You can’t help fall in love with India, the dance, and the magic of a talented group of actors. Maggie Smith and Judi Dench weave their magic as always. They are talented pros that make the film very enjoyable. Maggie Smith plays a grouchy senior at the end of her life but in 8 months makes a difference to many lives. Watching her and Judi Dench is worth the price of admission alone. The film is a sequel to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and follows the actors lives. All have jobs in India. Judi Dench is selling fabric and haggling like a pro at Indian Markets when her firm offers her a full time job with benefits and travel. She has also fallen in love and is trying to decide if she wants love at her age and how to balance love and a full time job at 79.
The film also follows the owner, (Dev Patel) of the Hotel and his fiance as they plan their marriage. The film opens with Maggie Smith trying to convince a hotel chain in America to help them purchase a new hotel in India. There are some very funny and touching scenes which I don’t want to spoil here. If you love Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, you will enjoy the film. Bring tissues. Richard Gere has a small role in the film. The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is first rate and worth a visit. Opens on March 6.
This movie is a Corine’s pick.
Grade: B+
Corine Cohen
