The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The Film Fatales revisit the land of sequels and request a refund

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. 2015. Rated PG. Starring Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Richard Gere. Directed by John Madden.

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. [IMDb]

Nicole: When last we left Muriel (Maggie Smith) and Sonny (Dev Patel), they'd found a way to keep their joint business venture The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a long-term inn where ex-pats choose to live out their golden years, in business. The sequel reunites us, not long after the last film concluded, with all of the familiar faces...and some unnecessary new ones (I'm looking at you Richard Gere).

elizabeth: I loved this cast, but I would like to take them and drop them into another movie that does not resemble The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I was quite content and amused by Movie #1, but someone forgot to write a storyline that would resonate with the audience. I love Dev Patel’s energy and was a tad annoyed with Bill Nighy and Judi Dench’s pathetic dance (grab her and kiss her NOW!) and it hurts to say anything that is not positive about Dench and Nighy.

Nicole: Agreed. While a lot does happen (a lavish wedding, three proposals, two hotel purchases, one sordid affair, unwitting attempted murder, divorce, and dancing...there is A LOT of dancing), it all happens at the same pace and manner as the first film. So, what am I getting at? OK. I'll say it. Just like the first film, it's entertaining, but it's...well...it just is. Enjoyable. Check! Great cast. Check! Amazing scenery. Check! And yet... Meh.

elizabeth: My fear with doing any more sequels of this movie is that all the actors will have been killed off. Except for Richard Gere.

Nicole: I question the need for a sequel. The first film ended in a tidy fashion. It didn't leave me with any burning questions. I felt confident every character involved was moving in the right direction and would be happy...if not right then and there...then very soon. The thing with movies with very large casts, such as this, is that there's very little time to devote to each character. Then by adding additional characters with the intent to spice things up the opposite effect is haplessly achieved. But don't mistake me...this is a very enjoyable movie filled with enjoyable performances, namely Dev Patel, Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith. I don't think, however, it's required or grounds for repeated viewing.

elizabeth: You are too kind. I think I am going to watch Chucky’s 300 – the great grandchildren go to the moon to kill the cast from The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

The Film Fatales give THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL