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.
This is undemanding, misty-eyed stuff; carried through by its seasoned, thoroughbred performers. It’s hard to be harsh on a film so essentially good-natured.
An entirely charming extension of the most unlikely franchise, gently handling big themes and dissolving cynicism with laughter. Maggie Smith is superb.
This second check-in may overdo the sentimentality, however its refusal to pigeonhole its elderly characters and lust for life are to be savoured.
This cast cannot fail but the story often does.
It’s silly but likable.
The film is well observed, playful, and deploys its formidable cast of dames and scene-stealing senior citizens cannily enough. What it lacks is any sense of urgency.
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is bright and cheery, easygoing and undemanding. It doesn’t rock the boat or tamper with a winning formula but instead offers escapist entertainment full of colour and charm.
Verdict: Another dollop of whimsy.
Alas, while much of the original cast return, the film isn’t much interested in giving them anything to do, save for Bill Nighy and Judi Dench, inset, whose tentative romance is the only story strand given more than a cursory development.
Above all, it’s another terrific showcase for the distinguished cast. So no second best Marigold Hotel then.
The stellar cast returns to India for a likable but ramshackle continuation of a winning formula.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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