feel good, but lacked focus.

[IanAJohnson · 6/10 · 8 March 2015]

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is about a group of elderly people who now live in an old-folks home in India, and its manager. This is the type of movie that follows the paths of ten plus people as they deal with their respective issues. I would recommend watching the first movie before watching this one. While it is possible to understand what is going on without it, there is little to remind the viewers of the personalities that live in the hotel. Most of the plots are unrelated to each other. In the first movie, the characters mingled with each other and learned from each other, but in this movie, they typically remain separate, so the film feels choppier. Like any anthology, some plots with entertain more than others. Some of them feel very forced, while others feel very natural. There are numerous 'coincidences' and forced plot points that drag for a while before resolving immediately and disrupting flow. Despite this, all of them deal with being afraid of what you want and learning to actually live instead of just existing until you die. There are lots of small details that feel unimportant until later. This is typically a strength in my eyes, by there were just so many details that led to such small rewards that I began to not care as much. This is an enjoyable film that is not as good as the first but is still an entertaining, fell-good story about living life to the fullest.

5-word review: Highly clichéd fun, wonderful cast

[BillSims28 · 6/10 · 8 March 2015]

John Madden's milking of the grey pound continues in this spirited sequel to 2012 sleeper hit The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. With golden British acting pedigrees like Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup and Penelope Wilton returning from the first, almost all of the film's attraction comes from seeing the extraordinary cast play off each other. The tea-drinking Expendables are joined in this sequel by sitcom star Tamsin Grieg (Black Books, Friday Night Dinner) and American actors Richard Gere and David Strathairn. However, the cast still manages to be upstaged by Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel, with his best performance since Danny Boyle's 2008 Oscar-winner.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sees Sonny Kapoor (Patel) and cranky Mrs. Donnelly (Smith) going through the trials and tribulations of trying to extend their prospective hotel chain. With the news of a coming hotel inspector (creating scenarios straight out of Fawlty Towers) and Sonny's wedding to fiancée Sunaina (Tena Desae) approaching, the elderly residents of the hotel struggle to cope with varying levels of chaos associated with their new lives in India. The sheer abundance of characters and their accompanying story lines makes for entertaining, albeit poorly paced, viewing and the stories often feel too unrelated from each other, not helped by the often eye- rolling levels of cliché. Patel, along with Smith the stand-out star, has some excellent comic dialogue mainly based around the running gag of the geriatric guests' impending demise. Even the unoriginal jealousy-of-someone- who-might-but-doesn't-pose-a-threat-to-his-girlfriend plot can be forgiven due to the film's wit and charm.

Maggie Smith gives another wonderful performance, the character reining in her bigotry from the first film to give a wiser, more observant performance. You know you're good when you make Judi Dench and Bill Nighy somewhat of an afterthought in the plot. But that's where the films succeed - like the Expendables, they would be pointless if they had lesser actors in the same roles. As Sonny himself says, "It takes teamwork to make a dream work." And the team that is the cast of the film work very well despite Grieg being under-used in her role; one feels that a Fran Katzenjammer-like performance would fit very nicely here, but the rest of the cast fill out nicely, giving the film a warm, quirky feel reminiscent of the country it's set in. And cinematographer Ben Smithard makes India look great, especially during the wedding scenes. Indian weddings are always spectacular to behold, especially when done with the enthusiasm of Dev Patel. On the better side of being a three-star film, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel may somehow manage to be less original than its title, but see it and you'll probably have a good time. Try not to smile at its charm, and watch yourself fail.

Very good sequel

[bbickley13-921-58664 · 7/10 · 8 March 2015]

Only seems like yesterday that the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel came out. The "advancement'" of the all-star cast's years means that they cannot waste any time.

The main story centers around Dev Patel's character, Sonny who wishes to open another hotel, by finding a promising investor who sends a secret inspector to see if it's worth the investment. In pure sitcom fashion, Sonny eyes a New Character played by Richard Gere as the inspector and ignores all other guest in order to make him happy, even getting his mother involved, who the possible inspector is eying.

Adding to his mischief is the fact that Sonny has to prepare for his big wedding which brings with it a possible new suitor for his wife to be, who becomes completion to him on a personal and professional level.

Filling out the movie is the sub stories involving the all-star ageless cast who live in the hotel. Some of my favorite actors such as Bill Nighy and Judi Dench are back for the sequel and another new character played by Tamsin Greig, who I know from the series, Episodes, was also a delight to see in the movie.

It's rare to see sequels like this as far as story content. Even though it is a comedy, there is a lot of sophistication in it to give some of the seasoned actors something actual acting to do.

At the same time, it has an appeal for a young crowd. Though by now, Bollywood should not be a new term for anyone, It's setting in India with a a young Indian cast is a perfect balance.

It's also a good movie if your a fan or romance (of all ages).

If you seen and enjoyed the first one, than the 2nd Best is worth the time, and for those who have not seen the first, don't worry, it's the type of movie you can jump right in and enjoy without prior knowledge.

A great follow-up: definitely worth the watch, warm, uplifting, funny, emotional & reflective

[megevans-sjm · 10/10 · 28 February 2015]

Speaking critically, of course this film doesn't deserve a 10. It's not a perfect, flawless film, simple as. Nor is it "ground-breaking" story-telling. But I'm still going to go ahead and rate it a 10 regardless. Because, quite simply, I LOVE these films to death, so I'm incredibly biased and could never give it less. But speaking on non–critical terms, this film is perfectly deserving of a 10 anyway (and it certainly does not deserve lower than a 6 for those of you dull sods out there rating as such.). It's a harmless film and isn't there to be picked apart for every little plot failing it may have. It's there to be enjoyed and if you let yourself, you will. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it makes you reflect. It gets the point of the film across splendidly – that life can be an adventure at any age. That is the point of the film. It's all that you want and need it to be.

If there's been one word I've seen affiliated most with this film, it's the word "unnecessary". You know what, I don't think it is. Because are all films supposed to be "necessary"? They exist as a form of escapism and to someone somewhere, a sequel to any film is greatly welcomed, as this film was for me. I have been waiting for this film since the day the companion piece (as they prefer to call it) was announced, and it was lovely and amusing and certainly did not disappoint. And if people enjoy it, why shouldn't they make more?

This film allows you to reunite with an incredible cast and their charming characters, which I'm sure are what made the first film such a hit. Evelyn and Douglas (Judi Dench and Bill Nighy) are the highlight of the film for me and seeing their tentative romance unfold is a joy to watch. Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith) also comes to the forefront of this film, providing her expected acerbic, hilarious one-liners but with the film also allowing you to see a softer side to her, which comes to a particularly emotional point at the film's conclusion. Those three were the real highlights of the film, but the rest of the cast did just as brilliantly, especially the Indian cast who I'm glad to see had a lot more to do this time round. Lillete Dubey was wonderful as was Tina Desai and Seema Azmi (who I was especially glad to see return). Although he caused quite a stir when the line-up was first released, Richard Gere wasn't a particularly exciting addition in the end, but that's not to say he didn't do a good job – mediocre, but still didn't take anything away from the film. Still, it was an amazing cast who all played their parts flawlessly, all bringing something different to the story. I don't think anyone can really argue with that.

It deserves a ten because Ol Parker (screenwriter) and John Madden (director) did a fantastic job in creating a story that could match up (and better, in some respects) to a film they did not imagine warranted a second. It deserves a ten because it achieves what it sets out to do: 1) provide a film to a demographic poorly provided for in the film industry (whilst still making sure that is doesn't scare away younger viewers). 2) It generously allows you two more hours with characters who most certainly charmed your heart in the first. 3) It makes you realise that yes, "life can be an adventure, at any age" and creates that feeling to want to live by that. It deserves a ten because, simply, take a look at the cast list. Finally, it deserves that ten because it's a harmless addition to an already adored film and why the hell not. For another two hours with those characters I'd happily - AND READILY - check in to a Third Best Exotic.

'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' is still sweet, light-hearted, and fun.

[bryank-04844 · 7/10 · 12 August 2015]

It's been four years since the charming occupants first stepped into the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and I'm here to tell you, that they are all still doing well. Director John Madden and his writer Ol Parker are back for this second trip to India with more or less the same tropes and conflicts from the first outing. 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' won't change the game or genre, but it's still filled with enough charm and laughs to satisfy you through its 122 minute run-time. If you're new to this film franchise, the first film, 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' focused a young guy named Sonny (Dev Patel) who opened up a pleasing and beautiful small hotel in the heart of India.

Several elderly British people flocked to the hotel because of its charm and magic that they decided to live there in stead of stay for a long weekend. This sequel adds a couple of American actors to the mix with Richard Gere and David Strathairn in hopes to make a few more dollars, which I'm sure it will. The first film focused more or less on these classy British actors learning the new ways and culture of a foreign land in India, which is where most of the jokes and gags landed on. Now it seems that all of these senior citizens have a new goal in life, which is to enjoy their time at the hotel, while working in and around India. Some even work for the hotel itself.

The first scene sets up the entire plot for the film where Sonny (Patel) and Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith) travel to San Diego to receiving financing from a wealthy firm led by Ty Burley (Strathairn) to open up a second hotel, hence the title. After Muriel's strong tongued speech and Sonny's enthusiastic passion, Ty tells them that a hotel inspector in disguise will visit the hotel to make sure things are running well. Soon enough, a man by the name of Guy Chambers (Gere) walks into the Marigold Hotel and asks for a room. At the same time, a woman named Lavinia Beech (Tamsin Greig) walks through and desires a room as well, and says she is checking out the hotel for her elderly mother who wants to stay there.

Sonny thinks that Guy is the secret hotel inspector and lays out the red carpet for him 24/7, while dismissing almost everything else in his life including his upcoming wedding to the lovely and beautiful Sunaina (Tina Desai). If that wasn't enough on his plate, Sunaina's brother's friend Kushal (Shazad Latif) seems to be better at just about everything than Sonny, which drives him mad. Meanwhile, the roll call of the residents of the Marigold Hotel are up to the same things.

Evelyn and Douglas (Judi Dench and Bill Nighy) are still only good friends, but are skirting around calling each other a couple. Norman and Carol (Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle) are still in love, but still are having a problem of having a monogamous relationship. And then there is the free-spirited and sexually adventurous Madge (Celia Imrie) who is juggling more than a few suitors at a time. Ol Parker's script carefully and gracefully balances each story, devoting enough time to everyone, even if some of the story plots don't finish out, which I imagine was the studio's call over a couple of taboo subjects that didn't test well.

Despite all of the hammers hitting you over the head with that emotional melodrama and comedy, 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' is still sweet, light-hearted, and fun. It was a good move to add the younger demographic here in focusing more on Sonny and Sunaina's wedding with all of the planning and dance routines added. But much like the television show 'Gilmore Girls', there is nothing really at stake here with the Marigold Hotel, that can't be solved over a cup of tea. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but just don't expect a major life harrowing conflict besides the possibility that Sonny will open another hotel. But these characters are still truly likable and I look forward to yet another trip to this hotel.

Not good

[Laakbaar · 5/10 · 9 April 2015]

I didn't enjoy this movie, and I would not recommend it to a friend. I fell asleep for about 20 minutes in the middle.

I'm not sure why it lacked the first movie's charm for me, but one thing is that it didn't seem to have much of a story. It lacked depth. It was too busy. I couldn't piece it together. Most of the romance was cliché and dreary and unbelievable. I didn't like the character of Sonny Kapoor, but I| couldn't tell whether it was Patel's acting or the character itself (he was supposed to be annoying).

I was unable to coast only on scenes of the "elderly and beautiful" doing their thing and life in Jaipur, India. (Although getting to know that city through the movie makes up for it...) At the end, Maggie Smith was delivering a profound message -- but I didn't get it and I'm sorry I didn't get it. I didn't even know why she was leaving. Did I miss something?

Most Splendid

[Figgy66-915-598470 · 10/10 · 26 February 2015]

26 February 2015 Film of Choice at The Plaza Dorchester Tonight - The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Checking into back into The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was like visiting old friends with a familiarity that is both comfortable and welcoming. We are reintroduced to all the old characters as we follow the next part of their adventure in the home for the Elderly and Beautiful situated in Jaipur, India. You have to smile as the effervescent enthusiasm of the totally inept Sonny bubbles over in every single thing he does. Held together by the team around him, Sonny finds the demands on his time pulling him in all directions as he tries to expand his business and arrange his marriage. The audience were laughing throughout as we bounced back and forth between each character's story and the addition of both Tamsin Grieg and Richard Gere were both entertaining and welcome. It was great to go back, the film was bright in colour, humour and emotion and I must confess I will be going back to see it at the cinema and definitely buying the DVD.

Second Best or second hand?

[davidgee · 6/10 · 3 March 2015]

Richard Gere, who is turning into the kind of Old Charmer that Cary Grant was, provides some new glamour and finds romance in an unexpected - not to say unlikely - quarter. Everyone - even Sonny's cross-patch 'Mummy-ji' and marathon moaner Penelope Wilton, making a surprise return - is nicer than before. Niceness is somewhat overdone in this overproduced - over-egged - sequel. The first film had a pleasing undertone: the idea that these dear old duffers were finding a place to live rather than die (that said, the Tom Wilkinson character is much missed). These are, still, a lovable bunch of characters to spend two hours with, but - like the cast of many a flagging sitcom - they are not well served by a flimsy script full of contrivances.

SECOND BEST feels a bit second hand. Some of the performances - particularly Bill Nighy and Ronald Pickup - are undercooked as well as underwritten. Even Dame Judi seems to be floundering: it must be hard to take such an awfully nice character to new heights or depths. Dame Maggie's valiant attempt to give the final reel a bit of gravitas is swamped by Sunny and Sunaina's fully OTT Bollywood wedding.

Less can sometimes be More, as we know. More, in the case of THE SECOND BEST MARIGOLD HOTEL, is - sad to say - definitely Less.

A Poorish Sequel with little new to say

[badajoz-1 · 4/10 · 5 March 2015]

The first film was bright, pretty truthful about old age, and extremely watchable. This is a surprise sequel made because the first made so much money - and it shows. There is a lack of invention, very poor script, anodyne characterisation, and, worst of all, the plot line and meat of the film all belong to tele/film land rather than to real older people. You can see why middle aged, middle class film critics are praising it. There is little of the worries of old people (eg death, families left behind in UK, reflections on the past), India is a sanitised OK place (no hot climate, no crowds, no dirt) so they can go on expiating colonial guilt, no racism (such bad form and only for Mail readers), and the themes and tropes all belong to familiar cinematic conventions - eg infidelity, second marriage, unrequited love and no money worries! So the piece is really only held together by two of our greatest thespians - Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, while the subplots would disgrace 'Midsomer Murders!' What a wretched disappointment of a movie. This really does patronise the grey audience it is aimed at. Real life or any approximation of it is totally missing. While the Bollywood elements are just a tack on to meet the criticisms of the first film by those middle aged critics again - not enough representation of India, dahling! Oh really!