185683391
Two years ago, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” not only proved that it’s never too late for love, but also that stories about — and, perhaps, for — older individuals could score fans at the box office. Now the sleeper hit has also yielded a sequel, which thankfully feels less inevitable and knee-jerk on screen than it does on paper. Featuring returning stars Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy and Dev Patel, as well as newcomers like Richard Gere, “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is hardly one’s most original multiplex option, but it’s as warm and welcoming as its predecessor.
Perhaps due to her massive “Downton Abbey” popularity, Smith has seen her character, reformed grump Muriel Donnelly, earn a stronger presence, appearing prominently alongside Patel’s Sonny Kapoor as a co-proprietor. The story hinges on the two of them seeking out a second location for the business, while the characters continue to juggle with choices on how to spend their golden years.
Evelyn Greenslade (Dench) is as industrious as ever, continuing to find more work as a woman uncommonly deft at tech and textile expertise, and she’s also still nursing an attraction to Douglas (Nighy), a persistent gentleman worth rooting for. Evelyn’s arc is easily that which most supports the young-at-heart, never-too-late theme, but there’s also Douglas’s ex, Jean (Penelope Wilton), who needs to redefine her life as a single septuagenarian. (Meanwhile, Celia Imrie and Ronald Pickup also return as randy permanent guests Madge and Norman.)
The film’s new twist involves Gere, who makes a statement as a storied heartthrob embracing a film about old age, and whose character, a mystery man who may or may not be a hotel inspector, catches the eye of Sonny’s mom (Lillete Dubey). Indeed, love is in the air once again at the Marigold Hotel, but there’s something about this cast and this setting that continues to make the film impervious to broad criticisms of adhering to formula. These movies have managed to take the romcom formula and make it their own, and, with that time-tested tradition, sell the value of making the most of one’s time.
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
PG
Three reels out of four
Now playing at area theaters
Recommended Rental
The Sound of Music: 50th Anniversary Edition
G
AvailableTuesday
Still reeling from Lady Gaga’s Oscars tribute performance to this tuneful classic. Relive all the moments Gaga paid homage to in 50th anniversary of “The Sound of Music,” with Julie Andrews in what’s arguably her most iconic role. The digital Blu-ray/DVD transfer promises better picture and sound quality than the film has ever seen, which of course means those hills will be quite alive indeed.
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
185683391
185683261
