Review: ‘Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’

Director: John Madden

Cast: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton, Ronald Pickup, David Strathain, Richard Gere

Age Restriction: 7–9PG L   

Genre: Comedy, Drama   

Runtime: 123 minutes
 
Release date: 6 March 2015

I was pleasantly surprised when I heard that a sequel to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was in the works after its success in 2011. Plus art-house films don’t usually get sequels – so this was a rare occasion in itself.

Why all the fuss about sequels you ask? Well, when you craft a sequel, it either has to be better than the original – or at least on par with it – and with a film as great as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was (it earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture), expectations are high.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sees the return of most of the original cast, with Richard Gere and Tamsin Greig added. The film follows the retired elders now content, well adapted to living in India, and enjoying their permanent stay at the Marigold Hotel – which acts as their retirement home.

The hotel is thriving, with only one remaining vacancy, and Sonny (Dev Patel) – the owner sees this as an opportunity to expand by opening another hotel.

Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith) continues to assist Sonny in co-managing the hotel while he attempts to expand the business and deal with his upcoming marriage to his love Sunaina (Tina Desai) – who now works at the hotel.

Evelyn (Judi Dench) continues working, with Douglas (Bill Nighy) now doing the same, and because his wife Jean (Penelope Wilton) left him in the first film, the chances of him and Evelyn ever getting together are strong. However, once Evelyn receives an enticing job offer, she is forced to choose between love and work.

Madge (Celia Imrie) has two bachelors (wealthy of course) after her, while Norman (Ronald Pickup) and Carol (Diana Hardcastle) find it rather hard to commit to staying faithful in their relationship.

As you can see, the sequel goes in a completely different direction, as most of the issues the characters deal with are rather petty compared to the first film, which dealt with far more serious topics that made it highly engaging.

The sequel is also lightly toned, more humorous, and quirkier than the original. Sadly, this can’t prevent The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel from being a step down from its predecessor because the original was well balanced incorporating: light, dark, humour, quirkiness, emotion (something which the sequel omits) and more importantly, a strong story.

The sequel on the other hand fails to juggle these elements as it lacks emotion, is thin on plot and can’t quite capture the magic this time round. Despite its lack of emotion, audiences are at least left with an emotional climax that ends the film on a good note.

Regardless of its downgrade and thin plot, the sequel mostly relies on characterisation and the performances of its charming cast. This is what basically saves the film and makes it decent enough entertainment. Plus it was nice to catch-up with these well-beloved characters and see how they’re all doing.

Speaking of the cast, the entire ensemble all bring great performances to the table with the stand outs being Celia Imrie who in my opinion stole the show in the first film and this time receives an expanded role to which she absolutely delivers, continuing a performance filled hilarity and naughtiness.

Maggie Smith once again impresses as the no-nonsense Muriel Donnelly who has turned over a new a leaf and has transformed into a more sympathetic character, giving Smith something new to work with.

Speaking of change, Penelope Wilton, who played Douglas’ bitter wife Jean in the original, reprises her role. While her role is smaller this time round, her character has changed from being bitter to a sarcastic optimist and Wilton simply steps up to the challenge delivering her dialogue with wit, charm and practically lights up each scene she features in leaving audiences wanting more.

Most of the character’s story arcs don’t conclude suitably, leaving many unresolved plot holes, which might be a sign that filmmakers are leaving room for another potential sequel.

Final verdict:

Despite its downgrade, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel relies heavily on its characterisation, humour and charming cast to make for a decently entertaining film.