The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

I'm wondering if this sequel to the very entertaining "The Best Marigold Hotel" was rushed without regards to the screenplay because of the aging Dames Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. When played opposite the first one, the flaws of this are mighty obvious. It's all too much, far too rushed together and unconvincing despite the presence of two legends much beloved around the world, as well as the return of the charming Dev Patel who is paired in more scenes with Dame Maggie who has been made a mentoring guide for many young actors ever since encountering the very young Daniel Radcliffe in the BBC remake of "David Copperfield". As Patel's partner at the hotel after the wonderful conclusion, she escorts him to San Diego where they strive to find funding for a second hotel since the original one is filled non-stop.I usually love the snarkiness of Dame Maggie in her films, but in spite of her character being much quieter in the first film (where she seemed to be more of an observer until the end), this entry puts her in the lead, takes her out of her wheelchair, and somewhat presents her as just mean spirited. Maggie's voice gives those remarks class, but there really is no motivation for it here, with exchanges between her and Dench particularly uncomfortable. The number of older characters moving in and out of the action becomes sort of a map or character guide being necessary to remember who us who. Throw in Richard Gere, supposedly a representative of the American chain, and it's a major mess to unravel, especially when he's all of a sudden involved with Pavel's mother. I hadn't expected to see Penelope Wilton back after the first film, having found her surprisingly unbearable in the first film. Her ability to be real nasty character after being kind on "Downton Abbey", did show her versatility. Still, the locations, photography and music are glorious. I've come to love the sounds of Indian music after seeing "Bombay Dreams" on Broadway. I just really wish that they had not rushed on a sequel, which like the second "Sister Act", slightly diminishes the first one. Dame Maggie, now a participant in three popular film series, gets a long monologue at the very end that is somewhat perplexing because it appears to be hinting at her character's end, but the film leaves everything open.

Maggie Smith is all wrinkled up and she represents a light ending in India as a co-manager of a rather successful hotel whose proprietor, Dev Patel, really laying on his thick Indian accent, attempts to expand but apparently to no avail.Richard Gere is the supposed writer who visits and is writing a book on getting older. Of course, Gere isn't what he is supposed to be and is soon found to be a hotel evaluator as is the case with another guest. At the same time, he woos Patel's mother and finally recuse himself from evaluation for obvious reasons.Both the Smith and Dench characters are commonly giving advice. While Smith represents life ending, Dench is still going strong working now for a company buying up all sorts of fabrics.In the end at his marriage ceremony, Patel dances away as he did in the final scene of his hit the Oscar winning "Slumdog Millionaire."

After having seen the first installment, "The best exotic marigold hotel", I had to see this one! Both films are very masterfully written, acted, directed, and produced! I'm not generally a fan of films that take place in foreign countries like India, although I like to keep an open mind. But the first film was so well done, especially the acting and writing, that I was hooked early on. There are many profound and deep subjects addressed and it inspires thought long after the film ends. This second film was every bit as good, if not better. I must applaud and thank everyone involved in the making of both films! I am definitely adding these to my collection and will recommend them highly! Every time I watch these movies I learn something new and appreciate them even more.

I have such a huge affection for the first film, it's so warm, captivating and funny. The follow up had huge shoes to fill, and for the most part it does. I founds the first thirty minutes a little pedestrian, but after that it opened up and turned into a beautiful film. It's very emotionally charged, puts you in a hugely reflective state and really draws you in. It terms of acting it was never going to fail was it? There is a host of stellar acting going on, Maggie, Judi, Celia etc are all glorious, but this time I was hooked on Bill Nighy's character, he's just fabulous.I applaud this film for capitalising on the more mature acting talents out there, even though the second offering focuses slightly more on the youngsters, who are also brilliant, fans of Toast of London will recognise Clem Fandango!!An excellent film that makes me desperate for a third. BTW Richard Gere has no right to still be that handsome!9/10