Need a jolt of joy, love and color during cold dreary winter days? Then grab someone you love, want to love or once loved
and see The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. We loved the first movie, and this follow up is every bit as good. A tad too long and at times predictable (both much like the movie’s title), all was forgiven because the sequel is so full of genuine heart and fun. You may need to see it twice just to try to catch all of the clever lines that can’t be heard due to laughter in the theater.
I was concerned the movie couldn’t possibly have as much substance as the first one did. The group of interesting elders was already gathered. Relationships were established. Really, where else could the storyline go? Plenty of places, it turns out. The movie picks up with the young hotel owner seeking funding in America to buy and renovate a new location for “outsourcing retirement.” There’s also his impending wedding, family drama, the ways the residents are adjusting to the new phases of their lives in India where they know they will live out their days. And there are new possibilities for adventure, work and love for the entire cast.
Somehow this film gives everyone something to fall in love with, no matter what age or stage of being. At the film’s core is love of life, caring and kindness for all humanity; a soul-fortifying antidote to the violence and horror in today’s news. Marigold explores BIG things in life with ease and grace… love, death, youth and aging, regrets and the loneliness of longing, fear and bravery, wealth and poverty, urban decay, nature, ancient culture and modernity… Even that reconciliation is possible between the vanquished and the conqueror; subjects of The British Empire now become partners and lovers to the children of their oppressors. Love conquers all.
Witnessing the struggles and joys of multiple generations throughout this movie will spin your world, leaving you exhausted yet hungry for life. The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel shows us that life and the world are full, absolutely full, of possibilities. Our duty is to go for it!
Memorable performances include…
Dev Patel is a whirling dervish of energy, feverish with youthful passion and promise. His performance reveals his potential as a comedic leading man. He’s not bad on the dance floor either! Dev just may be the Bollywood Gene Kelly that steals America’s heart.
Maggie Smith steals the show with little effort Just a flick of her eyes or a comment hits its mark ever time. She sees all and knows all while alternating between what she truly cares about and what she just can’t be bothered with.
Dame Judi Dench balances the line between a flighty school girl and world-weary and wary hurt soul. She shows how surrendering to love is never easy.
Lillete Dubey authentically struggles with balancing the ancient ways of her culture and the possibilities of a globalized India in the 21st Century. Happily, she gracefully embraces the fullness of life.
Richard Gere is the “new kid” on the block who comes to India for one reason but finds completely different reasons to stay. While his acting is sometimes lacking, he lends a handsome and refreshing element to the exotic mix.
Although his appearances are very brief, David Strathairn can say more in one glance over his glasses then some actors can convey in an entire scene. Love him!
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel opens March 6.
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