The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
I’m not going to try and pretend to be all “macho” here. I really liked The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It was funny, charming and at times very moving. So what are my thoughts on its follow-up?
This sequel, whose title means so many things, continues the intertwining stories of the characters we grew to enjoy the company of in the first movie, plus a few new ones.
I can think of a dozen other old British actors who deserve a stay at this hotel, off the top of my head.
Some of the elements I adored in the first movie are back. There are still funny moments and the characters and the actors who play them are effortlessly charming.
There is certainly acting royalty on display from the geriatric British characters. Dame Maggie Smith in particular is on firs as the “angry auld bisum” she portrays.
A matter for debate for viewers, I’d imagine is the reprised performance of Dev Patel and his character’s writing. I find Patel to be one of the most likeable actors in the business, particularly as the bumbling fool that is the manager of the titular Indian hotel. To others, he could come across as a tad over-the-top.
Another unfortunate issue, which I find the movie suffers from, is its own existence. While I can deal with it suffering “sequel-itis” and having its quality being a couple notches down on the previous film (particularly in delivering emotional punch when it needs to), it is hard for me to get over the fact that the entire production seems a little unnecessary.
On one hand, I’m glad that a relatively small picture I liked got enough attention to warrant a sequel. And it is nice to be invited back to India to spend time with our old favourite characters.
On the other hand the first film’s conclusion warranted no continuation of the stories. And the resolutions of this one are generally little different from those of the first. Either that or they are easily guessable answers to old cliffhangers or the stories leaves on not quite so nice a note.
This film was also spoiled by its advertising. No fault of the film itself, mind you, but I hate trailers which give too much away. It is as if they believed that this film was not good enough not to be spoiled.
So do I want a Third Best Exotic Marigold Hotel? I don’t think so. The first film was good enough to have on its own, as a background movie one can watch again and again while doing some ironing. No further stories need be told.
However, I do not hate this second film. Both the first and second have a certain cheesy nature to them which did have me smiling by the end.
Take it for what it’s worth.
Recommended Scenario: If you’ve seen the first film and genuinely want to know what happened after “Happily Ever After”.
If what I have written tells you that you would like this film, you can book tickets to see it at your local Cineworld here. 
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