User reviews

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.

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.

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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.

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

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.

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.

...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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Well hats off to John Madden for managing to reassemble the cast from the first film from four years earlier, and for securing the sparing services of Richard Gere but I'm afraid the rest of this is all a poor cousin. With the hotel now more successful, "Sonny" (Dev Patel) and "Mrs. Donnelly" (Dame Maggie Smith) are in the USA trying to seek funding for them to expand, and to buy the former women's palace for their next venture. Returning, and expecting an inspector to come and evaluate their business they greet the arrival of writer "Chambers" (Gere) and of new guest "Lavinia" (Tamsin Greig) in slightly different manners - and that's the first mistake for "Sonny"! The first film had a freshness to it, they (and we) were are all exploring a new life with new opportunities in a new bustling city: this is a much less joyful affair. Everyone appears to be looking towards the end; the characters are much flatter and slightly more depressed. The mischievous characterisations from Ronald Pickup and Celia Imrie have entered a rather uninteresting cul-de-sac. Familial discord between Sonny, his fiancée and his mother is all just a bit too convoluted and the story just, frankly, runs out of steam. Patel exudes charisma, he does way more to carry this than any of others and in the end comes up with quite a decent bit of dancing too. It's colourful and it's doesn't hang about, but Dame Maggie, in particular, has lost much of her curmudgeonly charm and Dame Judi really rather simpers through the film with little of the spark we saw before. To be honest, I'm not really sure the first film really merited a sequel at all. This one is really not very memorable and Richard Gere's character adds very little indeed.

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.

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

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.

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!